28th May 2009
Newport Sevens:
Feast of sevens’ rugby at Newport (Pembs)
There was a new trophy at this year’s Newport Sevens’ Tournament in memory of Glyn and Penny Rees, who had done so much for the competition before passing on, and the performances on the day were a fitting tribute to both before the Carmarthen Warriors edged out the Pink Flamingos in an entertaining final, where the winning try was scored by Gareth James, who was later named as Player of the Tournament.
The teams were divided into two pools and after 20 matches there were the finals and plate play off to enjoy, where Haverfordwest and Cardiff Quins joined the Wanderers and Flamingos, with the Quins narrowly beating the Blues in the play-off for third place.
Pool A:
Warriors 6 Young Guns 2
Crymych 3 Newport 1
Warriors 7 Haverfordwest 2
Young Guns 2 Crymych 3
Newport 3 Haverfordwest 6
Warriors 6 Newport 2
Young Guns 3 Haverfordwest 1
Warriors 9 Newport 0
Crymych 5 Haverfordwest 9
Newport 1 Young Guns 6
Pool B:
Flamingos 8 Cardiff 1
Bench Warmers 3 Lampeter 3
Flamingos 7 Team Gab 3
Cardiff 3 Bench Warmers 3
Lampeter 5 Team Gab 3
Flamingos 10 Bench Warmers 0
Cardiff 4 Team Gab 1
Flamingos 6 Lampeter 0
Bench Warmers 2 Team Gab 4
Cardiff 5 Lampeter 1
Third-place play off:
Haverfordwest 2 Cardiff 4
Final:
Warriors 4 Flamingos 3
Referees:
Ben Cole, Colin Phillips, David Burn, John Griffiths, Tony Platt.
25th May 2009
Borderers enjoy annual dinner
Whitland RFC celebrated another good season at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn as they held their annual dinner at Nant y Ffin, Llandisilio, with skipper Randall Williams and flanker Ryan Michael honoured as ‘Players’ Player’ and ‘Player of the Year’ respectively.
Tim Mathias, of Crawshay’s RFC, a friend of club president Brian Cook OBE, travelled from Lisvane in Cardiff as guest speaker and regaled his audience with humorous stories about his club, whilst Paul Kirk was an irrepressible and urbane MC alongside club chairman Arwyn Thomas, who spoke superbly on behalf of the club in making the presentations.
Superb Youth
Particularly singled out for praise was the club’s youth XV that battled its way to the Welsh Youth Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium, all in attendance and with captain Mike Jones showing that he is more than just a powerful No 8 as he started off the dinner by saying grace. Coaches Roy Newton, Richard Jones and Dai Kirk were warmly praised whilst team manager John Griffiths received a standing ovation in recognition of all his hard work!
Ladies praised
Sue Davies spoke on behalf of the ladies’ team, Phil Morgan, Dominic and Frank Setaro undertook the awards for the first XV and the second XV presentation was undertaken by Arwyn Thomas, ably assisted by Marlais Thomas and Kristian Richards.
The awards were as follows:
First Team:
Player of the Year: Randall Williams
Players’ Player of the Year: Ryan Michael
Most Improved Player: Gareth Lloyd
Anthony Jakeman Award: Alan Proctor
Clubman of the Year: Clifton Bowen
Second Team:
Player of the Year: Anthony James
Players’ Player of the Year: Darren Rees
Most Improved Player: Matthew McMillan
Ladies’ team:
Player of the Year: Natalie Walsh
Players’ Player of the Year: Sara Davies
Most Improved Forward: Sara Davies
Most Improved Back: Emma Mousley:
County Schools carry Pembs flag to Spain and France
Pembrokeshire Schools U11 rugby team carried the Pembrokeshire Flag with real distinction as they returned undefeated from a recent tour of Spain and France with a party had 83 members which included players, coaches, parents and family, with 31 players taking part in the matches.
Brilliant in Barcelona and fabulous in France
The first games were played in Barcelona at the Cornella RC Club with the team winning three games and drawing one. After this successful mini-tournament the boys were treated to a visit to Barcelona AFC home ground, the Nou Camp Stadium.
The second fixtures were in the French Pyrenees against Entente Rugby Canigou where the Under 10s played first and outclassed their opponents 43 – nil. Ryan Conbeer set the stadium alight with two brilliant individual tries which even the home supporters enjoyed and this young side has really developed over the past few months with a half back pairing of Oliver Lewis and Danny Wainwright taking the right options to the benefit of the other backs.
