Latest news with #Ammanford
Pembrokeshire Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Ammanford crowned Scarlets Cup champions after dominant final performance
U12s seal 22-0 win over Haverfordwest to complete double-winning season AMMANFORD RFC's under-12s were crowned Scarlets Cup champions on Sunday (May 18) after a commanding 22-0 win over Haverfordwest at Parc y Scarlets. The young Carmarthenshire side, who already held their county title, produced a clinical display in the final to secure a second major trophy and cap off an impressive season. Facing the Pembrokeshire/Ceredigion champions in front of a large crowd, Ammanford laid down an early marker with a resolute defensive effort. Strong tackles from Bryn Humphreys, Jayden Ratcliffe, Arjun Dale and Seb Armstrong kept Haverfordwest at bay, and their pressure soon earned a penalty. Tomi Maloney stepped up to slot it between the posts for the opening points. Ammanford extended their lead with a 75-metre break from Maloney following a turnover. From the resulting lineout, a well-rehearsed move saw Leo Danter cross the whitewash for the game's first try, set up by a pinpoint kick into the 22 from centre Finn Chapman-Knight. The first half ended 8-0 in Ammanford's favour. The second half saw no let-up in intensity. Ratcliffe, captain Joey Shreeve and Danter led a series of key turnovers, with Chapman-Knight continuing to apply pressure through tactical left-footed kicking. Ammanford's second try came from a scrum inside the Haverfordwest 22, with Danter picking up from the base to power over. Maloney added the extras to stretch the lead to 15-0. Cai Canton's powerful carrying forced another attacking scrum, and replacements Oscar Jones, Evan Lewis, Aaron Morgan and Scott Edwards made a big impact, winning a scrum against the head. Maloney spotted a gap, chipped over the defence, and collected to score a fine solo try. He converted his own effort to make it 22-0. Despite spirited efforts from Haverfordwest, the final whistle confirmed a deserved win for Ammanford, who lifted the Scarlets Cup to complete a memorable season. Head coach Rob Knight praised the commitment and performance of the squad, and extended thanks to the coaching team, parents, and supporters. He also thanked the wider rugby community for their messages of support ahead of the final. Pictured above: Winners: Ammanford RFC U12s celebrate their Scarlets Cup victory after a 22-0 win over Haverfordwest
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Ammanford under-12s named Scarlets Cup final winners
The team clinched a 22-0 victory for the Carmarthenshire Champions in the Scarlets Cup final at Parc y Scarlets, ending their season as double winners. The match saw the young squad face Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire/Ceredigion Cup winners, on Sunday, May 18. The game, marked by its intensity and physicality, saw Ammanford's defence shine, particularly in the first quarter, with strong tackles from Bryn Humphreys, Jayden Ratcliffe, Arjun Dale, and Seb Armstrong. This defensive pressure earned the team a penalty, converted by Tomi Maloney, putting the first points on the board. Ammanford's momentum built after a 75-meter break by Maloney following a turnover, and it was a well-executed training move off the lineout that led to their first try by Leo Danter. Centre Finn Chapman-Knight's strategic kick deep into Haverfordwest's 22 metres set up the move. The half ended with Ammanford leading 8-0. The second half saw Ammanford continue their strong form, with turnovers by Jayden Ratcliffe, captain Joey Shreeve, and Danter. Chapman-Knight maintained territorial pressure with his left-footed kicking. A scrum deep in the Haverfordwest 22 metres saw Danter pick up and score his second try of the match, with the extras added by Maloney to take the score to 15-0. Centre Cai Canton, demonstrating physical strength, forced another scrum deep into the Haverfordwest 22 metres. Impact players Oscar Jones, Evan Lewis, Aaron Morgan, and Scott Edwards forced a scrum against the head, with Maloney spotting a gap and chipping over the defence to score Ammanford's third try. With the extras added by Maloney, the score moved to 22-0. Despite Haverfordwest's continued efforts, the final whistle marked a victory for the Ammanford team, crowning them Scarlets Cup winners. A special note of thanks was given by head coach Rob Knight to the players, coaching team, and parents. He also extended his appreciation to the rugby community for their good luck messages, and to all the supporters who travelled to Parc y Scarlets to cheer the team on.
