Sport
Pembroke win thriller against Tumble
A GREY Sunday (Oct 3) at Crickmarren was brightened by an excellent game of rugby between Pembroke Ladies and Tumble ladies.
Both sides played positively but it was Pembroke who came away with a thrilling 35-34 victory.
Pembroke kicked off playing towards Lamphey and immediately showed that they had come to play rugby, winning the turnover and with the return of blockbusting Fi Griffiths at centre combining with the ever improving Zoe Priestley to form a powerful partnership in midfield, there was a sharp edge to the attack.
Both made good ground with their carries before Macey Bowen and Angharad Scourfield showed the forwards were also willing to carry hard. Only some very good defense from Tumble held Pembroke out in the early minutes of the game. Forcing a penalty turnover at the ruck, Tumble attacked quickly and using good handling and clever support lines they scored an excellent try to open the scoring. 0-5.
From the kick off, Tumble again looked to move the ball into space, but good work by Pearl Griffiths and Carys Slack, in particular with some top quality tackling held them out. But, with the pressure building and the Tumble pack starting to build a head of steam up, they forced their way over for another well-deserved try. 0-10.
The Pembroke team were determined to avenge the defeat from 2 weeks ago, which found them losing 92-0 and continued to play some very good rugby.
With Gunner Faye Stratford home on leave, and starting to show she knows how to vary the game, with clever kicks, and good offloads to her powerful centre combination things were looking bright for a long spell leading onto half time.
With the forwards rolling up their sleeves and really working hard, a long march up the field was undertaken. The back 3 of Jenny Tanner back in her favorite position on the wing, Isabel HD having her best game to date and Carys Slack at full back the Panther attack had real bite on the wide channels. Eventually, the ball was worked to Zoe Prestley to score her first ever try on a really good outside break. Converted by Faye Stratford the score at half time was 7-10.
The kick to start the second half was caught well by Zoe Priestley who made good yards which was followed by several forward carries with Tyenne Morgan and Kirsty Fisher really catching the eye, good ground was made. But Tumble showed their quality in forcing a turnover and looking for space to counter attack, and despite fine tackling by Gail John and Fi Griffiths in particular, the try came for Tumble. 7-15.
During the next stage, there was a series of particularly fine carries from the Pembroke forwards with Tyenne Morgan having a storming game, but Angharad Scourfield, Kirsty Fisher, Jamie Moseley, Jennifer Harvey Siân Rees and Hayley Clark also showing how hungry they were for work and driving Tumble backwards.
Eventually, the cracks appeared and Pearl Griffiths set off on one of her fine runs into open field, which after good support work led to Zoe Prietley taking the final pass to score her second try of the game. 14-15.
A big carry by Isabelle Dufresnoy who was having a huge game as captain and setting a great example for everybody else to follow, opened the field up and led to a try for Macey Bowen. 21-15.
Tumble kicked off and within moments were back under their own posts after a superb long range strike from Faye Stratford, showing she is also a threat with the ball in her hands. 28-22.
Tumble again kicked off, but showed they were still in the game and defended strongly, but Pembroke continued to build pressure and a long process of working the ball up field, with both forwards and backs being used to good effect eventually broke through with a smartly taken try from Fi Griffiths showing that her new centre partnership with Zoe Priestley looked very strong already. 35-22.
Again, Pembroke looked to attack, with Jenny Tanner showing how good a winger she is making a quality break and only very good tackling stopped her, but Carys Slack, having her best game to date, was there in support and continued the attack and if it hadn’t of been for a top quality last ditch tackle she would surely of scored. But with the Pembroke support having been left behind by these 2 speedsters, Tumble looked to attack. They quickly moved the ball into space and only a ferocious trade mark tackle from Fi Griffiths prevented a try.
However, Tumble showed that they weren’t finished and continued to hammer away at the Pembroke goal line, and despite the determined defence from all players the try had to come. 35-29.
Again, it was Tumbles time to build pressure with the clock ticking down they worked the ball clear to find a gap and scored another try which led to a nail biting final few minutes with the scoreline 35-34 to Pembroke.
However good work by the team in managing the clock and Isabelle Dufresnoy showing how much she has developed into a leader, led to Tumble not being allowed another chance. The final act of the match saw Isabelle Dufresnoy securing the ball and kicking it into touch.
Coach Rob Griffiths said: “We’ve had a tough spell of rugby over the last 2 months and it was nice to see some players returning from the injured list. This was a proper game of rugby with both teams showing some quality touches in attack and some ferocious defence.
“I know our players are battered and bruised because they’ve put their bodies on the line and I’m sure Tumble feel the same. The game was played in the right spirit with both teams giving all they had.
“It was nice to get the win, but it was game that could have gone either way to be fair. We’ll continue to try and develop our new players, and manage our injuries. But the squad has a strong sense of self belief and some fine leaders. The Big Red Bus goes on.”
Pembroke team: Jennifer Harvey, Jamie Moseley, Angharad Scourfield (VC), Hayley Clark, Tyenne Morgan, Siân Rees, Pearl Griffiths, Isabelle Dufresnoy (C), Gail John, Faye Stratford, Isabel HD, Zoe Priestley, Fi Griffiths, Jenny Tanner, Carys Slack, Kirsty Fisher, Gemma Clulow, Charlotte Lucy Johnson, Rhiannon Griffiths, Macey Bowen
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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