News

Rugby Report

Published

13 years ago

October 21, 2013

Narberth win nail bitter
Blackwood 28
Narberth 30
THE OTTERS snatched a bonus point victory from the jaws of defeat in the dying moments of their tough game away to Blackwood.
Narberth were behind for large periods of the game, trailing 16-13 at half time. Blackwood scored 13 early unanswered points as Narberth took their time to settle into the fixture.
The Otters scored their first half points in the last 20 minutes of the half, as fly half Ianto Griffiths landed a penalty, and converted Morgan Griffiths’ try, before specialist long-distance kicker Nick Gale stepped up to the kicking tee, and struck a cracking long-range penalty.
The second half began much like the first, with the Otters on the back foot and Blackwood extending their lead to 28-13. If the first 20 minutes of the half belonged to Blackwood, then the final quarter of the game belonged entirely to Narberth, as they upped their intensity and stringed together some beautiful phases to crawl back into a strong position.
Steffan Phillips got the visitors rolling with a well taken try, as the number 8 went on a typical bull-dozering run to touch down, with Ianto Griffiths adding the conversion. Griffiths would then find a space in midfield and used his feet to sneak through the tiring Blackwood defence to score a try of his own.
As the travelling supporters found their voice in dying moments, Narberth dug deep, as the forwards slowly moved their way upfield, before the hero of the day second-row Alex Jenkins, found himself with the ball and crossed the whitewash to record a memorable victory for Narberth.
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Crymych’s second half slip up
Crymych 19
Cwmllynfell 21
CRYMYCH conceeded an 11-point lead to slip to a two point defeat at home to Cwmllynfell due to ill-discipline in the second half.
The first 40 minutes of play belong to the Preseli Men as scrum-half Rhys Davies, back from a stint with Premiership side Llanelli, slotted two penalties before Guto Griffiths continued his try scoring form, touching down in the corner. Griffiths had crossed in the corner earlier, but the try had been disallowed, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
Leading 11-0 at half time, Crymych were looking good for the victory, but so much can happen in 40 minutes of play.
Dyfan Dafydd added an extra penalty for Crymych, however Cwmllynfell dug their heels in and began to muscle their way back into the game. Craig Kelly, Daniel Jones and Luke Battenbow all scored for the visitors.
Crymych did manage a try through Gavin Thomas, but some ill-discipline in the final moments of the game, gifted Cwmllynfell two kickable penalties, which Tristan Lewis happily obliged to convert to give his team an unlikely victory, and leave the Crymych faithful frustrated.
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Whitland wither at home
Whitland 19
Waunarlwydd 37
LEAGUE LEADERS Waunarlwydd were too strong in the second half for the Borderers, as they only trailed by four points at the break.
Aidan Laxton scored Whitland’s only first half try and Nico Setaro struck two penalties. Waunarlwydd secured the bonus point victory in the second half with some outstanding play from the whole 15 players, before Whitland scored a consolation try through Laxton, and Setaro struck his third penalty.
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First win for Blues
Haverfordwest 14
Tumble 9
HAVERFORDWEST finally got their season on track with a hard fought home victory against a difficult Tumble side.
The Blues started the game with great intent as Ryan Banner and Scott Candler crossed the white-wash, as full back Ashley Sutton converted both.
However, these were the only points of the game for Haverfordwest, as they lost their discipline, and Tumble’s Steve Hewitt slotted three penalties for his side. The height of frustration for the Blues came when both Sutton and Adam Williams were sin-binned, but stern defensive work meant their try line remained intact.
Haverfordwest’s Ashley Sutton said after the game: ‘’It was really important to get the first win on Saturday. The boys have worked really hard in pre-season and deserved a few wins in previous weeks, but hopefully now the win on Saturday will kick start their season.’’
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Tenby remain undefeated
Cardigan 7
Tenby United 12
TENBY remain at the top of their division after a hard fought match away to Cardigan.
The drama began in the first half as Cardigan’s Emyr Harries was red-carded, and Tenby scored their opening try through Jack Guerriro, converted by Jonathan Rodgers. The Cardi’s then replied with Dorian Butler touching down, with Iestyn Crompton adding the extras.
The second half was a war of attrition as only Tenby’s Dai Meyrick was able to cross the try line, maintaining Tenby’s unbeaten record.
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Miserable day for Milford
Penybanc 50
Milford Haven 0
MILFORD HAVEN’s season continued down a bad path as they remained scoreless away from home, conceding no fewer than 50 points.
Effort was seen from all Milford players, but a lack of confidence from this season’s results cumulated in another poor performance for the Mariners.
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Fishguard fall short
Laugharne 25
Fishguard & Goodwick 21
THE SEAGULLS fell short in the final moments of play as Laugharne were able to take the lead, and the victory through a converted try.
Simon James again led from the front for Fishguard as he touched down twice, along with centre Mike Jenkins, with scrum half Alun George adding two penalties to the total.
But some missed opportunities to see the game off from Fishguard allowed Laugharne to snatch victory from the Seagulls.

