Sport
Popularity of swimming on the rise

Craig Nelson and Sam Jones: Pictured at the Welsh Easter Nationals in Swansea
ONE of the most popular sports in Pembrokeshire at present is swimming, where there are over 425 young swimmers training in and competing for local clubs.
These Clubs come under the umbrella of Pembrokeshire County Swimming (PCS) which is a Swim Wales Performance Club, based in Haverfordwest Leisure Centre.
PCS in conjunction with Pembrokeshire County Council offers professional coaching under Head Coach Craig Nelson [who leads and coordinates the PCS county squads programme] and Assistant Coach Sam Jones, who takes a lead with the younger PCS county squads.
The Herald are delighted to feature the sport of swimming further and have been discussing many aspects of the bespoke swimming programme in the County with Sam Jones.
He said: “Competitive swimming in Pembrokeshire is one of the best supported sports in this county highlighted by the fact it is able to provide two full-time professional coaches working with closely with all development clubs and county standard swimmers.”
Jones was enthusiastic in outlining the objective: “The objective is to produce ‘the County’s very own Olympian of the future. With the support of Pembrokeshire County Council our programme offers our best young talent the potential to reach their dream.”
Nelson and Jones have vast experience in performance swimming and both swam to a high standard in their individual focused events, when swimming at the National Performance Centre, Swansea. Between them, the coaching team’s experience from their own participation provides a Commonwealth medal, Youth Commonwealth finalist, three British National medals and several National qualifying entries, which is a fine CV for any coaching team.
Jones is fully focussed now on supporting the pathway for swimmers in the development programme, all of whom are dual registered with their host club.
Pembrokeshire has five development clubs swimming out of the main leisure centres in the county (Tenby Dolphins, Pembroke & District, Haverfordwest Seals, Milford Haven Tigers and Fishguard Flyers) whilst Preseli Panthers, an associate member at present are in the process of acquiring full membership.
“These development clubs are the link from the Pembrokeshire County Council Learn to Swim sessions, into one of the five PCS squads, ” Jones explained. “The Junior Academy Squad offers swimmers showing potential at nine years old in their Development clubs, to regular skill camps, focusing primarily on techniques dives and turns, key elements for progressing further in the sport.”
The Senior Academy Squad, made up mainly of children 12 years of age, train once a week with the Performance swimmers, in conjunction with their Development Club hours whilst the Junior National Squad develop their training alongside Performance swimmers by a further six hours.
The National Performance Squad offers 11 to 15-year-old young people a full time training programme, exclusively with county coaches for up to seven sessions a week.
The National Performance Squad is the pinnacle of the County squad pyramid structure, where 11 to 18 year old swimmers can access over 16 hours of water based sessions, alongside weekly strength and conditioning workshops and three hours of land based training.
Sam said: “This offers swimmers the opportunity to meet the stringent British and International qualifying times, where the youngsters commitment and dedication is immense.
“The rewards for such effort is worthwhile if the swimmers get to represent their country or swim in the British finals held at Ponds Forge, Sheffield.”
Next week the Herald will be highlighting Sam’s coaching diary as he set up the final stages of the training programme for individual swimmers, in preparation for the Swansea Open Meet being held this weekend at the National Pool.
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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