Sport
Otters suffer defeat in Championship Cup
ANOTHER difficult fixture for Narberth in a very tough and competitive league saw Pontypool RFC visiting the Lewis Lloyd Ground in the Championship Cup Competition on Saturday (Oct 15).
‘Pooler’ had brought a big crowd with them and the 500 seater Grandstand was packed to capacity with WRU Board member Anthony Buchanan and Geraint John, Community Director of Rugby amongst the spectators.
Pontypool has amassed a team capable of matching anyone in the Premier Division and with a strong wind at their backs in the first half they took little time to dismantle the Narberth defence.
The Otters are currently lacking a few seasoned players through injury and the young inexperienced side failed to cope early on with some excellent attacking play from the rampant Pontypool forwards and elusive backs.
A set piece move at the line-out saw the Pontypool hooker dive over in the corner for the first try and this was quickly followed by a try from broken play scored by the Pooler outside centre (0-10).
Nick Gale then kicked a penalty for the Otters but further tries followed from the Pooler full back who collected the ball from a kick ahead and scored wide out and a second for their hooker who dived in under the posts (3-24).
There were still ten minutes to go before half time and Pontypool used this time to increase their lead with further tries from their scrum half and inside centre to leave the half time score at 3-38.
The Narberth supporters were fearing the worst but everyone appeared to have underestimated both the significant strength of the wind and the plucky young Otters who didn’t let their heads drop and took full advantage of the conditions.
Within minutes of the second have starting, the Otters had got some points on the board when a flowing three-quarter movement saw wing Josh Davies kick the ball downfield, reclaim possession and score a try close to the posts. Gale duly converted.
Pooler responded immediately and from close quarters their No.8 drove over to once again extend the lead to 10-45.
Narberth refused to give up and from a sloppy Pooler line-out throw Otters flanker Josh Hamer collected the ball on the half way line and raced downfield to score wide out. Fly half Jonathan Rogers converted the try (17-45).
With the wind causing problems Pontypool reverted to keeping the ball tight amongst the forwards but the Narberth defence held firm and kept knocking them back on every occasion.
To the delight of their supporters the Otters scored one final try when replacement scrum half George MacDonald picked up a loose ball at a ruck and dived in under the posts to make the final score a more respectable 24-45 to the visitors.
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.
-
News2 days ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News2 days ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
News2 days ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Crime3 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
Business7 days ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Business3 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News19 hours ago
Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor
-
News3 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson