Sport
Severn Valley Stages returns with extra miles in world-class Mid Wales forests
THE SEVERN VALLEY STAGES RALLY will once again offer competitors one of the UK’s longest and most cost-effective forest events on April 12. With around 60 miles of gravel stages, this popular one-day event is set to deliver thrilling action in the world-renowned forests of Mid Wales.
Organised by Midland Manor Motor Club, the rally is based in Builth Wells and supported by Axon Commercial Catering Equipment, the headline sponsor since the event’s 50th anniversary last year.
Last year’s groundbreaking decision to extend the event to 60 stage miles, surpassing the traditional 45-mile benchmark, was a resounding success. This milestone celebration drew an impressive entry list, including global rally stars and grassroots competitors. For 2025, the organisers are continuing this offering, providing 60 miles of world-class competition for the cost of a standard one-day event.
World-class stages
The stages will once again include legendary routes such as Myherin, Hafren, and Sweet Lamb, which have tested some of the world’s finest rally drivers. To keep things fresh, many of this year’s stages will be reversed, with competitors tackling seven tests throughout the day, all based from the traditional rally hub at the Royal Welsh Showground.
“We are thrilled to offer competitors 60 stage miles again this year,” said Keith Ashley, clerk of the course. “Last year’s 50th anniversary saw an incredible response, with top rally stars and loyal regulars embracing the extended format. Thanks to Axon Commercial Catering Equipment, we’re delighted to keep this tradition alive in 2025.”
Two British-titled series
The Severn Valley Stages is unique as the only UK rally to host two British-titled series. The Probite British Rally Championship returns after a successful debut in 2024, showcasing top-tier talent and the latest generation Rally2 cars. The Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship also makes its return, featuring iconic vehicles such as Porsche 911s, FIAT 131s, and Ford Escort MK IIs.
Additionally, the Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship continues its longstanding participation, joined by the West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters and T.C.S Plant Rally Challenge. The Stellantis Motorsport Cup IRE & UK and the all-new Swift Sport Cup will add further excitement to the event, catering to emerging talent.
Exciting changes for 2025
Ashley added: “This year’s event promises to be another standout for both competitors and fans. We’re grateful to Rallynuts Motorsport for their support over the past eight years and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Builth Wells in April.”
Further details of the rally format will be released in the coming weeks, with spectator information available closer to the event. For updates, follow the Severn Valley Stages on social media at www.facebook.com/SevernValleyStages and www.twitter.com/svstages.
Picture caption:
Osian Pryce and Rhodri Evans on their way to victory at last year’s Severn Valley Stages.
(Image credit: BRC)
This version sharpens the flow, keeps the details intact, and enhances readability while adhering to a professional newspaper style. Let me know if further refinements are needed!
Sport
Division Four West rugby: Thrills and tight contests on a chilly Saturday
Exciting matches, hard-fought battles, and standout performances define the weekend’s action.
Dreigiau Emlyn Edge Harlequins in Close Contest
Dreigiau Emlyn 21 – Pembroke Dock Harlequins 15
Dreigiau Emlyn secured a narrow victory over Pembroke Dock Harlequins, strengthening their position in the top half of the table. Gethin Davies scored two crucial tries, while Deiniol Rees added three penalties and a conversion to steer the hosts to victory. The Harlequins kept the game competitive with tries from Craig Barnett and Tom Donovan, with Ben Hathaway converting one and kicking a penalty. However, Emlyn’s composed performance ensured they held on for the win.
Teirw Crymych Outgun Llangwm in High-Scorer
Llangwm 22 – Teirw Crymych 33
Teirw Crymych powered to a 33-22 victory over bottom-placed Llangwm, bolstering their challenge for the league’s top spots. Sion Williams and Morgan Jones led the visitors’ try-scoring efforts, with additional tries from Sion Owen and Nick Bevan. Adam Phillips was reliable from the tee, adding four conversions. Llangwm fought back with tries from Aidan Rees and Ryan Banner, while Harry Makepeace contributed two conversions and a penalty. Despite their spirited display, the hosts couldn’t match Crymych’s attacking prowess.
St Davids Win Key Clash Against Llanybydder
Llanybydder 17 – St Davids 29
St Davids took a significant step away from the relegation zone with a vital 29-17 win over Llanybydder. Harvey Godkin, Nathan Foster, Zac Morgan, and Morgan Griffiths all crossed the whitewash for the visitors, with Bob Froy converting three and adding a penalty to secure a bonus-point victory. Llanybydder’s John Evans delivered an impressive hat-trick of tries, with one conversion by Matthew Rowlands, but St Davids’ all-round performance proved too much for the home side.
