Sport

Rugby: Blues dominate Wasps

Published

2 years ago

January 29, 2024

IT was derby day with Haverfordwest taking on Llangwm which is always a spirted clash. The Blues scored first with a sweeping move up in the top corner before pacy young winger George Hopkins crossed the line, converted by Archie Thomas. The Blues continued to move the ball about with a combination of forward drives and their now trademark off loading this resulted in a try for Scott Candler in bottom car park corner, conversion missed.

Young Harry Makepeace reduced the deficit with a well taken penalty shortly after. The first half ended 19-3 after Paul Dungey scored from a dominant scrum drive which was converted by Thomas. The second half continued in the same vein as the first with both sides looking to move the ball at every opportunity. With the Blues forwards now taking control in the close exchanges and their scrum becoming more dominant there was a close range try for the outstanding Clancy and another from Dungey from a scrum drive and pick up, which Liam Eaton converted.

Haverfordwest were in control at this stage they took their foot off the gas allowing the Llangwm forwards to gain momentum with a few forward drives which resulted in Jack Roberts coming in from the blindside and scoring under the posts, which Makepeace converted. This stirred the Blues into action again and after some good handling and punishing carries Matty Phillips crossed the line the conversion was missed. There was one last effort from the Wasps following a loose kick from the Blues 22 and the now baying Llangwm crowd in the stand. The outstanding Ashley James fielded the kick ran back into the heart of the midfield, some nice inter passing between the forwards including the impressive Sam Rickwood resulted in a good finish for Jack Roberts in the bottom corner much to the delight of the home support. It was a typically passionate and competitive derby with the Blues controlling most aspects of the game and running out comfortable winners against a young spirted Llangwm side.

There were some stand out performances for the Blues with the two second rows Clancy and Watkins putting a shift in, Matty Phillips as always, young Dylan Williamson but the man of the match for the Blues went to Paul Dungey for his two tries and tireless work though out the eighty minutes.

Man of the Match Dungey, delighted with the win.

Sport

Tony Pennock and Dan Hawkins nominated for April awards

Published

2 days ago

May 7, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY manager Tony Pennock and forward Dan Hawkins have been nominated for the JD Cymru Premier’s April awards following an impressive month for the Bluebirds.

Pennock has been shortlisted for Manager of the Month, while Hawkins is in contention for Player of the Month after helping County finish the regular season strongly and secure another place in the European play-offs.

The Bluebirds enjoyed a perfect end to the league campaign in April, winning all three of their matches, including two away from home.

The month began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at JD Welsh Cup runners-up Flint Town United. Ben Ahmun’s penalty on the stroke of half-time proved enough to secure all three points in north Wales and keep Haverfordwest firmly on course for the play-offs.

Fifteen days later, County knew that a draw or victory against Llanelli Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow would be enough to confirm their place. They did it in style, with Hawkins scoring the first senior hat-trick of his career in a 6-0 win in front of more than 800 spectators.

Having secured a European play-off place for the third time in four seasons, the Bluebirds then travelled to Jenner Park to face Barry Town United.

County fell behind after just three minutes, but battled back strongly. Greg Walters, assisted by Hawkins, levelled the tie 20 minutes from time before Haverfordwest went on to win 3-1 on penalties.

Supporters can vote for Pennock and Hawkins through the JD Cymru Premier’s official awards link.

Dan Hawkins was sponsored for the 2025-26 season by That Football Drawing.

News

Ysgol Bro Teifi celebrates national championship rugby success

Published

3 days ago

May 6, 2026

Herald Sport

UNDER-18 SIDE LIFTS WRU PLATE AFTER HARD-FOUGHT FINAL AT RODNEY PARADE

YSGOL BRO TEIFI’S under-18 rugby team are celebrating national success after winning the WRU Schools and Colleges Plate Final at Rodney Parade.

The Ceredigion side travelled to Newport to face Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in a fast, physical and closely contested final.

Bro Teifi made a strong start, with tries from Elis Evans, Llew Thomas and Jack Brown giving them an early advantage. Dafydd Nichols-Evans added the extras from the kicking tee as the team went into half-time 19-14 ahead.

The second half proved even tighter, with Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth applying sustained pressure and forcing Bro Teifi to defend with discipline and determination.

A late try gave Bro Teifi breathing space before Nichols-Evans held his nerve in the closing stages, landing a crucial penalty to seal a 27-19 victory.

The school said the win reflected the hard work, commitment and talent of the players, as well as the support of staff, parents and fans throughout the season.

Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “This game is the culmination of a tough season for the boys as they beat much bigger schools on the way to the final.

“It also builds on the school’s reputation in sport, with numerous successes this year across a range of sports and age groups.

“I would like to thank all the school staff for their tireless work in ensuring these experiences for our pupils, and the parents for their support.”

Photo caption: Plate winners: Ysgol Bro Teifi’s under-18 rugby team celebrate their national success at Rodney Parade.

Sport

Joe Allen to leave Swansea coaching role after final game

Published

4 days ago

May 5, 2026

Herald Sport

NARBERTH’S Joe Allen left his role on Swansea City’s coaching staff after Saturday’s final game of the season against Charlton Athletic.

The Pembrokeshire-born former Wales midfielder, 36, returned to the Swans’ backroom team in November alongside fellow club favourite Leon Britton to support head coach Vitor Matos.

The move was always expected to be short-term, with Allen stepping in after Matos was initially unable to bring in some of his staff from previous club Maritimo due to work permit issues.

Allen, who came through Swansea’s academy, retired as a player last May after his second spell with the club.

He first made his name at Swansea, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2011 before moving to Liverpool. He later spent six years with Stoke City before returning to the Swans in 2022.

Allen also won 77 caps for Wales and was a key figure in the national side’s most successful modern era, including the run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

His departure from Swansea’s coaching set-up will come alongside that of head of goalkeeping Martyn Margetson, who is also leaving this summer.

For Pembrokeshire football fans, Allen remains one of the county’s most successful sporting exports, having gone from Narberth to the Premier League, Anfield, and the Wales midfield.