Sport

Scotland in narrow triumph over Wales in nail-biting Six Nations clash

Published

3 months ago

February 4, 2024

SCOTLAND triumphed over Wales in a nail-biting Guinness Men’s Six Nations clash at Cardiff, securing their first victory on Welsh soil since 2002 and retaining the Doddie Weir Cup. This win, reminiscent of the resolution of the week’s news featuring ‘Honshu’, the escaped Japanese macaque from the Highland Wildlife Park, symbolised Scotland lifting a longstanding burden with their triumph at the Principality Stadium, a venue that had eluded them for over two decades.

The match was a spectacle of rugby prowess and strategic gameplay, with Wales edging the try count four to three. However, Scotland clinched the victory by the slimmest of margins in a contest that will be remembered for its sheer intensity and exceptional display of skill and determination.

The game commenced with both teams displaying palpable tension, indicative of Wales’ search for a rare championship win and Scotland’s quest to overcome years of disappointments in Cardiff. Under the leadership of Finn Russell, known for his unorthodox play but demonstrating unexpected maturity, Scotland orchestrated a first-half performance that laid the groundwork for their historic win.

Scotland’s assertive play was rewarded early on when Wales was penalised for offside, allowing Russell to open the scoring. The visitors’ relentless pressure soon paid off with Pierre Schoeman’s try, further extended by Russell’s precision kicking. Wales mounted attacks through Nick Tompkins, but Scotland’s defence remained unyielding, showcasing their tactical discipline and resilience.

The narrative of Scotland’s dominance continued into the second half, with Duhan van der Merwe and Russell combining to extend their lead. However, the Welsh spirit, undeterred by the deficit, ignited a remarkable comeback, with tries from James Botham, Rio Dyer, Aaron Wainwright, and debutant Alex Mann bringing the match to a tantalisingly close finish.

Despite Wales’ valiant efforts and a tense final few minutes, Scotland managed to secure possession and defend their slender lead, culminating in a victory that marks a significant milestone in their Six Nations campaign.

The match was not just a testament to Scotland’s strategic evolution and resilience but also highlighted individual brilliance, with Aaron Wainwright’s performance earning him the Guinness Player of the Match. This encounter, witnessed by a crowd of 74,500, will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of Six Nations history as a classic, symbolising Scotland’s resurgence and the unyielding spirit of Welsh rugby.

Scotland’s victory in Cardiff signals not just the end of a long-awaited triumph but the beginning of a promising campaign in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, setting the stage for an enthralling season ahead.

Full-time: Wales 26-27 Scotland

Wales: Cameron Winnett; Rio Dyer, Owen Watkin, Nick Tompkins, Josh Adams; Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies; Corey Domachowski, Ryan Elias, Leon Brown, Dafydd Jenkins (capt), Adam Beard, James Botham, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Kemsley Mathias, Keiron Assiratti, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Tomos Williams, Ioan Lloyd, Mason Grady.

Scotland: Kyle Rowe (Glasgow Warriors); Kyle Steyn, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu (all Glasgow Warriors), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby); Finn Russell (Bath Rugby, captain), Ben White (Toulon); Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby), George Turner, Zander Fagerson, Richie Gray, Scott Cummings (all Glasgow Warriors), Luke Crosbie, Jamie Ritchie (both Edinburgh Rugby), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors).

Replacements: Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh Rugby) (for Crosbie, 50 mins, temp.), Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs) (for Schoeman, 62 mins), Elliot Millar-Mills (Northampton Saints) (for Z Fagerson, 70 mins), Sam Skinner (Edinburgh Rugby) (for Gray, 31 mins), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) (for Ritchie, 62 mins), George Horne (Glasgow Warriors) (for White, 70 mins), Ben Healy (Edinburgh Rugby) Cameron Redpath (Bath Rugby) ((for Crosbie, 72 mins).

Referee: Ben O’Keefe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: James Doleman and Angus Mabey (both New Zealand)
TMO: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)

Crowd: 74,500

Guinness Player of the Match: Aaron Wainwright (Wales)

News

Free disability sports event heads to Pembroke Leisure Centre

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE Leisure Centre will play host to a free disability sports and physical event later this month with lots of sports and activities to try.

