Sport

Welsh Classic Motocross Team triumph in France

Published

2 years ago

August 26, 2024

IN a historic and hard-fought victory, the Welsh Classic Motocross team has emerged triumphant at the prestigious Motocross International des Nations Classique. This three-day event, held on the revered ex-Grand Prix circuit in Ahun, France, saw a formidable Welsh contingent of 25 riders take on 16 other teams from 14 nations, ultimately claiming first place and etching their name into the annals of motocross history.

The vision for this victory was born in the mind of Sean Smith, the team manager from Pembroke. What began as an ambitious dream—creating an unbiased and diverse Welsh team to compete on the international stage—soon became a reality. Initially expecting to field a modest team of five riders, the plan quickly expanded as interest surged among Welsh riders. By the time they set off for France, the team had grown to an impressive 25 riders, backed by 24 dedicated sponsors, including the lead sponsor, Mitsui Components Europe Ltd.

The journey to central France was not just a physical one; it was a test of endurance and determination. Upon arrival on 16 August, the team faced a rigorous day of technical inspections and administrative formalities. The highlight of the day, however, was a team track walk, where the riders first laid eyes on the circuit prepared by Club AMC Ahun. The track, daunting and formidable, presented a significant challenge. However, the team’s spirits remained unshaken. Practical solutions were devised during team discussions, laying the groundwork for what would become a memorable competition.

Race day on 17 August began with timed practice laps and qualifications across nine race classes, each defined by the age category of the classic bikes. From the outset, it was clear that Team Wales had arrived with intent. The Welsh riders clocked some of the fastest times of the day, with the team securing the top three track times in the process. The atmosphere was electric, fuelled by the passionate support of Welsh fans who had made the journey to cheer on their compatriots.

However, the day was not without its setbacks. The team suffered 14 Did Not Finishes (DNFs) due to technical issues and a serious crash involving Bridgend’s Andrew Gillett. Gillett, who had dominated his qualifying lap with a time 16 seconds faster than his closest competitor, was forced out of the competition after being taken down by another rider. Despite this, Team Wales ended the day in a strong second place.

The afternoon brought a much-needed respite with the Parade of Nations, where each country proudly displayed its colours. The sight of the Welsh team, united and proud, was a moment of immense pride for all involved.

The final day of competition on 18 August was nothing short of spectacular. One of the standout moments was a thrilling battle between Ammanford’s Carl Jones and France’s multiple Le Touquet race winner, Rudy Vergriette. The nail-biting, wheel-to-wheel duel drew comparisons to legendary races of the 1990s, showcasing the very best of classic motocross.

Class Highlights

Pre 65-70: Kevin Pettit (Treorchy) overcame initial nerves to finish fifth in his class, while Rob Morgan (Slebech) achieved a lifetime-best seventh place. Barrie Townend (Baschurch), riding the oldest machine in the competition, finished eighth.
1971-1975: Llanelli’s Dan Evans, a multiple pre-74 Classic champion, secured victory in his class and emerged as Team Wales’ top points scorer.
1976-1979: Tom Herring (Glynneath), despite mechanical issues, piloted ‘The Tank’ to sixth place, contributing significantly to the team’s points tally.
1980-83 Group A: Nigel Davies (Carmarthen) and Dylan Davies (Newcastle Emlyn) both delivered determined performances, finishing eighth and 13th, respectively.
1984-89 Group A: Carmarthen’s Mckaulee Malin, known as ‘Macka last lap’ Malin, was the team’s secret weapon, finishing first in his class and second in overall team points. Carl Jones (Ammanford) dazzled spectators with his thrilling rides, despite mechanical issues that kept him from the podium.
1990-95: Kip Herring (Glynneath), returning from retirement, claimed third place overall in his class, while Stephen Redfern (Llanelli) was lauded as the Team Wales Rider of the Event, finishing fourth overall.
1996-99: Carl Jones (Ammanford) once again displayed his prowess, finishing seventh despite mechanical challenges, while Neil Thomas (Swansea) pushed through to a top-six finish in his class.

The Welsh spirit was not confined to the track. In the team’s hospitality tent, Welsh products like Penderyn Whiskey, Cinnamon Grove Distillery’s offerings, Welsh cakes, and Bara Brith were shared with competitors and supporters alike, fostering a sense of camaraderie that transcended national boundaries.

As the final results were read out in reverse order at the end of the second day of racing, tension filled the air. When Wales was announced as the winners, the team erupted in cheers and tears of joy. The Welsh riders ascended the podium amidst great celebrations, with champagne flowing and an evening of camaraderie following.

Sean Smith, the mastermind behind Team Wales, expressed his heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this momentous achievement. Special thanks were extended to Georgina Davies for her administrative and social media work, Sue Jones for her invaluable support as the team’s makeshift medic, and the numerous sponsors, riders, fans, and organisers who made this victory possible.

As the team looks ahead to defending their title in 2025, the victory in France will stand as a testament to the resilience, skill, and unbreakable spirit of Welsh motocross.

Final Standings:

Wales – 277 Points
Showtime – 261 Points
Italy – 226 Points
France – 225 Points
Lorraine – 209 Points
…
USA – 20 Points
Brittany – 10 Points

For the Welsh team, this victory is more than just a win; it’s a celebration of the sport, the community, and the nation they proudly represent.

Sport

Pembrokeshire cricket results and tables – Week 5

Published

1 day ago

May 24, 2026

Herald Sport

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>Division 3 results</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>Division 4 results</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>Division 5 & 6 results</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

Published

4 days ago

May 21, 2026

Herald Sport

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

Published

4 days ago

May 21, 2026

Herald Sport

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.