Sport

Ingram claims British Rally Championship crown after Wales showdown

Published

3 months ago

October 27, 2024

CHRIS INGRAM and co-driver Alex Kihurani have captured the 2024 Probite British Rally Championship (BRC) title after an intense season finale at the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally on Saturday (Oct 26). In a gripping showdown, Ingram and the Castrol MEM Rally Team not only clinched the driver’s title but also secured the BRC Teams crown. Robert Proudlock and Steven Brown took the Junior BRC title, rounding off a thrilling season for the championship.

Final showdown in North Wales

Ingram, a former FIA European Rally Champion, skillfully maneuvered his Michelin-shod Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 through North Wales’ demanding stages. As the competition intensified, Ingram managed to gain a crucial lead in the afternoon, securing both the rally victory and the BRC crown. “What a relief,” an emotional Ingram said at the finish. “It’s been a challenging season, but that makes this win all the more rewarding.”

Creighton pushes to the limit

William Creighton and co-driver Liam Regan kept Ingram on edge throughout the rally, driving their Pirelli-backed Ford Fiesta Rally2 just seconds behind Ingram. Despite strategic moves and deploying his points-boosting Joker, Creighton ultimately had to settle for second in both the rally and the BRC standings. “I gave it everything,” said Creighton, reflecting on his season stepping up to the Rally2 category.

Heading into the Cambrian Rally, four drivers had a shot at the title. Alongside Ingram and Creighton, Osian Pryce and Keith Cronin were in the mix. Cronin’s rally was cut short by steering issues on his Fiesta Rally2, and Pryce struggled to match the pace of the front-runners, ultimately finishing on the podium with co-driver Rhodri Evans. Max McRae and Cammy Fair delivered an impressive fourth-place finish, with Garry Pearson and Daniel Barritt rounding out the top five.

Junior BRC and rising talent

The Junior BRC title went to Robert Proudlock, co-driven by Steven Brown in a Peugeot 208 Rally4. Proudlock expressed his pride in the win, saying, “This season is for my family and team. It’s been incredible.” Meanwhile, Craig Rahill and Conor Smith, newcomers to the BRC, claimed victory on the day with a significant 48-second lead over Ryan MacHugh and Arthur Kierans, underscoring the next generation of rally talent.

John Rintoul and Ross Hynd clinched the Open Title in their Fiesta R5, and in the National category, Welshmen William Mains and Tomos Whittle drove their Opel Corsa to a solid finish, securing the title after a season of consistent performances. Rally legend Stig Blomqvist made a special appearance, driving a Mini Cooper S in celebration of the 40th anniversary of his 1984 World Rally Championship title, delighting fans and bringing a nostalgic flair to the event.

As the dust settles, the BRC celebrates a year of tight competition and standout performances. Chris Ingram’s triumph joins the ranks of British rally legends, while Junior champion Robert Proudlock’s win signals a promising future for the sport.

Catch the Cambrian Rally highlights on ITV4, Wednesday, 6th November, at 8:00pm.

Sport

Wales team announced for Six Nations opener against France

Published

18 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Adams, Williams, and Jenkins return

WALES head coach Warren Gatland has named his team for the opening match of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations against France at the Stade de France, Paris, on Friday (Jan 31). The game kicks off at 8:15pm GMT and will be broadcast live on ITV and S4C.

Josh Adams, Liam Williams, and Dafydd Jenkins return to the starting XV, with Adams on the wing, Williams at fullback, and Jenkins in the second row.

Jac Morgan leads the side

Captain Jac Morgan starts at openside flanker, joining James Botham at blindside and Aaron Wainwright at No. 8 in the back row. Will Rowlands partners Jenkins in the second row.

In the front row, Evan Lloyd earns his first Test start at hooker, while Henry Thomas is named at tighthead prop for his first start and his first Wales appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Gareth Thomas starts at loosehead.

Ben Thomas makes Six Nations debut

Tomos Williams starts at scrum-half, with Ben Thomas making his Six Nations debut at fly-half. Owen Watkin and Nick Tompkins form the midfield pairing, while Tom Rogers is named on the wing alongside Adams.

Among the replacements, Nicky Smith is set to win his 50th cap, while fly-half Dan Edwards could make his senior Wales debut. Freddie Thomas and Blair Murray are in line for their first Six Nations appearances, having made their senior international debuts in the Autumn Nations Series.

The front-row replacements include Elliot Dee, Keiron Assiratti, and Smith. Tommy Reffell covers the back row, and Rhodri Williams provides scrum-half cover.

Gatland said: “We’re excited for the challenge on Friday. The Six Nations is the best rugby competition in the world. Every game is a big occasion. We want to go out there, embrace that, and start our championship well.”

Wales team to face France

Starting XV:
15. Liam Williams (Saracens) – 92 caps
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets) – 5 caps
13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens) – 38 caps
12. Owen Watkin (Ospreys) – 42 caps
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby) – 59 caps
10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby) – 7 caps
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby) – 59 caps
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys) – 35 caps
2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby) – 5 caps
3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets) – 4 caps
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92) – 36 caps
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs) – 19 caps
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby) – 16 caps
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys) – 18 caps (captain)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) – 52 caps

Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) – 51 caps
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers) – 49 caps
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby) – 10 caps
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby) – 1 cap
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers) – 23 caps
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons) – 5 caps
22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys) – uncapped
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets) – 3 caps

This version is more structured, concise, and in line with a professional sports news style. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!

News

Fun free sport sessions for kids in Fishguard

Published

20 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

YOUNGSTERS can discover new sports to love at a free multi-sports session starting next week.

The sessions for children aged 5-8 will be held every Monday in term time between 4.15pm-5pm at Fishguard Leisure Centre.

The first session is this Monday, February 3rd.

Delivered by Sport Pembrokeshire Active Young People officers and assisted by

Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun, the event is an opportunity to try fun activities, new sports and develop fundamental movement skills.

All are welcome to come along.

Contact [email protected] for more information or to register your child.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association: Week 14 Results

Published

3 days ago

January 27, 2025

Herald Sport

THE SOUTH Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association, also known as “The Friendly League,” has released the results for Week 14 of the competition.

Match Results

Hundleton 8 v Badgers 2
Llanteg 2 v St Johns 8
Reynalton 8 v St Twynnells 2
East Williamston 8 v Carew 2

The match between Cosheston and Kilgetty was postponed, while Lamphey had the bye.

League Table (Week 14)

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	S/D	Points
East Williamston	12	11	0	1	167	92
Carew	12	8	1	3	111	79
Reynalton	12	8	0	4	48	70
Hundleton	13	7	0	6	61	68
St Johns	11	8	0	3	76	66
Cosheston	11	6	0	5	33	54
Llanteg	11	3	1	7	-29	51
St Twynnells	13	3	1	9	-125	48
Badgers	11	3	1	7	6	45
Kilgetty	11	3	0	8	-129	40
Lamphey	11	2	0	9	-142	29