Sport
Otters move up to sixth with Friday night win over Trebanos
ON Friday night (Mar 18) Narberth travelled to Trebanos for a rearranged league fixture and had a mixed squad of experienced players and youngsters due to Covid issues and work commitments.
Trebanos started the game well and were keeping the Otters on the defensive within their own half.
However, against the run of play, full back Nick Gale intercepted a pass close to his own line and ran a full 80 metres to score wide out. Fly half Jonathan Rogers converted (0-7).
The home team continued to dominate play but excellent defence from the Otters kept them out.
Then from a scrum on the half way line Rogers chipped the ball over the top of the Trebanos defensive line and the ball was collected by centre Jake Jenkins who raced up field and when tackled the ball was released to young second row, Rhys Williams, who passed on to the supporting Gale who once again scored in the corner. Rogers converted (0-14).
Trebanos continued to attack at every opportunity but when trying to run out of defence the ball was dropped and Otters winger Josh Davies was quick to get to the ball and kick it downfield.
He regathered the ball close to the home team’s try line and was able to force his way over the line with two Trebanos defenders hanging on to him. Rogers once again converted to stretch the Otters lead to 0-21.
Before the break Rogers kicked a penalty for the visitors and Trebanos fly half Rhys Harries responded with a penalty to get their first points on the board (3-24).
Throughout the second half Trebanos continued to look dangerous with ball in hand and although managing to control the majority of possession some exceptionally strong defence from flankers Tom Curry and Richie Rees and centres Jake Jenkins and Rheon James continued to stop the home team in their tracks.
The Otters also had their chances to score in the second half but were unable to get a further try and bonus point to go with it.
Trebanos eventually managed to get over the Otters try line to peg the score back to 8-24 but Narberth completed the scoring when Rogers once again kicked a penalty near the end of the game to make the final score 8-27 to the Otters.
The Narberth coaches gave their Man of the Match Award to Rhys Williams for his overall work rate, ball carrying skills and defensive work. Next week the Otters have another away League match against second placed Bedwas which is sure to be another tough encounter.
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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