Sport
Kilgetty golfers brave gale force winds
AT LAST, what has long been suspected but never proven has finally been confirmed by Kilgetty Golf Society – Golfers are insane!
Eighteen madmen led out by Steve Jones attempted to play the links course at Ashburnham in atrocious conditions. Nearby Pembrey recorded gusts of wind reaching 68mph. That’s Gale Force 11 for goodness sake. On top of that there were freezing hail showers, albeit the later starters missed those, as they were cowering in the clubhouse.
Despite these pulverising forces of nature, none of our hardy compatriots left the course, other than when they or their trolleys were blown away, not that you could recognise who was in trouble wrapped up as they were against the elements.
Unsurprisingly, scores were dismal with only two players heroically reaching the 30 mark. Among the soon to be sectioned were Martin Davies whose comments on the weather would have filled a book, and Peter Hughes who spent most of his time picking up his blown-over trolley. Their scores are not worth reporting. Ditto – Trevor Lewis, Barry Neale, Jack Zeraschi, Simon Millett, Rob Nixon, Ian Gregson, Steve Jones, Keith Leverton, and Roger Handcock.
More impressive were the mid 20’s scores of Darrell Willington, John Richards, Steve Rigby and Wynne Richards. However, rising above the storm with their heads held high were Dave Green in third place with 27 points, Graham Longster with 30 points, and a magnificent winning score of 31 points from Colin Davies. Well-done Colin. Come back next month for the Glenmorangie.
After an excellent meal the prizes were awarded including Nearest the Pin which went to Graham who obviously benefited from his warm weather golfing in Portugal, while Longest Drive went to Roger, although this has been expunged from the record books due to the following wind. The 20 and over handicap prize was nicked off John by Wynne with a better back 9. Unbeknown to Rob another 2 points would have seen him clear of the Wooden Spoon territory. Ironically the Spoon was pre-inscribed with “Ignore the wind and rain” – our tame wood-turner John James must also be a soothsayer! Finally the team prize went to Colin, Jack, and Darrell.
Despite the day’s tribulations we ended the day with good humour and bonhomie. The next meeting will he held on the Wednesday April 13 at The Grove Golf Club, South Cornelly, near Porthcawl. We hope to see you there. New members welcome. Please see www.kilgettygolf.co.uk for more information.
News
Welsh rally star eyeing second British championship success
OSAIN PRYCE is eyeing his second British Rally Championship (BRC) title after a recording a superb victory in the Severn Valley Stages.
The Welsh star and co-driver Rhodri Evans finished 20 seconds ahead of Irish driver William Creighton, with championship leader Chris Ingram claiming third place.
The result left Pryce 15 points adrift of Ingram after two rounds and boosted his chances of adding to his 2022 British title success.
Pryce was excellent in his Ford Fiesta Rally2, wowing the sizeable crowds who lined iconic stages such as Hafren Sweet Lamb and Myherin.
The Welshman established an early lead over Ingram before withstanding a charge by Creighton to claim his first BRC victory since Rally Yorkshire in 2022.
“It’s a big relief – I’m so happy to get the win,” Pryce said. “We had a dodgy couple of stages at the end, and to be honest, it was so slippy, but I drove at a pace where I was comfortable.
“I did lose some time, which in the end wasn’t too bad, but we certainly had some hairy moments just trying to keep it on the road. Credit to everyone who’s got me here. Top job from Rhodri too – that’s his first-ever win!
While Ingram currently leads the standings by four points from Creighton, the Irishman could be the biggest threat to Pryce’s title hopes.
He is still getting to grips with his new Ford Fiesta Rally2 car, but has recorded back-to-back second place finishes to force his way into contention.
Bettors in Creighton’s homeland have backed their compatriot to emerge victorious this season, forcing bookmakers to cut his odds to win the title.
Several of the best Irish betting sites also make him the favourite to win the upcoming Jim Clark Rally in Scotland later this month.
However, Pryce will fancy his chances of claiming another victory as he strives to follow up his impressive 2022 British title success.
The Welshman won four of the seven events that season to clinch top spot by an emphatic 19-point margin from Keith Cronin.
With two of the final four rallies of the season set to be staged in Wales, Pryce could be a good bet to upset the odds over the next few months.
He has previously won Rali Ceredigion and the Cambrian Rally, which should give him the confidence he needs to secure another British title.
Sport
Winners and losers from the 23/24 season
With all but a couple of the fixtures having been completed for this season. We take a look at the promotions and relegations throughout the divisions.
Division One –
Champions – Goodwick United, uneaten in the league all season and champions by a huge 17 point margin to second placed Hakin. An outstanding league campaign for O’Sullivan’s men.
Relegated – Neyland & Fishguard Sports
Division 2
Champions – Monkton Swifts Reserves. Having only lost two games all season Monkton dominated the division winning the league by a huge 14 point margin. Being a reserve team they can’t be promoted as their first team are in the first division.
Promoted – St Ishmaels & Herbrandston. Swifts winning the league meant second and third place would be promoted to the first division and Tish and Herbie took full advantage and have returned to Pembrokeshire’s top flight.
Relegated – St Clears & Cosheston
Division 3
Champions – Lawrenny, a much tighter title chase in the third division between Solva and Lawrenny. However it was the former who secured the title by three points and will be looking forward to the second division next season.
Promoted – Solva, only three points behind the champions and definitely deserving of their promotion.
Relegated – Letterston & Pennar Robins II
Division 4
Champions – Camrose Reserves who came out on top of a thrilling chase for the title.
Promoted – Tenby Reserves who push Camrose really hard in the title challenge. They fell three points short of becoming champions, however they held off local rivals New Hedges Saundersfoot in the promotion race who ended two points behind them.
Relegated – Milford Athletic & Carew III
Division 5
Champions – Hundleton. The return of Hundleton couldn’t have gone much better they have won the league and with a staggering goal difference of plus 98.
Promoted – Johnston Reserves.
Sport
Cricket season to begin… finally
The cricket season is set to begin this coming Saturday after a delay due to bad weather. The first two rounds of fixtures have been re arranged due to an extremely wet March and April. This coming Saturday should have been match week three, however it is the first game of the season.
We eagerly await the season and what promises to be exciting league and cup campaigns across the county. Neyland are definitely the team to beat after their excellent season last time out. Newly promoted Haverfordwest and Whitland will be wanting to cement their places back in the top division of the county.
Whilst the second division looks set to be the most competitive for years. Pembroke and Lamphey are the two new comers to the league and will definitely be more competitive than last seasons relegated teams. Johnston will be aiming to avoid a relegation battle this season under new captain Chris Fitzpatrick.
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