Sport
Clubs ‘can’t wait to get started’ as Pembrokeshire Football League returns
THE Pembrokeshire Football League returns this weekend with clubs across the county delighted to be back in action.
This Saturday, September 4, after 16 months away, league football is back in Pembrokeshire and for some, it can’t come quick enough.
The covid-19 pandemic forced the 2019-20 season to be cancelled with Hakin United being crowned winners of Division 1 on a points per game method.
Attempts to return to some sort of normality were curtailed in late 2020 after a rise in cases across the country.
The pandemic has also had an impact on a number of clubs with Saundersfoot just one of a number of teams in Wales who have had to pull out of their respective leagues.
There is good news in that Prendergast Villa have been able to reform and they will enter Division 5 under the leadership of Adrian Blundell.
The Herald spoke to a number of clubs ahead of Saturday’s games to see how they were feeling and many told us they can’t wait to get started.
Merlins Bridge’s secretary said: “It’s absolutely great news that league football has finally returned.
“Another positive after the awful time we have recently had. Amazing to see competitive football being played again, not only at senior football but also the juniors and the mini’s.
“It’s been a long time coming and good luck to everyone with the forth coming season. The down side is seeing some clubs struggling and folding. Look at Saundersfoot for example. A long standing Pembrokeshire football team that has had to pull out.
“Covid has definitely had an impact on all the club’s I’m sure. Some more than others. Saturday can’t come quick enough.”
Herbrandston manager Stuart McDonald said: “I am sure that I speak for many players and managers when I say that the return of competitive football within Pembrokeshire is an exciting prospect.
“The last 18 months have been challenging for every club, and moving forward things have undoubtedly changed.
“Throughout pre-season there has been an apprehensive buzz around the club, everyone hoping that the season would get the green light.
“With the green light given, we now approach the season with huge excitement and also cautious optimism, ensuring that the safety of everyone involved is at the forefront of what we do. Good luck to all our Pembrokeshire teams and referees.”
St Clears manager Nick Squire said: “It’s an exciting time for everyone, not just in St Clears, but for everyone in the county, maybe a realisation of the value of the game and how much it really means to our lives, not just the competitive side but the social too.
“It felt like it was never going to come but it’s finally here and we can’t wait to get started.”
Hakin manager Scott Davies said: “We at Hakin United are delighted to have local football back. It is a huge part of our community and has been sorely missed over the last 16 months.”
Milford United manager Andrew Burgoyne added: “It’s been a long time coming and life has a very different look now.
“A return to football feels like a return to normality, although we know that we still need to be cautious. That won’t be easy in both a sporting and social context.”
Manager of Neyland, Gavin Rowland said: “It’s great to be back training seeing old and new faces at the club. The players have shown a good commitment so far and have enjoyed being back together.
“Everyone is looking forward to the first league game this weekend and we along with every other club are excited to get back to league action.”
Having missed the football for 18 months, Saturday will be a welcome relief for all involved. Good luck to all clubs for the new season.
Fixtures for Saturday, September 4
Division 1
Fishguard Sports v Pennar Robins
Goodwick United v Hundleton
Hakin United v Carew
Monkton Swifts v Merlins Bridge
Narberth v Neyland
St Ishmaels v Clarbeston Road
Division 2
Broad Haven v Milford Athletic
Kilgetty v Solva
Merlins Bridge II v Monkton Swifts II
Milford United v Johnston
Pennar Robins II v Hakin United II
St Clears v Herbrandston
Division 3
Camrose v Pembroke Boro
Carew II v Tenby
Clarbeston Road II v Fishguard Sports II
Cosheston v Broad Haven II
Lawrenny v Goodwick United II
Pendine v Haverfordwest CC
Division 4
Haverfordwest CC II v Carew III
Hundleton II v Milford United II
Neyland II v Narberth II
Pennar Robins III v St Ishmaels II
Solva II v Letterston
St Florence v Camrose II
Division 5
Herbrandston II v Prendergast Villa
Johnston II v Newport Tigers
Letterston II v Kilgetty II
Milford Athletic II v Lawrenny II
Pembroke Boro II v Angle
Tenby II v St Clears II
News
Free disability sports event heads to Pembroke Leisure Centre
PEMBROKE Leisure Centre will play host to a free disability sports and physical event later this month with lots of sports and activities to try.
