THE HERALD FRIDAY JANUARY 27 2017 Like us on Facebook facebook.com/thecarmarthenshireherald


71 Sports Nant thrash Banc Major award for Wales Rugby League


Nantgaredig Penybanc


26 0


League 3 West B NANTGAREDIG moved into


second place in the league after an excellent 26-0 win against Penybanc on Saturday (Jan 21). Early pressure resulted in the back


row combining with Gavin Orson carrying and releasing Tom Eldred to charge 20 metres and score the opening try.


When Nantgaredig failed to capitalise


on a number of first half penalty awards, this allowed Penybanc to lift their game and pressure the home side within sight of their own try line.


Nantgaredig's defensive line held out, as it did for the remainder of the game. Some keen words were given to


the Nantgaredig team by coaches Derek Thomas and Mike King at half time, resulting in an improved performance whilst the opposition continued to be penalised from infringements and ill- discipline. The win was secured with a try by


second row Carwyn Davies and a superb individual effort from the halfway line by wing forward Rhydian Davies. Man of the match Meirion Davies kicked three penalties and two conversions. On Saturday (Jan 28), Nantgaredig


are away at Bettws while Penybanc are at home to Lampeter Town.


Crymych edge out table toppers Crymych


Kidwelly


22 20


League 1 West KIDWELLY were narrowly


beaten by a superb Crymych side on Saturday (Jan 21), a result which is just their second loss of the season. Dion Gibby scored Crymych’s


only try of the game and Rhys Davies added the extra two points. Davies then added a penalty


before Lee Evans replied with a penalty of his own for the league leaders. Kidwelly pressed forward and


they were then given a penalty try by the referee and Evans’ conversion levelled matters at 10-10. Crymych’s Davies then added


another penalty to put them back into the lead but the league leaders had the last say in the first half as Sion Pearce crossed the line and Evans added the


extra two points. That gave them a 17-13 lead


at half time in what was a thrilling encounter between two top teams. They added another Evans penalty


to the scoreboard in the second half but that was all they could muster as Crymych defended excellently to keep their opponents out. At the other end, Kidwelly wilted


under the pressure from Crymych and gave away a number of penalties. Davies took full advantage for


Crymych to slot three more penalties through the posts and put them into a 22-20 lead. Crymych held on for an excellent


win which sees them move up to fourth in the table. On Saturday (Jan 28), Crymych


will look to build on their win when they travel to fifth placed Penclawdd. Kidwelly will look to get back


to winning ways as they welcome Waunarlwydd on the same day.


Whitland boost survival hopes Whitland Waunarlwydd


17 16


League 1 West WHITLAND boosted their


hopes of getting out of the bottom two as they picked up a narrow 17-16 win over Waunarlwydd on Saturday (Jan 21). They remain bottom of the table


but they are now level on points with second from bottom Loughor and just four points from safety. Nico Setaro crossed over twice


for the Borderers while he also added one conversion. James Stephenson also scored


but the conversion attempt was missed and they were unable to find


a fourth try, which would have given them a crucial bonus point. The visiting side scored a try


through Phil Evans and Lee Evans added the extra two points. Evans also scored three penalties


to bring his side within a point of Whitland but they were unable to find another score and they had to settle for a losing bonus point. The win for Whitland is just


their second of the season and they will now be looking to push on to get themselves out of the bottom two.


On Saturday (Jan 28), Whitland


face Loughor at home in what is sure to be a very tight and tense affair.


WALES RUGBY LEAGUE has


achieved two major awards as they continue to build and improve the organisation. The national governing body has


been awarded the Level 3 Safeguarding Standard, as well as being awarded the highest grading in the Sport Wales Self Assurance process for the fourth year in a row. The Safeguarding Standard was


awarded jointly by Sport Wales and the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit. In gaining the Level 3 Standard, Wales Rugby League successfully presented to the panel and submitted evidence relating to 30 separate safeguarding criteria. National Development Manager


Idris Evans is delighted that the two organisations have rubber stamped the work undertaken over the last 12 months to improve safety within Rugby League in Wales. He said: “We have worked very


hard over the last 12 to 18 months to get where we are now - writing new and re- writing old policies, up-skilling staff and volunteers and sharing information with clubs so that children and young people can feel safe playing the sport of Rugby League in Wales. “We have had some great support


from our team of safeguarding volunteers across Wales in Martin Roddy, Mark Jones and Mark Parry, as well as the support from the Board through Chris Thair. “To date, we are one of only a handful


of sports in Wales to pass the Level 3 Standards and are ensuring we provide an environment where young players can feel safe, protected and listened to. It’s about having the right resources in place to make people feel safe, but also being able to have procedures and practices


ready if things do go wrong. “We’d also like to thank the NSPCC


and Sport Wales for their support in gaining this standard.” Anne Tiivas, the director of the Child


Protection Sports Unit, said: “We would like to congratulate Wales Rugby League on achieving Level 3 of the Safeguarding Standards. We thank the organisation for your contribution to creating a safe environment for children and young people that works towards the framework for safeguarding and protecting children in and through sport in Wales.” The self-assurance process is


undertaken annually by all the main sport’s National Governing Bodies in the UK. Each NGB must upload evidence and explain how they meet 62 separate criteria on governance, financial management, human resources, policy, risk management and strategy. The results of which show the Sports Councils whether the NGB is fit for purpose and safe enough to receive lottery and public funding. For the last four years, Wales Rugby League has received the highest grading of green. Wales Rugby League CEO Chris


Thair said: “Receiving awards and recognition from three separate bodies in the same month is testament to the fantastic work taking place within Wales. This journey is far from complete and there remains much work to be done but it does show we are on the right road. “The self-assurance grading just


reinforces our own beliefs. We have good governance, are led well, have small financial reserves alongside good financial management and a clear direction of travel. Most importantly, we have some good people involved who will ensure this will continue into the future.


“The advanced safeguarding standard


from the NSPCC means Wales Rugby League cover the two main aspects of safeguarding in a good manner. We are proactive to prevent issues taking place in the first place; however, we will react in the most suitable way when required. The award shows rugby league in Wales is a good environment for children to be involved in. “We wish to dedicate the Level 3


safeguarding award to ex-WRL board member Martin Roddy, whose health is sadly suffering at the moment. Martin has been the long-time stalwart of safeguarding within our organisation and the main instigator in ensuring it is of the highest priority. We are extremely grateful. “Finally, to hear John Kear say


at a recent meeting and subsequently in a public interview with Sky Sports that Wales Rugby League is the best organisation he has been involved in speaks volumes for our culture and practices. “As he stated, we are not a cash


rich organisation and have much lower revenues than all the other nations and clubs John has coached in the past. These comments reflect how we always try to do things in the right way with good values and practice, are supportive as a board and is a wonderful reflection upon the staff and players involved in the national team. They are a special bunch of people who will rightly go into 2017 Rugby League World Cup with a great deal of pride.” Wales Rugby League still have some


remaining shirt sponsors for the World Cup and if by reading this, your business would like to hear more, then email Chris Thair on chris.thair@walesrugbyleague. co.uk.


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