The insport series, in partnership with Disability Sport Wales, Sport Pembrokeshire and Pembrokeshire Leisure is an inclusive sport and physical activity event.

It offers opportunities for disabled young people (ages 5 years+) and adults across Pembrokeshire and friends and family are welcome.

On offer to try are: boxing, boccia, swimming (on a separate first come first serve booking basis), football, wheelchair rugby, target shooting, adaptive bikes, cricket, golf, multisport, and more.

The event takes place Pembroke Leisure Centre, on Wednesday May 29^th between 10am-2pm.

Booking for the event and swim places is required.

For more information please contact: Jess West from Sport Pembrokeshire byemail [email protected] or by calling 07795305871.

News

Two changes to Scarlets side for Zebre match-up

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HEAD coach Dwayne Peel has made two changes to his Scarlets starting XV for Friday’s BKT United Rugby Championship round 17 clash with Zebre Parma at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi (19:35 BBC Wales).

Alex Craig has recovered from a hamstring issue to take his place in the second row, while behind the scrum Ioan Lloyd replaces fellow Wales international Sam Costelow at fly-half.

Ioan Nicholas, Tomi Lewis and Ryan Conbeer continue in the back three; Johnny Williams again partners Eddie James, while Lloyd links up with the experienced Gareth Davies at half-back.

In the pack, the front row of Kemsley Mathias, skipper Ryan Elias and Harri O’Connor get the nod to start again. Craig partners Morgan Jones at lock, while Taine Plumtree, Dan Davis and No. 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu are selected in the back row.

On the bench, Wales U20s centre Macs Page – part of Llandovery’s Indigo Premiership title-winning side last weekend – is set to make his URC debut.

Scarlets scrum and contact skills coach Emyr Phillips said: “We are looking to build some momentum in these last two games to fire us into pre-season. We are encouraging the boys to play high-tempo rugby and get the ball moving because that’s when we are at our best. We know Zebre will bring emotion to the game and we need to match that.”

Scarlets team to play Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Friday, May 17 (19:35; BBC Wales)

15 Ioan Nicholas; 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Johnny Williams, 12 Eddie James, 11 Ryan Conbeer; 10 Ioan Lloyd, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Kemsley Mathias, 2 Ryan Elias (capt), 3 Harri O’Connor, 4 Alex Craig, 5 Morgan Jones, 6 Taine Plumtree, 7 Dan Davis, 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu.

Reps: 16 Shaun Evans, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Sam Wainwright, 19 Jarrod Taylor, 20 Ben Williams, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Macs Page

Players unavailable because of injury

Tom Rogers, Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Steff Evans, Joe Roberts, Josh Macleod, Teddy Leatherbarrow, Jac Davies.

News

Charity football match scores big for mental health awareness

Published

7 days ago

May 11, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN an inspiring display of community spirit and sportsmanship on Friday (May 10), the Ogi Bridge Meadow stadium hosted a charity football match that saw local mental health charity, Give The Boys A Lift (GTBAL), triumph over 2Wish, with a final score of 5-1. The event drew a large crowd, who gathered to support both organizations dedicated to mental health and well-being.

GTBAL, a renowned Pembrokeshire charity known for its efforts in mental health advocacy, put on a strong performance, leading to a decisive victory that was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the spectators. The match not only provided an evening of thrilling sports action but also raised significant awareness and funds for the causes represented by the two teams.

Maria Elena Smith, a spectator and supporter, praised the event, commenting, “Amazing effort from everyone involved. As always, the charities that support so many families and individuals have come out in force. Well done all and thank you for all the support.”

Adrian Smith, another attendee, highlighted the importance of the charities’ work, stating, “Don’t underestimate what both these charities do. It was a fantastic evening raising awareness.”

The event served as a reminder of the vital role these organizations play in the community, offering support and resources to those facing mental health challenges. Congratulations to all involved for a successful event that went beyond just a game, fostering community unity and support for pivotal causes.