Sport
All Blacks see off Quins with three late tries
Neyland 45-17 Pembroke Dock Harlequins
NEYLAND earned their second win of the season on Saturday (Sept 11) as they beat Pembroke Dock Quins45-17.
Having beat St Davids last week, the Quins came unstuck against the Pembrokeshire All Blacks, although the score line does not reflect how close the game was.
In the last 10 minutes they conceded three tries, which were particularly cruel to the Quins, with Patrick Bellerby back from the round ball game in outstanding form, and with his able lieutenant George Williams, the Quins had no answer as they contributed 5 of the 7 tries between them.
The Quins, playing down the slope, were on top early with the home side conceding a number of penalties, as the Quins put the pressure on.
The Quins were then a dealt a major blow when they lost their Captain Liam Scourfied.
But on 15 Minutes Neyland were on the scoresheet when a break from Full Back Patrick Bellerby enabled the supporting Centre George Williams to touch down near the posts. Outside Half George Evans converted to put his side 7-0 in front.
Ten minutes later the Quins hit back, after sustained pressure, as Quins Flanker Harold Owen smashed his way over the line. Outside Half Euan McDonald converted to bring the score level.
It looked like the two sides would turn round all square, but with the last move of the half George Williams grabbed his and Neyland’s second try. George Evans missed the conversion.
The Quins, trailing 12-7 at the break, needed a good start to the half, but unfortunately they did not get it.
Within two minutes Patrick Bellerby was at it again outstripping the Quins defence to score his sides’ third try, George Evans missed the conversion.
The Quins however soon responded with Euan McDonald slotting over a penalty to pull the score back to 17-10.
Within minutes Lock Forward Paul Busby crossed from close range for Neyland’s fourth try and George Evans added the extras to put his side 24-10 in front.
The Quins now were looking down the barrel, but to their credit they hit back straight from the Kick off. A thundering tackle from the restart set them up, and after a horrendous mix up in the Neyland defence Right Wing Jamie Topp took his chance brilliantly as the Neyland defence did all they could stop him but the youngster managed to get over the line.
Euan McDonald converted from the touch line with the best kick of the afternoon, to pull the score back to 24-17.
The Quins were now back in it with just under half an hour to go. They were soon back in the All Blacks 25 putting the pressure on but to no avail.
Neyland ended in devastating fashion, with three tries from Patrick Bellerby, George Williams and Prop Luke Davies, all were converted by George Evans.
Sport
New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.
Division Four Cup Final
New Hedges Saundersfoot 7-1 St Ishmaels Reserves
The Division Four Cup Final between New Hedges Saundersfoot and St Ishmaels reserves took place at Monkton Swifts, witnessed by an eager crowd. The game, officiated by Sean O’Connor, with Gareth Elliot and Dean Driscoll as assistant referees, promised an intense battle for the coveted trophy.
From the onset, New Hedges Saundersfoot showcased their dominance. Owen, Miles, Davidson, and Marsh all getting on the score sheet leading to an impressive goal tally.
The Mice never gave up and battled well but they struggled to contain their opponent’s attacking quality. Thomas Williams managed the one and only goal for Tish.
The final score stood at an emphatic 7-1 in favor of New Hedges Saundersfoot, underlining their superiority throughout the match.
New Hedges Saundersfoot emerged as deserved victors, clinching the silverware and adding a significant achievement to their season. Their comprehensive victory in the cup final will undoubtedly be celebrated by players and fans alike. Despite falling short of promotion in their league campaign, this triumph will serve as a testament to their talent and resilience on the field.
In conclusion, the Division Four Cup Final witnessed a commendable display of skill and determination from both teams. Congratulations to New Hedges Saundersfoot for their outstanding performance and well-deserved victory in the final.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Sport
Promotion, relegation and everything in between.
As we come to the end of the 2023-2024 season it’s time to look at the winners and losers so to speak as most promotion and relegation battles are now all sewn up.
We begin at the very top where Goodwick United have blown away the first division to become deserved champions elect. At the opposite end of the table Fishguard Sports struggled all season and we comfortably relegated, going down with them are Neyland who’s relegation was confirmed a few weeks ago. Neither team were cut adrift and battled right until the end which is credit to both outfits, sometimes relegation can act as a spring broad and both clubs will be hoping this is the case.
Monkton Swifts reserves were the outstanding team in the second division and were a cut above the rest on their journey to becoming league champions on 56 points with an impressive plus 61 goal difference. As Monkton can’t be promoted due to their first team being in the first division it allowed both Herbrandston and St Ishmaels to be promoted. Herbrandston finished in third on 40 points, whilst the Mice just beat them to second place ending up on 42 points. Both clubs will now use the summer to prepare for the step up that awaits.
At the opposite end of the division, Cosheston never really got going and after their points deduction ended on a lowly 6 points which is never going to be enough to avoid relegation. The second relegation place was much closer with St Clears, Carew reserves and Broad Haven all being in a dog fight for the majority of the season. Broad Haven showed good fight and character which steered them clear of trouble while Carew found form at a key time, which means St Clears will play their football in the third division next season.
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