BBC News
25-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Coal mine flood water used in Ammanford heating scheme
Flood water from a disused mine is being used as a renewable source of heating for the first time in business near Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, has started pumping water from a nearby mine water treatment site to heat its Mining Remediation Authority, formerly the Coal Authority, said it continued to help develop similar projects across south and north-east Wales and hoped Wales could be at the "forefront" of the approach, but a similar heat scheme was scrapped by Bridgend council in 2021 due to the concern of rising Welsh government said it recognised the "significant role mine water heat can play in our journey to net zero". About 25 litres of water is pumped from the former Lindsay pit every day in order to be cleaned and released into natural water which has filled old mines can reach up 20C (68F), depending on the depth. Business owner Nick Salini, who makes heat pumps, said he recognised the potential of the mine water a long time ago."We've installed a ground source heat pump that takes the water from the surface mine water treatment plant which runs at a constant 14C to 15C," he said."We take that warm water to a heat pump, compress it to a useable temperature for heating the building and this will heat the building all year around."This system is specifically designed for this building. It's a 35 kilowatt system which could heat up to 10 new-build properties and it is scalable so it could provide heating for hundreds of homes by absorbing the available energy from the ground." The Welsh government published a mine water heat opportunity map last year to highlight the parts of Wales' former coalfields where similar schemes might be UK, funded by the UK government to help businesses grow, provided the money for the project in Carmarthenshire but getting the right funding for larger projects remains a are a growing number of mine water heat projects in England. The first to be completed in Gateshead serves more than 600 homes, businesses and an arts Farr, head of heat and by-product innovation at the Mining Remediation Authority, said: "Everyone in Wales has been looking at what we've delivered in the north east of England but there's no reason why Wales can't be at the forefront of this as well. "We've got a quarter of Wales' population living on the coalfield so the demand is there and we want to link our proud industrial heritage to this new green future." It took two weeks to lay the pipework for the small project near Ammanford but the developers said the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term disruption."Across Great Britain, we're already in the process of developing and delivering new schemes, so we really hope this scheme will be a springboard to encourage others and provide confidence so they can progress the ideas we've been working on with them," Mr Farr Welsh government said: "We do not have a dedicated heat network fund, however they could be in scope with local energy funding. "Applicants would need to demonstrate how their idea fits with local area energy plans and that they are the optimum use of funds, returning the biggest impact for the investment both in terms of decarbonisation and wider benefit."Ynni Cymru has recently launched a £10m capital fund for smart local energy systems to help develop novel energy projects and maximise local benefits; we would encourage developers to explore this potential route."
