Sport
Neyland Youth beat Colwyn Bay to reach third round
Report by Jonny Sutton
A SUNNY but cold Saturday (Jan 29) at The Athletic Ground saw Neyland Youth entertain Colwyn Bay Youth in the second round of the WRU National Bowl Competition.
The visitors went straight on the attack from the outset as their kick off was fumbled into touch which allowed Colwyn Bay a foothold in the Neyland 22.
A great steal from Jasper Endean, the first of many over the 80 minutes, meant Neyland could attack from deep and clear their lines.
After 10 minutes of an even contest a quick tap and run from Rhys Power, offloading to Harvey Myles-Nash caused panic and quick ball and a snipe and stretch by Fletcher Picton resulted in a try for the home side. The conversion nailed from just inside the touchline increased Neyland’s, and Fletcher’s, score to 7.
On 15 minutes an infringement by Colwyn Bay resulted in a penalty about 40 yards out. A hell of a kick by Fletcher Picton sailed through the sticks to give Neyland a deserved 10 nil lead.
A penalty for a late tackle on fellow Ginger Liam Rees after 26 mins resulted in a yellow card for Colwyn Bay and with in a quickly taken tap Neyland where again on the attack, although the ball was lost in contact it was won back and a charge from Lloyd Stephen was followed up with Seb McIntosh crashing over for his first try of the day, on this occassion Fletcher pushed conversion past the post into a strong wind.
On 24 minutes a strong charge from Lewys Scourfield left him just short of the try line and Colwyn Bay where able to hack clear when their backs tryed to move it wide.
Four minutes before the break, Neyland were again held up after a series of drives from forwards Asha Gledhill and Toby Rees which allowed a Colwyn Bay defender to get under the ball and escape with a goal line drop out.
The half time whistle came from ref Joseph Kiff with a scoreline of 15 nil.
Ten minutes into the second half and outstanding play from Neyland resulted in the ball going one way and coming back the other and Finley Picton, on debut, giving Fergus Reynolds a scoring pass to go over in the top right hand corner. This was superbly converted by Fletcher Picton.
The scoreline could have deflated many a side but Colwyn Bay stuck to their task and got some rewards with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Sustained pressure from their forwards led to charge after charge which eventually Neyland defended by holding up over the try line. Colwyn Bay weren’t to be stopped though, they ran the drop out back and got some rewards when Scrum Half Jack Turner sniped through a gap for a converted (by himself) try.
The score now 22-7 and in the balance even though Neyland were deserving of their lead.
The last 20 minutes saw Neyland turn the screw and drive home their superior aggression a series of drives were thwarted with penalties and an indescrestion near the line saw another yellow card for Colwyn Bay.
A quick tap and go released Fletcher Picton for try no 2 under the sticks which he converted for a 29 7 lead which put the tie to bed.
With 10 to go a quick tap from a free kick by Rhys Power released Fletcher into space to beat a flurry of defenders and run in from 60 yards, on this occasion he missed his kick but pushed the score to 34-7.
Neyland finished the game with a try on stoppage time when sustained pressure saw oustatanding No8 cap a great game by burrowing over from close range, the try being duly converted by Fletcher Picton.
A final score of 41 to 7 slightly favoured Neyland who deserved the win but maybe Colwyn Bay would feel slightly hard done by in a game where a couple of dropped balls or missed passes may have resulted in a closer score.
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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