Sport
Otters earn win in first game
IN the first half of the game against visitors Ystrad Rhondda, Narberth were under pressure in the first 20 minutes with Ystrad threatening to break through at any moment. Plucky defence held them out.
Eventually a penalty after 16 minutes, taken by Full back Nick Gale, notched up 3 points for Narberth.
Narberth played in their green/black striped shirts because the visitors wore the blue/black stripes normally worn by Narberth.
At this stage the rain started to arrive which got stronger as time went on making the ball a bit slippery in the windy conditions.
At 18 minutes into the game Ystrad replied with their own kicked penalty but it was wide of the posts.
Lewis Gibby the OTTERS No.9 went off for head wound at 22 minutes and young George McDonald came on to replace him but Gibby came back on bandaged up after 10 minutes on the side-lines.
30 minutes in Ystrad scored a penalty from the right hand side to make it 3- 3.
Two minutes later, another penalty to Narberth was taken by Nick Gale from left-hand side, followed at 37 minutes with another penalty kick from left hand side just inside the half way line. 9-3 was the score at the end of the first half.
In the second-half at 48 minutes Narberth were attacking strongly but gained no penetration. Ten minutes later new-signing Ewan Badham came on to replace Rhys Williams at No.8.
Finally at the 61 minutes point, a break out from Loose play in the Ystrad half of 10 metres out on the right side Lewis Gibby got through and scored under the posts with a conversion to follow which was Successful score 16-3.
Narberth made a number of additional substitutions and in the closing minutes of the game replacement hooker Kyle Hamer was yellow carded for some infringement in the defensive ruck just 5 metres out from Narberth’s try line. So, the last minutes of the match Narberth played with only 14 men.
Sadly, with only dying seconds left in the game Ewan Badham breaking out from the 5m defensive line suffered a suspected ankle injury and his left leg had to be splinted and he was then taken off to hospital.
The backs coach Deiniol Evans was asked to sum up his view of this first Championship game in the new season.
“it’s always a very difficult game against Ystrad Rhondda. Twice before we have beaten them but twice they’ve beaten us on their home ground. It was always going to be a tight game, and I was difficult to control the ball in the conditions of strong wind and rain”.
He added: “There were loads of turnovers which means we couldn’t quite get into the flow we wanted for a possession game and multiple phases”.
The coach felt that the Narberth defence was the deciding factor in the outcome of the game.
He commented that: “ there’s a few development boys who have played a part of the last couple of weeks so especially seeing youngsters playing again today it was really good to see those coming through and hopefully give them more opportunities as the season progresses”.
Man of the match was given, by main match sponsor Hywel Griffiths, to flanker No.7 Caine Rees-Jones. Well deserved for his play around the rucks.
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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