Harri Vaughan scored a cracking solo try just before half time and winger Adam Davison, Flanker Emyr Davies and prop Hywel Baker all crossed for tries. Outside half Wainwright added four conversions but was unlucky with two, one hitting the post and the other hitting the bar. Man of the match was Sion Colella.
Tough tussle for under 11s
The U11s was a different game completely, with the home side taking the game to Pembs from the kick off and with a vociferous home support they were not going to roll over easily. The Pembs side found out quickly that this was going to be very physical in every way and mid way through the first half Canigou opened the scoring with a well-worked blind side move.
Pembs kept kicking away quality possession but just before half time, following good work by hooker Jordan Frank and second row Tom Walters it was blind side flanker Nikita Neary who broke away to score and with outside half Dieter Thomas finding his kicking boots made sure of the extra points right on the half-time whistle.
The second half followed the first half pattern with the home team applying a lot of pressure and it was only outstanding defence that keep them out. The pivotal point of the game came when home winger was clear but a copybook tackle by Conbeer stopped the movement. Scrum Half Elgan Roberts made a number of good runs and after a great forward effort it was Neary who smashed his way over the line for his second and to clinch the game again. Thomas made no mistake with the conversion.
Nikita Neary was man of the match in a thrilling 14 – 5 victory but all players and coaches must take a lot of praise in the way they conducted them self during a very hostile game.
Kenny was delighted
Kenny Davies, the Rugby Development Officer, said on the party’s return,
“I have taken the boys away from the gold fish bowl of Pembrokeshire rugby to experience playing in two different countries. The French games were outstanding encounters and I know that all involved will be better for the experience. I would like to thank all the coaches and touring party for the way they conducted themselves over the five days. I know that out of this squad a number of players will play at the top end of the game. I would also like to take this opportunity to thanks all sponsors who helped make this tour possible, the players looked fantastic at all times and everyone will never forget the welcome we had in the Pyrenees.“
Sponsor Stuart full of praise
This view was also endorsed by Stuart Lewis, of WP Lewis and Son, the Vauxhall Garage in Milton which was one of the sponsors, and who also went on the tour with his son Gareth and grandson Ollie, who played. He told pembrokeshiresport.co.uk,
“We were delighted to be one of the tour sponsors and even more delighted by the performances of the players, who won four and drew one of their five matches. They played superb rugby throughout and were a great credit to their families, on and off the field – and Kenny Davies and Jeff Clout must be very proud as excellent coaches and organisers who made it a memorable trip for all of us.”
19th May 2009
Narberth RFC celebrate successful season
Players, coaches, officials, committee and supporters of Narberth RFC celebrated another successful season as they enjoyed their Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening at the Nantyffin, Llandissillio.
Chairman John Owen especially thanked the Sponsors, VP’s and supporters and in particular Ian Harries of GD Harries & Sons, Mansel Young of Young Brothers, the Club Doctors, the Management Committee, the Rugby Committee, Patrick Jones and the Building committee, plus the social committee who organized the evening. He praised the work of Jon Dodd and the many club coaches who had all contributed to a very successful season for the Club at all levels.
Director of Rugby Jon Dodd praised all aspects of the club support when he reviewed the performance of the 1stXV, Athletic and Youth who all finished third in their respective leagues, with the 1st XV achieving a third position in The Swalec Division One (West) league for the 3rd successive season.
He particularly thanked all the club coaches and made special mention of the Director of Rugby Development, Kenny Davies, and youth coach Rob Phillips. He indicated that centre Steve Martin would be joining Llanelli next season and wished him every success. He ended his address with an amusing personal review of the players in the 1st XV squad and this set the mood for a very amusing address by guest speaker, Councillor Huw George.
The awards were as follows:
Clubman of the Year: Dorian Phillips (presented by John Owen, Chairman)
Most Promising Youth Player: Tom Bannister (Rob Phillips)
Youth team Players’ Player and Player of the Year: (Rob Phillips) Rhydian Williams.
Athletic XV Top Try Scorer: Rhys Davies (Matthew Davies)
Athletic Player of the Year: Richard Sharpe- Williams (Matthew Davies)
1st XV awards (mainly presented by Jon Dodd, Sean Gale and Clive James)
Outstanding Loyalty to the Club: Jason Jennings
Most improved Player: Gareth Batemen
Most Performances: Aled Davies
Top Try Scorer: Steve Martin
Most Promising Player: Aled Harries
Player of the Year: Steve Martin.
