Sport
Bluebirds wear Undy down
Haverfordwest County 2
Undy Athletic AFC 1
A WIN by a penalty and an own-goal in the last ten minutes doesn’t sound too spectacular, but the Bluebirds on balance deserved the win after a game which saw many mistakes but a great deal of effort and craft.
Conditions were tricky with a hard surface and gusty wind making control difficult. But the Bluebirds left the ball-over-the-top style they have tended to use lately and went for more of a close-passing game which was often quite exhilarating in the build-up but which could not crack the Undy defence until the 80th minute.
Undy by contrast played a quicker, more direct game and threatened on several occasions, but were often let down by some poor finishing.
With Greg Walters and Lee Hudgell industrious in midfield, the Blues built up several attacks in the first half, but Rhys Dalling and Steffan Williams were finding it a little harder than usual to get round two stubborn Undy full backs, and Hudgell, who is capable of splitting a defence wide open with a single unexpected pass, did not quite have luck on his side, as the ball bobbled and turned.
After Kieran O’Brien had taken a nasty knock and the Blues’ side was re-shuffled, Ricky Watts added more fire-power to the midfield but although the Blues had sixty per cent of the play, it was Undy who came nearer to scoring when James Gwilt saved superbly from Ben Lawrence and then spurned a cross from Gareth Cuckmore.
On the stroke of half-time Sean Pemberton conceded a yellow card and a free kick on the edge of the area but Dan Morgan blasted his shot over.
The second half started with the same contrast in styles. Undy’s Chris Parry blazed over wildly, and an exquisite five-man Bluebirds’ move saw keeper James Smallcombe do extremely well to turn a Dalling shot on to the post.
Pemberton headed over from a Hudgell corner and the Blues were exerting some pressure but Undy still looked dangerous on the break.
The danger materialized in the 70th minute when a free kick from the touchline was powerfully headed in by sub Ben Roberts.
The Blues rallied and Smallcombe brought off another stunning save to turn over a stinging shot from Kristian Speake.
A minute later, in the 82nd minute, a rash trip in the penalty area gave the Blues a spot kick and Steff Williams hammered it into the top corner.
The winner came three minutes later after a spirited run by Steffan Davies who forced his way into the area and set up a scramble which saw Dalling’s final flick deflecting in off a defender. The Blues finish the season in fourth place.
Sport
Pembrokeshire cricket results and tables – Week 5
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.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Neyland v Burton | Neyland (152-7) beat Burton (151 all out) by 3 wickets |
| Narberth v Carew | Carew (163 all out) beat Narberth (119 all out) by 44 runs |
| Herbrandston v Cresselly | Cresselly (205 all out) beat Herbrandston (60 all out) by 145 runs |
| Whitland v Saundersfoot | Saundersfoot (265-8) beat Whitland (179 all out) by 86 runs |
| Lawrenny v St Ishmaels | St 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
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carew | 5 | 79 |
| 2 | Saundersfoot | 5 | 70 |
| 3 | Neyland | 5 | 65 |
| 4 | Cresselly | 5 | 51 |
| 5 | St Ishmaels | 5 | 40 |
| 6 | Herbrandston | 5 | 39 |
| 7 | Burton | 5 | 39 |
| 8 | Narberth | 5 | 34 |
| 9 | Whitland | 5 | 32 |
| 10 | Lawrenny | 5 | 23 |
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Llechryd v Hook | Hook (140-9) beat Llechryd (136-7) by 1 wicket |
| Haverfordwest v Johnston | Johnston (114-6) beat Haverfordwest (113-8) by 4 wickets |
| Fishguard v Llangwm | Fishguard (158-8) beat Llangwm (157-8) by 2 wickets |
| Cresselly II v Pembroke | Pembroke (235-7) beat Cresselly II (130 all out) by 105 runs |
| Llanrhian v Pembroke Dock | Pembroke 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
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnston | 5 | 78 |
| 2 | Pembroke | 5 | 71 |
| 3 | Haverfordwest | 5 | 67 |
| 4 | Cresselly II | 5 | 64 |
| 5 | Hook | 5 | 62 |
| 6 | Pembroke Dock | 5 | 52 |
| 7 | Fishguard | 5 | 42 |
| 8 | Llanrhian | 5 | 37 |
| 9 | Llangwm | 5 | 30 |
| 10 | Llechryd | 5 | 30 |
</details> <details> <summary><strong>Division 3 results</strong></summary>
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Pembroke II v Haverfordwest II | Pembroke II (179-4) beat Haverfordwest II (178-5) by 6 wickets |
| Burton II v Hundleton | Burton II (121 all out) beat Hundleton (113 all out) by 8 runs |
| Carew II v Kilgetty | Kilgetty (178-2) beat Carew II (174-5) by 8 wickets |
| Lamphey v Laugharne | Laugharne (259-5) beat Lamphey (190 all out) by 69 runs |
| Saundersfoot II v Stackpole | Saundersfoot II (143-4) beat Stackpole (142-6) by 6 wickets |
Division 3 table
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kilgetty | 5 | 78 |
| 2 | Laugharne | 5 | 66 |
| 3 | Carew II | 5 | 62 |
| 4 | Lamphey | 5 | 54 |
| 5 | Saundersfoot II | 5 | 53 |
| 6 | Hundleton | 5 | 52 |
| 7 | Burton II | 4 | 52 |
| 8 | Pembroke II | 5 | 37 |
| 9 | Haverfordwest II | 5 | 30 |
| 10 | Stackpole | 4 | 20 |
</details> <details> <summary><strong>Division 4 results</strong></summary>
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Haverfordwest III v Herbrandston II | Herbrandston II (99 all out) beat Haverfordwest III (65 all out) by 34 runs |
| Hook II v Lawrenny II | Lawrenny II (148-7) beat Hook II (136-7) by 12 runs |
| Crymych v Llechryd II | Crymych (253-5) beat Llechryd II (131-7) by 122 runs |
| Carew III v Narberth II | Narberth II (77-1) beat Carew III (76 all out) by 9 wickets |
| St Ishmaels II v Neyland II | St Ishmaels II (166-8) beat Neyland II (139 all out) by 27 runs |
Division 4 table
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Narberth II | 5 | 87 |
| 2 | Lawrenny II | 5 | 74 |
| 3 | Hook II | 5 | 65 |
| 4 | Crymych | 5 | 60 |
| 5 | St Ishmaels II | 5 | 55 |
</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:
- Cresselly III – 86 pts
- Whitland II – 72 pts
- 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:
- Whitland III – 71 pts
- Lamphey II – 56 pts
- Neyland III – 55 pts
Sport
Three days of world-class motorsport set to return to Mid Wales this September
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).
Sport
Vikings make history with cup final win
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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