The insport series, in partnership with Disability Sport Wales, Sport Pembrokeshire and Pembrokeshire Leisure is an inclusive sport and physical activity event.
It offers opportunities for disabled young people (ages 5 years+) and adults across Pembrokeshire and friends and family are welcome.
On offer to try are: boxing, boccia, swimming (on a separate first come first serve booking basis), football, wheelchair rugby, target shooting, adaptive bikes, cricket, golf, multisport, and more.
The event takes place Pembroke Leisure Centre, on Wednesday May 29th between 10am-2pm.
Booking for the event and swim places is required.
For more information please contact: Jess West from Sport Pembrokeshire byemail [email protected] or by calling 07795305871.
News
Two changes to Scarlets side for Zebre match-up
HEAD coach Dwayne Peel has made two changes to his Scarlets starting XV for Friday’s BKT United Rugby Championship round 17 clash with Zebre Parma at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi (19:35 BBC Wales).
Alex Craig has recovered from a hamstring issue to take his place in the second row, while behind the scrum Ioan Lloyd replaces fellow Wales international Sam Costelow at fly-half.
Ioan Nicholas, Tomi Lewis and Ryan Conbeer continue in the back three; Johnny Williams again partners Eddie James, while Lloyd links up with the experienced Gareth Davies at half-back.
In the pack, the front row of Kemsley Mathias, skipper Ryan Elias and Harri O’Connor get the nod to start again. Craig partners Morgan Jones at lock, while Taine Plumtree, Dan Davis and No. 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu are selected in the back row.
On the bench, Wales U20s centre Macs Page – part of Llandovery’s Indigo Premiership title-winning side last weekend – is set to make his URC debut.
Scarlets scrum and contact skills coach Emyr Phillips said: “We are looking to build some momentum in these last two games to fire us into pre-season. We are encouraging the boys to play high-tempo rugby and get the ball moving because that’s when we are at our best. We know Zebre will bring emotion to the game and we need to match that.”
Scarlets team to play Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Friday, May 17 (19:35; BBC Wales)
15 Ioan Nicholas; 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Johnny Williams, 12 Eddie James, 11 Ryan Conbeer; 10 Ioan Lloyd, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Kemsley Mathias, 2 Ryan Elias (capt), 3 Harri O’Connor, 4 Alex Craig, 5 Morgan Jones, 6 Taine Plumtree, 7 Dan Davis, 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu.
Reps: 16 Shaun Evans, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Sam Wainwright, 19 Jarrod Taylor, 20 Ben Williams, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Macs Page
Players unavailable because of injury
Tom Rogers, Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Steff Evans, Joe Roberts, Josh Macleod, Teddy Leatherbarrow, Jac Davies.
News
Charity football match scores big for mental health awareness
IN an inspiring display of community spirit and sportsmanship on Friday (May 10), the Ogi Bridge Meadow stadium hosted a charity football match that saw local mental health charity, Give The Boys A Lift (GTBAL), triumph over 2Wish, with a final score of 5-1. The event drew a large crowd, who gathered to support both organizations dedicated to mental health and well-being.
GTBAL, a renowned Pembrokeshire charity known for its efforts in mental health advocacy, put on a strong performance, leading to a decisive victory that was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the spectators. The match not only provided an evening of thrilling sports action but also raised significant awareness and funds for the causes represented by the two teams.
Maria Elena Smith, a spectator and supporter, praised the event, commenting, “Amazing effort from everyone involved. As always, the charities that support so many families and individuals have come out in force. Well done all and thank you for all the support.”
Adrian Smith, another attendee, highlighted the importance of the charities’ work, stating, “Don’t underestimate what both these charities do. It was a fantastic evening raising awareness.”
The event served as a reminder of the vital role these organizations play in the community, offering support and resources to those facing mental health challenges. Congratulations to all involved for a successful event that went beyond just a game, fostering community unity and support for pivotal causes.
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