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County relegated after 4th straight loss

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Dafabet Welsh Premier League

Aberystwyth Town 3

Haverfordwest County 1

Aber’s Chris Venables: Pressured by Bluebirds Nicky Palmer

Aber’s Chris Venables: Pressured by Bluebirds Nicky Palmer

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY were relegated on Friday (Apr 8) as they returned from their trip to Aberystwyth Town with a fourth straight defeat, meaning they have only picked up two points since the league split in January.

Their only hope of remaining in the league now stands with the potential relegation of Port Talbot, who have failed to obtain a license for next season, or with clubs in the promotion places from the divisions below also failing to obtain a license.

Man of the Match Craig Williams opened the scoring for Aber on 10 minutes, only for Luke Borelli to level the scores six minutes later.

The Black and Greens improved after the break and Williams created the chance for Chris Venables to lob a second on the hour, before sending in a corner, which Rhys Griffiths headed goal bound, for Sean Pemberton to complete the scoring with a headed own goal on 71 minutes.

On a drizzly night a pre match Club Photo ensured a decent turnout of 404, and a lively Friday night atmosphere at Park Avenue. Visitors Haverfordwest created the first chance when Borelli’s ball in from the left fell for stand in centre forward Sean Pemberton, but he could only tap it back to Mike Lewis in Aber’s goal.

Another Borelli cross was gathered by Lewis, but then came the first moment of real quality when Geoff Kellaway picked out Craig Williams out on the left, and the Taff’s Well Touchline Terror hit a sumptuous lob first time over Craig Morris’ head to open the scoring: a brilliant strike. Chris Venables tried another lob minutes later, but then the visitors equalised when the impressive Greg Walters managed to pick out Borelli at the back stick, and he tapped home. Pemberton headed wide again, Kellaway had a flick saved as did Borelli, and then Ross Stephens picked out Venables at the back post, but he headed inches wide, and a generally disappointing first half ended 1-1.

The second half started with the visitors creating most of the chances, with Pemberton having a low shot saved, and heading wide, but then on the hour the game turned when Williams cut inside from the left after a positive run and his low shot brought a save from Morris which spooned the ball into the air, and Venables managed to hook the ball over the goalkeeper to score with an instinctive lob which brought his season tally to 17, back on top of the Golden Boot List.

With the Dias Stand dancing, Rhys Griffiths released Kellaway through with a deft touch, and his shot was parried inches wide by Morris, but then the killer third came when Williams’ corner from the left was perfect for Griffiths to direct a strong header goal bound, which deflected in off the unfortunate Pemberton’s head.

Aber still had some defending to do, with Stephens, Lee Surman and Antonio Corbisiero making crucial blocks to defend their lead. Walters curled an effort wide, and then late on sub Liam Jaques set up Williams for another blocked effort, and the game ended at 3-1: a testament to Wyn Thomas and his Players’ desire to get a result when it really mattered.

This precious victory keeps Aber right in the running for the UEFA Europa League Play Offs, and with seventeen points garnered from their eight post split game to date, the Black and Greens can confidently look forward to another important clash at Carmarthen Town next Saturday afternoon.

For County it is a huge match against fellow relegated side Rhyl, as a victory would move them level on points, with the hope of leap-frogging their opponents on the final day of the season and giving them a slim hope of survival by bureaucratic means.

 

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Pembrokeshire cricket results and tables – Week 5

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Week 5 of the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League delivered some emphatic wins, standout individual performances and movement at the top of several divisions as clubs battled for early-season momentum.

MatchResult
Neyland v BurtonNeyland (152-7) beat Burton (151 all out) by 3 wickets
Narberth v CarewCarew (163 all out) beat Narberth (119 all out) by 44 runs
Herbrandston v CressellyCresselly (205 all out) beat Herbrandston (60 all out) by 145 runs
Whitland v SaundersfootSaundersfoot (265-8) beat Whitland (179 all out) by 86 runs
Lawrenny v St IshmaelsSt Ishmaels (148-9) beat Lawrenny (144 all out) by 1 wicket

Top performers:

  • Jon Mansbridge (Saundersfoot) – 120
  • Ethan Hall (Carew) – 60
  • Charlie Arthur (Cresselly) – 6-19
  • Alan Webster (Neyland) – 30 & 4-20

Division 1 table

PosTeamPPts
1Carew579
2Saundersfoot570
3Neyland565
4Cresselly551
5St Ishmaels540
6Herbrandston539
7Burton539
8Narberth534
9Whitland532
10Lawrenny523