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Quins win hard derby
Pembroke Dock Harlequins 17
Neyland 10
THE QUINS secured their first win of the season with typically brutal contest against Neyland in an entertaining game.
Neyland’s Delme Bateman opened the day’s scoring with a try in the corner, before Gregg Miller slid over for a try. The Quins battled back through Alex Pearce, converted by Adam Cawley. Arian Heath was then able to cross for the Quins, again converted by Cawley.
A final Cawley penalty secured the victory for the Quins, with Neyland picking up a losing bonus point.
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Scarlets lose 100% record
Pontyates 15
Pembroke 3
PEMBROKE lost their first game of the season, as both sides entered this contest undefeated.
In a tight game, neither side gave an inch, but it was the Pontyates kicker who edged his team ahead, as he maintained pressure on the Scarlets.
Lewis Davies scored Pembroke’s only points with a well struck penalty, but it wasn’t enough as Pontyates prevailed.
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Wasps stung away from home
St Clears 41
Llangwm 3
LLANGWM were only able to manage three points away from home as they met a strong St Clears side.
Andrew Brock kicked the three-pointer for the Wasps, but an impressive individual haul of 21 points for St Clears’ Chris Rodenhurst helped his side claim a bonus point victory.
Saints well beaten on the road
Burry Port 80
St Davids 5
TRAVELLING with the bare minimum 15 players, St Davids were always up against it as they faced the promotion favourites Burry Port on their home patch.
Trailing 46-0 at half time, the Saints would be forgiven for imploding, but they refused to lay down, and in the second half, mustered the power to work up-field, with Russell Watkins scoring for the Saints.

Local Government

Mayor and deputy mayor appointed in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has congratulated Cllr Mark Woodward after he was inaugurated as the town’s new Mayor and First Citizen.

Cllr Woodward was formally appointed on Monday evening, with Cllr Kathy Gray confirmed as Deputy Mayor.

Following the ceremony, Cllr Woodward said it was a “true honour and privilege” to take on the role, adding that it was something he had “never in my wildest dreams imagined would happen to me.”

He thanked his fellow councillors for their trust, as well as residents who had sent messages of congratulations.

Cllr Woodward also paid tribute to his wife Eva, who now becomes Mayoress, saying her support had helped make the moment possible.

He said: “I promise I will do my absolute best and fight hard and passionately for my beloved adopted town.”

With Cllr Gray serving as Deputy Mayor, Cllr Woodward added that residents could “rest assured it will not be a quiet year.”

Local Government

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park chief to be honoured by Gorsedd Cymru

Published

6 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PARK CHIEF RECOGNISED

PEMBROKESHIRE Coast National Park Authority Chief Executive Tegryn Jones is to be honoured by Gorsedd Cymru at this year’s National Eisteddfod.

Mr Jones has been named among those who will be admitted to the Gorsedd in recognition of their achievements and contribution to Wales, the Welsh language and local communities.

He will be admitted in the Blue robes, which are awarded to people who have given distinguished service in areas including public life, local and national activity, journalism, media, sport, science and law.

Originally from Lampeter and a fluent Welsh speaker, Mr Jones has played a prominent role in Welsh public life through a career spanning environmental, educational and community leadership.

Before joining Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, he served as Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy and also worked for the General Teaching Council for Wales.

He was nominated for his work in education, youth work and the environment, as well as for developing environmental initiatives at both local and national level.