8th May 2009
Pembs Youth win under 18 plate final
Swansea Youth 12 points Pembrokeshire Youth 19 points
Pembrokeshire’s talented young rugby players turned in an outstanding performance last night to defeat Swansea in the Welsh Youth Cup Plate final at under 18 level in a captivating and free-flowing game where the score does not reflect the Pembrokeshire performance.
From the start Pembrokeshire showed a willingness to run the ball, even with the strong wind behind them, made possible due to a dominant front row and effective line out, with scrum half Ifan Thomas providing an immaculate service to Toby Smith so that the midfield pairing of Dyfan Dafydd and Ianto Griffiths caused many problems for Swansea.
Williams opens County scoring but try conceded before break
From a prolonged passage of play mercurial full back James Stephenson put the dangerous Jamie Williams in under the posts, the try converted by Stephenson. After this opening score, several clear chances were spurned and with a minute to go before half time the dangerous Swansea full-back Roger Blyth scythed through to make it 7-7 at half time.
Superb second half display
Playing against a very strong wind after the oranges, the coaches Lawrence Spillane and Kenny Davies dug deep as captain Michael Jones and the forwards came out raring to go under instructions to keep the ball in hand and concede no more silly penalties. Bullocking runs came from Brynley Toms, Gethin Davies, Llyr Griffiths and Michael Jones helped set up some scintillating 15-man rugby which produced scores from the effervescent man of the match, open-side flanker Tom Powell and Michael Jones, who used all his athleticism and fast feet to go over, with one Stephenson conversion. Also the crowd were treated to a great moment in rugby with prop Johnnie Phillips playing outside half for a moment with a five-man overlap, but unfortunately Jonnie knocked on with the line at his mercy!!
Fitting way to end season
With Pembrokeshire leading 19-7, Swansea threw everything at the Pembrokeshire line for the last five minutes and due to admirable defence, well marshalled by Rhodri Davies, only one try was yielded to flanker Mark Davies with the last play of the match. It was a disappointing end to the match but victory was an excellent and fitting way to end the season with only one moment of madness at East Carmarthenshire stopping an unbeaten record.
Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk says well done players and coaches - and with the Welsh Youth cup reverting back to under 19 next season a strong squad beckons.
Pembrokeshire team:James Stephenson (Whitland): Jamie Williams (Tenby Utd); Ianto Griffiths (Crymych); Dyfan Dafydd (Crymych); David O’Leary (Haverfordwest): Toby Smith (Tenby Utd); Ifan Thomas (Aberystwyth): Johnnie Phillips (Crymych); Aiden Baines (Pem Dock Quins); Brynley Toms (Whitland): Liam Brown (Haverfordwest); Gruff Howells (Crymych): Dan Evans (Whitland); Tom Powell (Pem Dock Quins); Michael Jones (Whitland) (Capt).
Replacements:Adam Phillips (Haverfordwest); Dewi Edwards (Aberystwyth); Scott Candler (Haverfordwest); Rhodri Davies (Crymych); Lewis Davies (Pembroke); Nathan Lloyd (Crymych); Llyr Griffiths (Cardigan); Gethin Davies (Cardigan); Dan Gosnald (Pembroke); Jason Ronowitz (Tenby Utd).
29th April 2009
Midweek Rugby:
Junior Union Cup Final:
Crymych 0 points Narberth 22 points
Venue: Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn, Whitland
Referee: Ben Cole (Carew)
Narberth Seconds won the Junior Union Cup as they proved too strong overall for a gritty Crymych side which never gave up trying and played their part in an absorbing clash.
It was always anticipated that this match would be hard-fought since there were so many players in both teams who had previous first team experience and that is just the way it turned out in awful conditions that might have been more appropriate to mid winter than the start of the cricket season.
Matthew Williams, Gareth ‘Joey’ Davies, Andrew Fletcher, Rhys Mathias and Jason Nicholls all battled hard for Crymych but were met with equally committed play by Peter and Jason Jennings, Ryan Whatmore, and skipper Anthony Griffiths in the Narberth camp.
The Otters led by 10-0 at the interval through unconverted tries by talented young centre Craig Barnett and experienced scrum half Andrew Davies, with the Preseli Men having half chances but unable to turn pressure into points, despite some good work by Iwan James at scrum half.
Narberth half backs Andrew Davies and Rhodri Jones used possession intelligently after the break and when they brought their backs into action it resulted in a good unconverted try by winger Tim Plumb.
The Otters continued to apply pressure and they made the game safe when second row Jason Jennings ploughed over as reward for all his yeoman work and Rhodri Jones added the extra points.