MatchResult
Llechryd v HookHook (140-9) beat Llechryd (136-7) by 1 wicket
Haverfordwest v JohnstonJohnston (114-6) beat Haverfordwest (113-8) by 4 wickets
Fishguard v LlangwmFishguard (158-8) beat Llangwm (157-8) by 2 wickets
Cresselly II v PembrokePembroke (235-7) beat Cresselly II (130 all out) by 105 runs
Llanrhian v Pembroke DockPembroke Dock (104 all out) beat Llanrhian (92 all out) by 12 runs

Top performers:

  • Jack Harries (Pembroke) – 102
  • Steve Mills (Johnston) – 59* & 4-8
  • Jack Jones (Llanrhian) – 66*

Division 2 table

PosTeamPPts
1Johnston578
2Pembroke571
3Haverfordwest567
4Cresselly II564
5Hook562
6Pembroke Dock552
7Fishguard542
8Llanrhian537
9Llangwm530
10Llechryd530

</details> <details> <summary><strong>Division 3 results</strong></summary>

MatchResult
Pembroke II v Haverfordwest IIPembroke II (179-4) beat Haverfordwest II (178-5) by 6 wickets
Burton II v HundletonBurton II (121 all out) beat Hundleton (113 all out) by 8 runs
Carew II v KilgettyKilgetty (178-2) beat Carew II (174-5) by 8 wickets
Lamphey v LaugharneLaugharne (259-5) beat Lamphey (190 all out) by 69 runs
Saundersfoot II v StackpoleSaundersfoot II (143-4) beat Stackpole (142-6) by 6 wickets

Division 3 table

PosTeamPPts
1Kilgetty578
2Laugharne566
3Carew II562
4Lamphey554
5Saundersfoot II553
6Hundleton552
7Burton II452
8Pembroke II537
9Haverfordwest II530
10Stackpole420

</details> <details> <summary><strong>Division 4 results</strong></summary>

MatchResult
Haverfordwest III v Herbrandston IIHerbrandston II (99 all out) beat Haverfordwest III (65 all out) by 34 runs
Hook II v Lawrenny IILawrenny II (148-7) beat Hook II (136-7) by 12 runs
Crymych v Llechryd IICrymych (253-5) beat Llechryd II (131-7) by 122 runs
Carew III v Narberth IINarberth II (77-1) beat Carew III (76 all out) by 9 wickets
St Ishmaels II v Neyland IISt Ishmaels II (166-8) beat Neyland II (139 all out) by 27 runs

Division 4 table

PosTeamPPts
1Narberth II587
2Lawrenny II574
3Hook II565
4Crymych560
5St Ishmaels II555

</details> <details> <summary><strong>Division 5 & 6 results</strong></summary>

Division 5

  • Cresselly III beat Hundleton II by 81 runs
  • Llangwm II beat Llanrhian II by 9 wickets
  • Whitland II beat Pembroke Dock II by 85 runs

Division 5 leaders:

  1. Cresselly III – 86 pts
  2. Whitland II – 72 pts
  3. Llanrhian II – 67 pts

Division 6

  • Neyland III beat H’West/Cresselly by 9 wickets
  • Haverfordwest IV beat Kilgetty II by 8 wickets
  • Laugharne II beat Whitland III by 143 runs

Division 6 leaders:

  1. Whitland III – 71 pts
  2. Lamphey II – 56 pts
  3. Neyland III – 55 pts

 

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Three days of world-class motorsport set to return to Mid Wales this September

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Expanded Rali Ceredigion event to bring elite rally drivers, historic cars and millions for the local economy

THE ROAR of rally engines will return to Mid Wales this autumn as the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion makes its much-anticipated comeback from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6.

Now firmly established as one of the biggest events on the UK motorsport calendar, the rally will once again bring world-class competition to the roads of Ceredigion and Powys, with drivers competing across three major championships.

The event will host rounds of the FIA European Rally Championship, the British Rally Championship and the European Historic Rally Championship, the latter making its first appearance at the Welsh event.

Organisers say the addition of historic rally cars will add a new attraction for spectators, with iconic vehicles from previous generations expected to take part alongside today’s top competitors.

Expanded programme planned

Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 event will begin with a ceremonial start and rally showcase on Aberystwyth promenade on Thursday evening (Sept 3), before competitive stages get underway across Mid Wales throughout the weekend.

The rally has grown into a major tourism and economic boost for the region, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and putting local communities, businesses and landscapes in front of an international audience.

Figures from last year’s event showed a total economic impact of £11.6 million, including an estimated £5.59 million in direct spending, with businesses across the region reporting increased visitor numbers, overnight stays and higher spending.

