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Minister’s warning on steroid abuse

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Rebecca Evans: ‘The use of IPEDs is not just a problem in sport – it is a wider societal issue’

REBECCA EVANS, Minister for Social Services and Public Health, has spoken out about a culture of image and performance enhancing drug (IPED) misuse that is threatening to damage the health of a generation.

Addressing a symposium at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, which brought together key partners committed to tackling the issue, Rebecca Evans said IPED-use is a growing problem – particularly in areas of South Wales.

Many IPED users are young men seeking to enhance their body image, or to improve their performance while participating in sport.

Research in Wales shows that of those accessing programmes for sterile injecting equipment for IPED use, 36% reported having started using IPEDs within the past three years – indicating an increase in usage.

There are significant harms associated with such use, including heart disease and liver damage, as well as those related to mental health, including increased aggression and depression. There is also the risk of infection from injecting drugs.

Speaking ahead of the symposium, Rebecca Evans said: “ The use of IPEDs is not just a problem in sport – it is a wider societal issue. There are a worrying number of young people, especially men, purchasing and taking illicit substances for image reasons and some then participating in community sport.

“We must reverse this culture of IPED use if we are to protect a generation of young people from the serious side effects they can cause.

“That is why I am pleased so many key partners are attending today’s symposium. Working in strong partnership with third sector, health, local government and sporting agencies, we can build on the good work already underway and tackle this issue head on.”

Public Health Wales has carried out significant work to address the problem of IPEDs, including the development of the IPED website to provide information and harm reduction advice for those using or considering the use of IPEDs.

Josie Smith, Head of Substance Misuse for Public Health Wales, said: “Over the past 20 years, we have become aware of increasing numbers of people using IPEDs across a wide demographic. Changing culture and increasing emphasis on male physique, as well as availability of anabolic steroids, growth hormone and new peptides have led to substantial increases both in use but also potentially in perceived pressure to use these drugs.

“It is vital that we ensure three things: that people are well informed and can access accurate information; that no one feels pressure to use IPEDs in order to look a certain way or improve performance; and that anyone using or considering IPED use is able to access and engage with health and other services to address concerns and make informed choices.”

Sport Wales is taking a zero-tolerance approach to IPED misuse in sport. Brian Davies, Director of Elite Sport at Sport Wales, commented: “These are key issues for us because at the heart of sport is fair competition, where people know their responsibilities and compete clean from performance enhancing drugs.

“Education, targeted testing and sporting bans are all tools that have been used to ensure the integrity of sport.

“But it is important that we understand the challenges being faced in our communities and the pressures of modern society, and we can only do this in partnership.

“Now we can make another step forward and amplify the need for people across Wales to be aware of these issues.”

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) is the UK’s national anti-doping organisation working across over 50 Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and professional sports to deter and detect doping in sport. Nicole Sapstead, UKAD Chief Executive, said:

“UKAD continues to be concerned about the number of young people who are turning to steroids for performance or cosmetic enhancement.

“Not only is it a serious issue for sport but it is becoming a serious issue for our society and a generation of young people.

“Today’s symposium is a critical part in combatting IPED use in Wales and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate and discuss the issue with a number of partners in Wales.

“This is a positive step forward in combatting this worrying trend as the use of IPEDs does not fall to one particular agency or organisation to solve. We all play our part in safeguarding the health of our young people.”

 

Sport

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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