THE Pembrokeshire First Division football season is delivering thrilling competition, with teams jostling for glory at the top and survival at the bottom of the table.

Goodwick United lead the charge

At the summit, Goodwick United FC are the standout performers, sitting in first place with 34 points from 12 games. With an astonishing goal difference of +53, they boast a rock-solid defense and an attack that has overwhelmed opponents all season. Goodwick have firmly established themselves as the team to beat.

Hakin United keep pace

Hot on their heels are Hakin United FC, occupying second place with 30 points from 12 games. Their impressive 4-1 away victory over Monkton Swifts showcased their attacking prowess and underlined their title credentials. With a goal difference of +42, Hakin remain a formidable challenger in the race for the championship.

Mid-table contenders

Clarbeston Road AFC First XI hold third place with 23 points, enjoying a solid campaign despite being some distance from the top two. Meanwhile, Tenby AFC 1st’s sit fourth with 20 points, showing flashes of potential but struggling for the consistency needed to challenge for higher honors.

The mid-table battle sees Merlins Bridge FC in fifth place with 16 points, closely followed by Pennar Robins AFC on 15. Both sides have shown resilience but lack the form required to mount a significant challenge or break into the top tier.

Lower-table struggles

Further down, Kilgetty AFC (13 points) and Milford United AFC (12 points) are locked in a close contest. Both teams have experienced mixed fortunes and will be aiming to pull clear of the lower half as the season progresses.

Relegation fight tightens

The relegation zone paints a bleak picture for some. Monkton Swifts FC and Carew AFC, with 11 and 10 points respectively, are perilously close to danger. Recent poor form has added to their woes, leaving them in need of urgent improvement to avoid the drop.

Propping up the table are St Ishmaels AFC and Herbrandston AFC, who are enduring torrid campaigns. St Ishmaels hover just above last place, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom with 0 points from 13 games and a staggering goal difference of -97. Their defensive frailties and inability to score have left them adrift as they search desperately for their first points.

Excitement builds as season unfolds

As the season heads into its latter stages, the battle for the title between Goodwick United and Hakin United promises to go down to the wire. At the other end, the fight for survival is set to deliver drama, with every point now vital for teams teetering on the brink. The Pembrokeshire First Division continues to live up to its reputation for intense, competitive football.

THE WELSH RUGBY UNION has reported a £7.5m loss for the financial year ending June 2024, despite strong revenues from high-profile events at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, including concerts by Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen.

The WRU’s turnover climbed to £102.7m, marking a second consecutive year of growth. This included a £4.7m boost from matches and stadium-hosted events. However, rising costs—driven by lingering Covid-19 impacts, inflation, and significant spending on the men’s Rugby World Cup and women’s rugby—pushed total expenses to £75.1m, up from £67m the previous year.

Revenue grows, challenges persist

Although Wales missed hosting autumn internationals in 2023 due to the Rugby World Cup, the summer calendar included friendlies, a match against the Barbarians, and live performances from global music stars such as Pink and the Foo Fighters. The Principality Stadium also marked its 25th anniversary in June with a series of celebrations.

Despite the increased turnover, the WRU recorded its second successive annual loss, following a £4.8m deficit in 2023. This reverses a positive £3m profit posted in 2022.

Off-field turmoil adds pressure

The union has faced criticism off the pitch, admitting to “serious failings” in managing contract negotiations with the women’s national team over the summer. On the pitch, the men’s team, coached by Warren Gatland, is enduring a record-breaking 12-game losing streak. In addition, women’s head coach Ioan Cunningham stepped down earlier this month.

Regional funding also saw a drop, falling from £35.5m to £28.7m, and the Dragons rugby team returned to private ownership in July 2023. Despite this, the WRU highlighted its investment of £60m into rugby across Wales, supporting development at all levels of the game.

Eyes on stability and sustainability

Chief executive Abi Tierney, who took over in January, presented the WRU’s annual report during a general meeting on Sunday in the Vale of Glamorgan. Tierney acknowledged the financial hurdles but reaffirmed the union’s focus on building a stable and sustainable future for Welsh rugby.

“This year’s annual report comes at a time of challenges but also great potential,” Tierney said. “Financial stability remains central to our strategy, ensuring we can reinvest in the game and support its growth across all levels.”

While the WRU faces a tough financial landscape, it remains committed to navigating these challenges and backing the sport’s development.

THE PEMBROKESHIRE Second Division season is heating up, with fierce competition at both ends of the table as teams fight for promotion and survival.

At the summit, Hakin United FC Reserves lead the pack with 31 points from 14 games. Their consistency, bolstered by a strong +35 goal difference, has set them apart. Their impressive form (5 wins in their last 5) marks them as the frontrunners in the title race.

Chasing closely in second and third are Narberth AFC and Camrose AFC, with 29 and 28 points respectively. Narberth’s resolute defense and clinical attack have made them strong contenders, while Camrose’s high-scoring games keep them within striking distance despite a recent slip-up.

Fishguard Sports sit fourth with 24 points from 10 games, boasting the best goal difference in the league (+42). With games in hand, they could potentially challenge the top three if they maintain their form.

Merlins Bridge FC 2nd Team and Neyland FC, in fifth and sixth with 21 and 20 points respectively, have seen mixed fortunes this season. While Merlins Bridge have been inconsistent, Neyland’s recent upturn in form could push them further up the table as the season progresses.

The lower half of the table paints a different story. Johnston AFC, in seventh with 15 points, appear relatively safe for now, but the gap between them and the relegation-threatened teams isn’t insurmountable.

Solva AFC, Monkton Swifts FC Reserves, and Carew AFC Reserves are in a tough battle to escape the relegation zone, with 11, 10, and 8 points respectively. All three teams have struggled defensively, making it difficult to put together consistent performances.

At the bottom, Lawrenny AFC and Broad Haven FC are in dire straits. Lawrenny have 8 points but have been unable to find form recently, while Broad Haven remain rooted to the foot of the table with just 3 points and a woeful -45 goal difference. Broad Haven will need a dramatic turnaround to salvage their season.

With promotion spots tightly contested and the relegation battle intensifying, the Pembrokeshire Second Division promises plenty of drama in the weeks ahead. Every point will count as teams push to achieve their goals in this competitive league.