Crymych:
Martin Jones: Mark Hamilton; Wyn Jenkins (Capt); Matthew Hill; Phil Williams: Aled Morgan; Iwan James: Jason Nicholls; Gareth Davies; Rhys Mathias: Carwyn Lawrence; Andrew Fletcher: Owain Richards; Mark Beasley; Matthew Williams.
Narberth:
Gethin Salter: Tim Plumb; Craig Barnett; Neil Davies; Leighton Evans: Rhodri Jones; Andrew Davies: Peter Rodway; Aled Harries; Gareth Bevan: Jason Jennings; Peter Jenkins: Anthony Griffiths (Capt); Ryan Whatmore; Tim Williams.
Division Three (West):
Blues back to winning ways
Haverfordwest 21 points Cardigan 13 points
Haverfordwest caused something of a surprise as they beat visiting Cardigan with a team comprised mainly of youngsters who have stepped in to plug the gaps caused by injury and unavailability, bolstered by several experienced players to keep them together.
Haverfordwest made a cracking start as youth winger Ollie Ryeland made some strong runs up the right flank and from one such thrust he did well to pop the ball up for veteran flanker Richard Brazell to score an unconverted try.
Brazell was yellow-carded by referee Adrian Slade and Cardigan fought back with a try by right winger Guto Crompton from a pass by scrum half Gareth Jones, with skipper Colin Davies adding the extra points.
But the Blues bounced back with a good try by centre Dan Harries, which scrum half Richard James to go with a penalty, via the upright, which put the home side into a deserved 15-7 interval lead.
The second half saw conditions worsen and all both teams could muster was two penalties apiece; the home three-pointers kicked by replacement scrum half Mike Venables and the Cardi’s points coming from two penalties by Colin Davies.
Division Five (West):
Mariners gain vital victory
Milford Haven 25 points Fishguard & Goodwick 9 points
Milford Haven’s quest for the league championship trophy as well as promotion received a boost as they gained revenge for a recent defeat at Fishguard with victory over the Seagulls at a rainswept Observatory Field, although their hopes of a bonus try fell by the wayside.
The Mariners were already 18-3 to the good at the interval as they managed to pin the Seagulls in the bottom corner to score tries by No 8 Scott Walters and prop Jamie Picton from forward drives, one converted by scrum half Tom Arnold to go with two penalties.
Huw Evans landed a penalty for Fishguard in the first half and added two more penalties after the interval as the Seagulls tried hard to claw their way back into contention but the Mariners had the final say when a try by scrum half Paul Evans, converted by Arnold, really put the icing on the cake for Alan McClelland’s boys.
28th April 2009
Crymych win - but Noam breaks an ankle
Lampeter 7 points Crymych 43 points
Crymych gained another cracking win as they beat Lampeter 43-7 but the success was tempered by the bad news that popular winger Noam Davey broke an ankle so the game was ended ten minutes early as a result. Local rugby followers will all wish the North Walian a speedy return to action with the Preseli Men.Crymych led 17-0 at the interval through tries by Eurig Davies and Martin Edwards, with Huw Rees opening the scoring from a penalty and also notching both conversions.
Further tries by Aled Bowen, John Davies and Robert Davies, two converted by Rees, sealed the Crymych win before Lampeter claimed a consolation score by Aled Morgan, converted by Edward Davies, before the Preseli Men had the final word when Rhys Richards powered through for a try and Rees added the extra points.
Crymych: Eurig Davies: Aled Bowen; Nick Bevan; Elgan Vittle; Noam Davey: Gareth Davies; Huw Rees: Robert Davies; Martin Edwards; John Davies: Cennydd James; Andrew Phillips: Mark Oakman; Andrew Morris; Richard Llewellyn. Replacements: Rhys Richards; Trystan Griffiths; Jonathan Hickin; Martin Jones.
24th April 2009
French invasion of Pembrokeshire planned
In 1797 the French invaded Pembrokeshire – in 2009 they’re on the march again !
On Friday May 8 th Les Geueles de Bordeaux take on Narberth Veterans at the Lloyd Lewis Ground, KO 7pm. Lined up against them will be Narberth stars of the nineties like the Young Bros, Iestyn Evans, Philippe Stoddart, Rob Nicholas, and current second team coach, Matthew Davies.
The tour has been organised by ex Narberth, Milford and Haverfordwest player, Bruce Evans, who now lives in south west France and is a member of this otherwise Gallic team.
The French will also visit Plas Hyfryd and Milford Marina for their all important food, and take in an Ospreys or Blues match on their way back to Cardiff where they’re spending two nights.