Council backs return of event

The Leader of Ceredigion County Council, Cllr Bryan Davies said: “We’re proud to welcome Rali Ceredigion back to the county for 2026. The event continues to grow year on year, bringing significant benefits to our communities, local businesses and the wider economy.

“With an expanded programme and the addition of the European Historic Rally Championship, this year’s event promises to attract even more visitors to the region.

“As a council, our focus is on working closely with organisers and partners to ensure residents are well informed and that the event is delivered safely and successfully for everyone.”

Organisers are working alongside Ceredigion County Council, Powys County Council and emergency services to ensure the event is delivered safely, with details of road closures, timings and routes expected to be released in the coming months.

Historic rally cars to join line-up

Rali Ceredigion Director Charlie Jukes said organisers were excited to expand the event once again.

He said: “The addition of the European Historic Rally Championship is a fantastic development, adding even more variety and appeal for fans, with a wider range of iconic rally cars expected to take part.

“Rali Ceredigion continues to grow in scale and reputation and we’re proud to work alongside local authorities, partners and communities to deliver an event that showcases the very best of the region and generates a significant positive impact.”

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to plan ahead, with community engagement activity expected to begin before the summer.

Photo caption:

Rally return: Last year’s JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion attracted thousands of spectators and delivered a major boost to the local economy (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Vikings make history with cup final win

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HAKIN UNITED have made Pembrokeshire football history after retaining the West Wales Intermediate Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Penlan at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Ashley Bevan’s first-half goal proved decisive on Thursday evening as Scott Davies’ side became the first Pembrokeshire team to win the competition in back-to-back seasons.

It was another memorable night for the Vikings, who have now reached three finals in four years and added the cup to their league success to complete an outstanding double.

Penlan began strongly, with Kyle Hughes seeing a deflected effort drift narrowly wide before Kieran Jenkins curled a shot into the arms of Hakin goalkeeper Rory Williams.

Williams was called into action again after a defensive mistake allowed Jenkins a sight of goal, while at the other end Jack Britton was unable to generate enough power on a header inside the area.

Hakin grew into the contest, with Camron Thomas and Bevan both seeing efforts blocked following a half-cleared corner.

Williams then produced one of the key moments of the match, racing from his area to make a perfectly-timed sliding challenge as Penlan threatened to break through.

Ben Aldred went close with a rising 25-yard strike which flew over the bar, before the game became increasingly scrappy, with Britton and Jordan Kilby both booked for late challenges.

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute. Shane Walsh made ground down the left and squared the ball across the area for Bevan, who slid in to finish and give Hakin a 1-0 half-time lead.

There was a brief delay after the interval while the stadium lights were switched on, before Penlan pushed for an equaliser.

Dylyn Perkins had a shot blocked by Britton, while Bevan remained a constant threat for Hakin and later fired over after Kieran King’s cross was only partly cleared.

Hakin suffered a blow when Aldred landed awkwardly after clearing a dangerous Perkins free-kick and was forced off. Craig Nicholson came on and slotted into a solid defensive line alongside Jay Power, King and the impressive Camron Thomas.

Penlan defender Jack Jenkins was booked for bringing down Bevan from behind, while Hakin substitute Liam Parks almost added a second when he latched onto a through ball over goalkeeper Luke Davies, only to lose his footing at the vital moment.

Parks later cut the ball back for Mason Dolling, whose low effort flashed just wide.

Penlan’s hopes suffered a late setback when substitute Anthony Finselbach was shown a straight red card by referee Ben Williams for a challenge on Matthew Broome.

At the final whistle, Hakin’s players and supporters celebrated a famous victory.

The Vikings have now won the West Wales Intermediate Cup five times and sit third on the all-time winners’ list, behind West End and Ragged School, who have lifted the trophy seven times each.

Penlan: Luke Davies, Jenson Lorey, Corey Young (Jaye Tebay 89), Liam Logan (captain), Jack Jenkins, Jamie James, Kyle Hughes, Navan Green (Anthony Finselbach 76), Thomas Davies, Kieran Jenkins, Dylan Perkins (Jayden Blackmore 76).

Substitutes not used: Robert Shannon, Kian Finselbach.

Hakin United: Rory Williams, Kieran King, Camron Thomas, Ben Aldred (Craig Nicholson 70), Jay Power, Jack Britton, Cameron Brunton (Mason Dolling 59), Jordan Kilby (Mark Jones 90), Ashley Bevan (Liam Parks 74), Ryan Wilson (captain), Shane Walsh (Matthew Broome 83).

Referee: Ben Williams.

Assistants: Cilan Thomas and Nick Pryor.

Fourth official: Kevin Price.

 

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