In Pembrokeshire, he is also closely associated with the development of Welsh-medium education through his long-standing involvement with Ysgol Caer Elen in Haverfordwest, where he was the first Chair of Governors.

Mr Jones said: “It is a great honour to be recognised by Gorsedd Cymru, particularly in a year when the National Eisteddfod returns to Pembrokeshire for Eisteddfod y Garreg Las.

“The Welsh language belongs to all our communities, and I have been very fortunate to work with so many people who care deeply about its future, whether through education, culture, the environment or public service.

“The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one of the jewels of Wales and provides an outstanding landscape that contributes to the environmental, social and economic goals that are essential to Wales’ future.

“I am very fortunate to lead the National Park Authority and extremely proud that this work has been recognised by the Gorsedd.”

This year’s National Eisteddfod, Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, will be held in Llantwd, North Pembrokeshire, from August 1-8, 2026.

The event will be especially significant as it marks 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan in 1176, just across the river from this year’s Maes.

News

New RSPCA poll shows opposition to badger culling in Wales

Published

7 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR CULLING ‘NOT THERE’, CHARITY SAYS

NEW polling from RSPCA Cymru suggests there is no clear public support in Wales for badger culling as a way of tackling bovine TB.

The charity says the new Welsh Government must “listen to people’s love of wildlife” after a survey found that just over a quarter of people in Wales actively support the culling of badgers.

The polling, released today (May 13), comes as 96 Members of the Senedd prepare to take their seats in the newly-expanded Welsh Parliament, with bovine TB expected to become one of the major animal welfare and farming issues facing the next administration.

RSPCA Cymru said only 27% of those surveyed supported badger culling, while 46% were opposed. A further 28% said they did not know.

The charity is calling on Plaid Cymru, which is seeking to form a minority government following the appointment of Rhun ap Iorwerth MS as First Minister, and on MSs from all parties, to reject culling and focus instead on what it describes as a science-led, cattle-focused approach.

The survey of 1,033 adults in Wales found that 63% of respondents were uncomfortable with badger culling being carried out using lethal methods approved by government authorities.

More than two-thirds, 68%, said they were uncomfortable with public money being used to fund the culling of badgers.

The polling also suggested that the issue could affect political support. More than half of those surveyed, 52%, said they would be less likely to support a political party that backed badger culling, while only 7% said they would be more likely to do so.

RSPCA Cymru said the figures showed that badger culling was “unsupported by a clear majority” of the Welsh public.

Billie-Jade Thomas, senior public affairs manager for RSPCA Cymru, said: “How the new Welsh Government approaches bovine TB will be one of the biggest talking points concerning animals in Wales in the coming years.

“This polling should remind all newly-elected Senedd Members that the Welsh public cares about how badgers are treated, and politicians must listen to people’s love of wildlife.

“There is a clear lack of public support for badger culling in Wales, and those supporting such action could see their support wane among their constituents.”

She added: “Wildlife control and badgers were featured in several parties’ Senedd manifestos, including Plaid Cymru, Wales’ new biggest party.

“We now hope MSs from all political groups recognise that badger culling is unsupported by a clear majority of the Welsh public, and they should instead prioritise a science-led, cattle-focused approach to combatting bovine TB.”

The polling also found that almost 98% of people in Wales consider protecting Welsh wildlife to be important, with 69% saying it is very important.

Badgers were among the most popular species named in the survey, with 73% of respondents choosing them as one of the species they were most concerned about when asked to select their top three.

RSPCA Cymru said badgers remain one of Britain’s most distinctive and misunderstood wild mammals.

Ms Thomas said: “Badgers are such wonderful creatures and, like all wildlife, deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.

“A growing body of evidence suggests that the majority of bovine TB infection occurs between cattle, with scientific evidence suggesting that badger culling is not an effective way to reduce the disease in cattle.

“The new administration must always tackle bTB in a way which does not needlessly pose a threat to one of our most distinctive, well-loved yet misunderstood species of wildlife.”

RSPCA Cymru’s manifesto for the seventh Senedd, Securing A Better Future For Animal Welfare in Wales, calls for badger culling to be rejected, describing it as ineffective and inhumane.

The poll was carried out online by Savanta between April 24 and May 12, 2026. Figures were weighted to be representative of adults in Wales.