Division Four West continues to deliver thrilling rugby as teams battle for position in a tightly contested league.
Sport
Division Two goals galore as Narberth continue to dominate
Big wins and thrilling contests highlight the latest round of fixtures.
Narberth Crush Broad Haven
Broad Haven 1 – Narberth 11
League leaders Narberth delivered a masterclass, thrashing bottom side Broad Haven 11-1 in a one-sided encounter. Ryan Williams, Chris Brown, and Steffan Williams each netted hat-tricks, with further goals from Jordan Williams and Josh Jones. Broad Haven’s Ashley Bladen grabbed a consolation goal, but the hosts were no match for the rampant visitors, who tightened their grip on the top of the table.
Swifts Reserves Hammer Carew II
Monkton Swifts II 7 – Carew II 0
Rudy Poole’s incredible six-goal performance powered Monkton Swifts II to a commanding 7-0 victory over Carew II. Mark Jones added the final goal as the Swifts dominated from start to finish, boosting their push up the table with an emphatic statement win.
Johnston See Off Camrose
Johnston 2 – Camrose 0
Johnston earned a crucial 2-0 victory against fourth-placed Camrose in a tightly contested match. Marcus Allen’s opener and Josh Knapp’s second-half goal secured the points for the hosts. Johnston’s resolute defending ensured a clean sheet, helping them solidify their mid-table position while dealing a blow to Camrose’s hopes of catching the teams above them.
Merlins Bridge Reserves Edge Neyland in Thriller
Merlins Bridge II 3 – Neyland 2
Merlins Bridge II clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory over Neyland in a closely fought contest. Kian Lee opened the scoring for the hosts, with Bradley Barrett converting a penalty and Harrison Goddard adding a third. Neyland pushed back through Jay Johnstone and Ben Gale, but the Bridge held on to secure all three points in an exciting encounter.
Solva Outclass Lawrenny
Solva 5 – Lawrenny 0
Solva made light work of struggling Lawrenny with a 5-0 win. Kieran Price’s hat-trick stole the spotlight, with Luke Mason and Morgan Elliott also finding the net. The result leaves Lawrenny rooted near the bottom of the table, while Solva capitalized on their opponents’ weaknesses to secure a comfortable victory.
As the season progresses, Division Two continues to deliver high-scoring games and thrilling battles.
Sport
Division One drama as relegation battle intensifies
Two thrilling matches offer key moments in the fight for survival.
Robins Rise with Win Over Clarbeston Road
Milford United 2 – Clarbeston Road 1
Milford United climbed out of the relegation zone with a crucial 2-1 victory over Clarbeston Road at Marble Hall. The visitors struck first, with Laurie Haworth setting up Rhys Lloyd-Roberts for a close-range finish just before halftime. Milford responded quickly in the second half as Joey Jones delivered a pinpoint cross for Rhys Brown to equalize from six yards. The decisive moment came in the 68th minute when Liam Davies unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike, earning Milford a vital three points and pushing them a point clear of St Ishmaels with six games remaining.
Swifts Swoop Past Tish in Tight Encounter
St Ishmaels 1 – Monkton Swifts 2
Monkton Swifts secured an important 2-1 win at St Ishmaels, easing their own relegation worries while plunging Tish into the bottom two. Jonathan Lee opened the scoring for the Swifts nine minutes before halftime, assisted by Liam Butland. Gareth Finnegan doubled the visitors’ lead midway through the second half. Finley Armstrong pulled one back for Tish late on, following impressive work by Brennan Devonald, but the home side couldn’t find an equalizer. The result leaves Tish with an uphill battle to escape the drop.
The relegation fight promises more drama as every point becomes crucial in the final stretch of the season.
-
Top News5 days ago
Dock man threatened to kill male with golf club, court told
-
Crime1 day ago
Man charged with attempted murder after child found in critical condition
-
News5 days ago
Survey vessel stranded at Newgale beach prompts RNLI response
-
Community4 days ago
Stricken vessel now off Broad Haven as pollution experts stand-by
-
Crime2 days ago
Milford paedophile caught with 1600 indecent images of children avoids jail
-
Charity7 days ago
Charity seeks homes for hens destined for slaughter in Pembrokeshire
-
Crime1 day ago
Air ambulance called to Parc Prison as inmate suffers ‘severe medical episode’
-
News3 days ago
Landslides close section of Pembrokeshire coastal path once again