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Ceredigion set to host thrilling clash of rally titans

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THE picturesque roads of Ceredigion are set to reverberate with the roar of engines this weekend as the British Rally Championship (BRC) goes head-to-head with the European Rally Championship (ERC) at the highly anticipated Rali Ceredigion. With two points-scoring opportunities up for grabs, this event promises to be a pivotal moment in the battle for the championship title.

The 2024 edition of Rali Ceredigion, which runs from 30th August to 1st September, marks a historic occasion as the ERC makes its long-awaited return to British soil. The Aberystwyth-based rally, now in its third consecutive year on the BRC calendar, will see the UK’s best drivers face off against some of the world’s top rally crews. Over 140 competitors from 14 different countries will tackle the challenging Welsh moorland roads, covering an intense 183km of special stages.

 Ingram is just one point behind the lead

At the top of the BRC standings, a fierce battle is brewing. William Creighton, the 2021 Junior BRC champion and 2023 Junior World Rally champion, currently leads the BRC1 standings by a single point. Driving a Pirelli-shod Ford Fiesta Rally2 with co-driver Liam Regan, Creighton will be looking to redeem himself after a challenging run in Scotland, where luck wasn’t on his side.

Hot on Creighton’s heels is Chris Ingram, who, after a stellar performance at the Voyonic Grampian Forest Rally, is just one point behind. Ingram, piloting a Michelin-clad Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 alongside co-driver Alex Kihurani, secured his second top score of the season in Scotland, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in Ceredigion.

But the fight for the top spot is far from a two-horse race. Osian Pryce, a two-time winner of the Ceredigion rally, returns to the fray in his Fiesta Rally2, aiming to leverage his local knowledge and experience on these roads. However, with the route significantly reworked and the added challenge of Europe’s finest rally teams, Pryce will have his work cut out to make it three wins in a row.

Adding to the excitement, four-time BRC champion Keith Cronin enters the weekend fresh from an Irish championship win in Ulster. Cronin, who sits third in the standings, has also tasted success in Ceredigion, although his last outing ended in disappointment with a non-finish. Teaming up with co-driver Mikie Galvin, Cronin will be playing his Joker during the first points-scoring opportunity, adding an extra layer of strategy to his weekend.

The event also sees the return of three-time British Rally Champion Matt Edwards. The Welshman, who has been a dominant force in the Irish series this year, will be driving a Ford Fiesta Rally2 with co-driver David Moynihan. Edwards’ return to the BRC has generated significant buzz, and he is expected to challenge the regulars for a top spot on the leaderboard.

The Junior BRC category could see its champion crowned this weekend. Robert Proudlock, driving a Peugeot 208 Rally4, has enjoyed a strong season with two gravel wins under his belt. A top score in Ceredigion could see him clinch the title with a round to spare. However, he will face stiff competition from the likes of Ryan MacHugh, Kyle McBride, and Keelan Grogan, all of whom are eager to keep their title hopes alive.

The Junior BRC field is further bolstered by the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup, adding even more depth to an already competitive line-up. Local favourite Ioan Lloyd, who took Junior victory in Ceredigion last year, is tipped as a pre-event favourite. Driving a Peugeot 208 Rally4, Lloyd will be aiming for both BRC and ERC glory on his home stages.

Running alongside the International event, the National Rally Title and Open Rally Title categories promise their own share of drama. Callum Black, driving a Fiesta Rally2, heads the charge in the Open Rally Title, while BRC1 ace Neil Roskell will be looking to score Open points in his Fiesta Rally2. Both drivers will need to watch out for local hero Kevin Davies, who will be in hot pursuit in his Volkswagen Polo.

In the National Rally Title category, William Mains leads the standings in his Vauxhall Nova. Mains, who is competing on his home rally, will face tough competition from double winner Darren Atkinson in his Escort. The category also features a strong line-up of challengers, including Wayne Jones in a Darrian and Nathan Evans in a Clio.

The action kicks off on Friday, August 30, with Free Practice and Qualifying for the International crews, followed by a ceremonial start in Aberystwyth. The popular Aberystwyth Street Stage will see a double run on Friday night, setting the scene for a weekend of high-octane competition.

Saturday’s itinerary features eight stages, covering 124km of challenging terrain. Sunday’s action-packed schedule includes four stages and an additional 57km, culminating in a ceremonial finish in Aberystwyth from around 3pm.

Rally enthusiasts can catch all the BRC action from Rali Ceredigion, which will be broadcast on ITV4, ITV4+1, and ITVX on Wednesday, 11th September at 8pm. For live updates and the latest news, fans are encouraged to visit the British Rally Championship’s official website and follow the BRC on social media using the hashtag #BRCRally.

As the countdown to Rali Ceredigion continues, the excitement is palpable. With championship points, national pride, and international glory on the line, this weekend’s rally promises to be a defining moment in the 2024 British Rally Championship.

 

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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