South Wales Guardian
20-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Ammanford secure first Premier 1 victory of the season
The match took place in Premier 1 on Saturday at Usk, where Ammanford batted first and set a formidable target. They enjoyed a strong opening partnership of one hundred thirty-eight runs between Tom Bevan and Owen Gruffudd. Gruffudd contributed forty-two runs, while Bevan continued to dominate, reaching a century with a score of one hundred nine. New signings Matthew Spoors and Jac Kenchington added valuable runs, finishing with thirty-eight and thirty-five respectively. Ammanford posted a total of three hundred fourteen for eight in their fifty overs. Usk struggled in their chase, losing early wickets to Owen Davies. (Image: Stuart Ladd) (Image: Stuart Ladd) Despite a brief resistance from Hugo Caldicott, who scored fifty-four, and Harawal Hassam with forty-eight, Usk fell short, all out for two hundred eighteen in forty-three overs. Kenchington excelled with the ball, taking four wickets for forty runs, while Davies and Dylan Driscoll each claimed two. With this win, Ammanford climbs into the top half of the league and will face defending champions St Fagans at home next Saturday. Ammanford Cricket Club 2nd v Margam Ammanford's second XI suffered a narrow 29-run defeat against Margam in a closely contested match. The game took place in the league on Saturday at Margam, where the home side set a challenging target. A formidable partnership of one hundred thirty-four runs between Primydaya, who remained not out on sixty-seven, and Fernando, who scored ninety-six, propelled Margam to a total of two hundred forty-one for six. Despite an early loss of opener Alun Evans, Ammanford fought back with a strong second-wicket partnership of one hundred forty runs from John Jones, who made seventy, and Benji Thomas, who contributed sixty-four. However, a mid-order score of thirty-five from Gavin Thomas fell short, leaving the away side at two hundred twelve for nine. Ammanford third XI Ammanford thirds faced a heavy defeat, falling short by 108 runs against Swansea Civil Service. The match took place in the league at Ashleigh Road on a Saturday afternoon. The home side posted two hundred sixteen for seven, with Damian de Silva leading the charge, scoring sixty runs. Sion Evans and Ronnie Bullions each took two wickets for the visitors. Despite contributions of twenty-four runs from Josh Davies and Bullions, Ammanford were all out for one hundred eight in thirty-two overs. De Silva capped his impressive performance with figures of three for ten.
South Wales Guardian
20-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Pictures of first Ammanford Farmers Market held near Arcade
The event was held on Saturday, May 3 at the Arcade Plaza near Margaret Street Car Park and featured a variety of products from Carmarthenshire-based businesses. Pictures have now emerged of the farmers market which was organised by Cameron Reardon and James Mordue from The Secret PlantHouse. The market was held near the Victorian Arcade. (Image: Cameron Reardon) Following the event, businesses have expressed their gratitude for the increased footfall which was present on the Bank Holiday weekend. A range of local businesses attended the event. (Image: Cameron Reardon) The Old Arcade Café wrote: 'What a day yesterday for us independent businesses in the top of town. The arcade was really busy, thank you to all who stopped by and visited all of us! 'Great work The Secret PlantHouse on organising the market in the square, let's hope this is the start of something regular and special for all us independent businesses.' The farmers market included local butchers, candles & homeware, fresh produce and artisan goods. (Image: Cameron Reardon) Vive La Crêpe added: 'The arcade hasn't seen a buzz this since before lockdown! Thank you, Secret PlantHouse! 'You did an amazing job. We all had a very successful day and thank you Ammanford for the support. It means so much to little independents. Looking forward to the next one.' The goal of the market was to increase footfall. (Image: Cameron Reardon) The farmers market included local butchers, candles & homeware, fresh produce and artisan goods. The market happened on a Bank Holiday weekend. (Image: Cameron Reardon) The event benefitted businesses in the area. (Image: Cameron Reardon) Ammanford Farmers Market posted on Facebook: 'Wow. What a phenomenal day for Ammanford's very first Farmers Market. I am honestly blown away by the turnout - hundreds of local people showed up today and I am beyond humbled and thankful for every single one of you. "The support from the community has been overwhelming and it's so clear Ammanford really needed something like this. "A massive thank you to the amazing Ammanford Arcade family - putting the gazebo this morning was an absolute laugh, but we got there in the end. Your support in the run-up today has been incredible and so appreciated. "And of course, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to James and the wonderful Katie, my absolute superstars. The Secret PlantHouse simply wouldn't be the business it is today without your phenomenal support – thank you from the bottom of my heart." Locals filled the arcade. (Image: Cameron Reardon) Cameron, from the Secret Planthouse, previously stated how the goal was to bring more life to Ammanford, especially in the area next to the arcade. The Secret PlantHouse organised the event. (Image: Cameron Reardon) Cameron made an appearance at the market. (Image: Cameron Reardon) The market was a huge success. (Image: Cameron Reardon) Besides, bringing attention to the iconic part of town that newer residents may not have visited and to boost tourism. Cameron even revealed how a local business was meant to go to another farmers market but decided to stay in Ammanford once they found out the event was taking place.
