Ladies’ Rugby:

 




 

Haverfordwest Ladies 83 - Tondu Ladies 0

 
 
Referee: Andrew Thompson.
Assistants: John Summons & Steve Morse.
 
 
Haverfordwest Ladies completed the splendid double of WRU Women's National Welsh Bowl champions and West Wales Division League winners as they remained in undefeated in the latter competition and scored 13 tries in a runaway victory at Pembroke Road against their counterparts from Tondu, who deserved every credit for fulfilling the fixture despite having only 14 players.
 
The game was played over 4 x 20 minute quarters because of the heat and Haverfordwest prop Sarah Lawrence played for the visitors and then played so well for the Lady Blues afterwards that she was voted forward of the match.
 
The undoubted back of the match was full back Rhian Swift, who relished the wide open spaces and raced over for five tries, some of them from long range as Tondu found her pace too much to cope with.
 
 Winger Amber Manning and centre Megan Davies also grabbed two tries apiece as the Lady Blues had excellent performances in the tight by Jana Neumann, Emma Busch, Emily Carrington and Christine Selby so that the back row of Ellis Forsyth, Menna Pugh-Jones and Delyth Foster could help keep their team on the front foot.
 
It meant that skipper Emma Summons and Elin Williams, who kicked nine conversions, called the shots from half back and other tries came from centre Becky Osborne, second row Carrington, flanker Forsyth and replacement Lilly Allen also got on the scoresheet.
 
This success meant that Haverfordwest Ladies remained unbeaten for the entire campaign and coach Steve Barnett we quick to sing the praises of his squad.
 
“They have been a pleasure to coach and their individual and collective improvement has been phenomenal. I must also sing the praises of the Tondu players because they are struggling, like we were 18 months ago, but still came down to honour the fixture – and we wish them well for their next campaign and hope they continue to enjoy the game.”





 
Other quotes:
 
Emma Summons - Haverfordwest Ladies Captain:


“We really appreciate Tondu travelling down to fulfil the fixture with 14 players - credit to them for sticking at it and battling until the end. It was our first home game since November so was nice to end the season on home turf with a convincing win.
 
“We’ve had a really successful season, I’m sure you’ve heard several times that last season we were close to folding so to turn it around like we have is impressive and that’s credit to the players, coaches and backroom staff for sticking together and putting the hard work in.
 
“Running out on the Principality and winning the bowl final was an incredible experience but also, to go unbeaten all season is no mean feat. I’m so proud of everyone involved; it’s definitely a season that we won’t forget!”





Morgan Layton - Forwards Coach:


“This year has been my first involvement with women’s rugby after being asked to help out by Steve Barnett and Emma Summons and it’s been a great experience. The girls have been really committed and enthusiastic from the first session to the last, and the success we’ve had this season is entirely down to that.
 
“They’re a great bunch of girls who are really invested in the club and the team. It’s been amazing to watch all of them grow as players and teammates this year and a fantastic advert for womens rugby in Pembrokeshire.
 
“We’re hoping to get more girls involved in the game next season and I can’t think of a more welcoming group of people to start a new sport or join a new team with.”





 
Haverfordwest: Rhian Swift: Amber Manning; Becky Osborne; Megan Davies; Jess James:  Elin Williams; Emma Simmons (Capt): Sarah Lawrence; Jana Neumann; Emma Busch: Emily Carrington; Caroline Selby:  Ellis Forsyth; Manna Pugh-Jones; Delyth Foster: Replacements: Hayley Matthews; Kate Allen; Alix Hopson-Griffiths: Poppy Lewis; Eloise Hull; Lilly Arnold.



 

Pictures kindly supplied by William John