The tour is kindly sponsored by Princes Gate Water and Nolton Riding Stables.
22nd April 2009
Crymych also looking for Junior Four-Timer
Crymych are another club focussed on success for their talented juniors and they also have four teams in the Australian-Style finals at Aberystwyth - and all at the club wish them and their coaches every success
!
21st April 2009
Narberth RFC Junior Section successful end to season
Last Sunday, the Pembrokeshire & District Junior Rugby Cup Semi Finals tookplace with the Narberth Junior section being successful with four of the six teams to reach the Cup Finals’ Day. Club Officials are delighted with the success and club Chairman John Owen praised the officials, coaches, team managers and youngsters and parents for their personal efforts, and particularly the enthusiasm of Kenny Davies, Director of Rugby development at the Club. Training takes through the winter under the new floodlights and often in very inclement weather. The success is well deserved.
The under 11’s coached by Paul Thomas, Barry Walters, team manager Sarah Hill (Ex Referee Sarah George) beat Whitland by 7 tries to 1. The Under 12’s coached by Gareth Jones, John Thomas, & Natalie Bowen beat St. David’s by 50 points to nil. The team manager, Karen Jones, chairman of the Narberth RFC Junior Section was particularly thrilled by the day’ success.
The Under 15’s in a close encounter away to Pembroke Dock Quins won 10 – 5 , Clive James, Andy Cotter and Lloyd Phillips coached the team and team manager is Katryn John. The Club are particularly pleased that Lloyd Phillips, a very successful product of the Narberth Junior Section, takes time out to train the youngsters.
The Under 16s beat Pembroke 52 pts to 10, coached by experienced John Chinn and the Director of Narberth Rugby Development Kenny Davies , whilst the team manager is Joan Thomas. Both coaches see great promise in these youngsters, some who will feature next season play in the club youth side. Kenny was particularly pleased with the success of all teams and is asking for Club members to give their support on Finals Day which this year is at Aberystwyth RFC on Sunday May 3 rd .
Holders stroll into KO Final
Aberystwyth 5 points Narberth 68 points
Narberth strolled into the 2009 Knock Out Cup Final as they made the long journey to Aberystwyth and came away with a resounding win to show the gap in class between divisions one and three.
The Otters were already 33-0 ahead at the interval as they grabbed five tries and made sure that Aber had a blank scoresheet as a real bonus. Aled Davies missed an early penalty for Narberth but made amends with the conversion of their first try by scrum half Adrian Killa.
As the visitors were able to maintain their momentum through some excellent ball-winning and retention from their forwards there were other tries by second row Chris James and winger Tom Bonnell, both converted by Aled Davies, before winger Johnny Morgan nipped over for an unconverted try and Killa sniped through for his second try, again converted by Aled Davies, to round off the first-half scoring.
The Otters’ attacks continued relentlessly after the oranges with full back Sion Brace cutting through for a try which Aled Davies converted and after the No 10 left the field it was replacement Matthew Davies who was involved in setting up a try for Steve Martin and then cutting through himself, both converted by Nick Jones.
Aber finally managed a consolation try from winger Matthew Green but Narberth claimed further tries by Steve Martin and Matthew Davies, both goaled by Nick Jones before the referee blew his final whistle a little early with the Otters as worthy winners.
Narberth will again play Whitland, who were given a walk-over by Pembroke in their semi-final, and these two current giants of the local game will lock horns at a date and venue still to be decided.
Narberth: Sion Brace: Tom Bonnell; Nick Jones; Steve Martin; Johnny Morgan: Aled Davies (Matthew Davies); Adrian Killa: Fifitapuku Faletau; Dan Smith; Justin Hughes (Capt): Dai Ebsworth; Chris James: Gareth Bateman; Jamie Bohata; John Tennick.
Welsh Youth Cup Final
Battling Borderers miss out
Whitland Youth 18 points Bridgend Athletic Youth 30 points
(Played at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff)
Whitland Youth's hopes of a wonderful Welsh Cup Final win ebbed away after a promising first half, when they led 12-6, as Bridgend Athletic scored second half tries to secure the spoils whilst the young Borderers could only add a further two penalties.
Five bus loads of supporters left Whitland to cheer them on, plus a large number of cars, as full back James Stephenson kicked the Borderers' four first-half penalties.
There was no shortage of effort from skipper Mike Jones and his team as Stephenson added another two successful penalties but they were unable to turn pressure periods into tries. A club spokesman sportingly said that the club had no complaints about losing and were extremely proud of their talented and committed youngsters who encountered another very good side whose day it was.
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