A STRONG entry list and a revamped format promise a spectacular return for the Get Jerky Rally North Wales this weekend, as the popular event roars back after a year out.

The Welshpool-based rally, which was cancelled in 2025 due to storm damage, returns on Saturday (Mar 28) with a fresh route and renewed energy.

Organised by Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Car Club, the event will once again be centred around Welshpool Livestock Market, while also reconnecting with the town centre for the first time in recent years.

Fans will be able to get close to the action, with a mid-day regroup and end-of-event celebrations taking place in the heart of Welshpool.

Crews will tackle six stages covering 45 competitive miles through the iconic Dyfnant and Aberhirnant forests, delivering a classic Wales Rally GB-style challenge. Both stages will be run twice, ensuring plenty of action throughout the day.

A high-quality modern field includes British Rally Championship event winner Max McRae, alongside co-driver Cammy Fair, as he prepares for the new season.

McRae will be hoping to emulate his father, Alister, who won the event in 1998.

Welsh driver Meirion Evans, with co-driver Dale Furniss, is also expected to challenge for honours on home soil in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, heading a strong Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship presence.

Further competition comes from Protyre BTRDA Rally Series leader Matthew Hirst and co-driver Jack Bown in a Skoda Fabia R5, alongside Alex Vassallo and Chris Lees, Icelandic pairing Daniel Siguroarson and Asta Siguroarson, and the in-form Elliot Payne and Patrick Walsh.

Ian Bainbridge and Andrew Roughead will also attract attention as they debut their new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.

Historic rally fans will not be disappointed, with the Fuchs British Historic Rally Championship well represented.

George Lepley and co-driver Dafydd Evans lead Category 4 in their Mitsubishi Galant VR4, while a potential appearance from Marty McCormack and Barney Mitchell in a BMW E30 M3 could prove a major draw.

Category 3 is expected to be fiercely contested, with Richard Hill and Patrick Cooper looking to build on their recent success, but facing strong opposition including former British Rally Championship frontrunner Tom Cave, who returns in a Ford Escort Mk2 alongside Keaton Williams.

Several other championships will also be decided across the weekend, including the ANWCC Forest Rally Championship, the West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters Challenge, the TCS Plant Rally Challenge and the Mini Cup Stage Rallying Championship.

Town centre events planned

Welshpool will play a central role throughout the day, hosting rally HQ and service at the livestock market.

The Seven Stars Car Park will act as a key spectator hub, while from around 12:00pm the town centre will host the mid-rally regroup alongside family entertainment, including a treasure hunt and a Guinness World Record attempt.

The ceremonial finish and champagne celebrations are expected to take place from around 3:45pm, with free access for spectators.

The first stage gets underway at 8:30am, with spectator access available at both Aberhirnant and Dyfnant South forests. Parking costs £10 per car, including a programme.

More information is available at www.rallynorthwales.co.uk

LAST week’s fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League produced a number of decisive results as teams continue to battle for position heading into the closing stages of the season.

Llanteg secured a narrow 6–4 victory over East Williamston, while St Johns delivered the standout performance of the week with a commanding 10–0 win against Hundleton.

Lamphey claimed an 8–2 result over St Twynnells, with Badgers matching that scoreline in their win against Cosheston. Reynalton also impressed, recording a dominant 10–0 victory over Kilgetty.

Carew had the bye.

League table after week 21:

East Williamston continue to lead the table, having played 19 matches, winning 13 and sitting on 126 points with a shot difference of +169.

St Johns remain close behind after 20 games, with 12 wins, one draw and seven losses, on 116 points and a shot difference of +132.

Reynalton sit third with eight wins and two draws from 19 matches, holding 99 points.

Carew are fourth on 98 points from 19 games, followed closely by Hundleton on 97 points after 19 matches, with ten wins and one draw.

Llanteg have played 18 matches and sit on 95 points, while St Twynnells, also on 18 games, have nine wins and two draws to reach 93 points.

Lamphey are on 80 points from 19 matches, with Badgers just behind on 79 points.

Cosheston have 74 points from 17 games, while Kilgetty currently sit bottom with 73 points from 19 matches.

THE DEADLINE for a proposed takeover of Cardiff Rugby has been pushed back, giving potential buyers more time to finalise a deal.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has granted Ospreys owners Y11 Sport & Media a further 30 days to continue negotiations, with the new deadline now set for Wednesday (Apr 22).

The original exclusivity period for talks has now expired, but discussions between both parties remain ongoing after the WRU board previously selected Y11 as its preferred bidder in January.

The extension comes at a tense time for Welsh rugby governance. WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood is due to face a vote of no confidence at an extraordinary general meeting later this month, following pressure from leading figures within Central Glamorgan Rugby Union.

Clubs are also expected to vote on proposed changes to how WRU board members are appointed, despite the current representatives having only recently been re-elected.

The unrest follows controversial plans by the WRU to reduce the number of professional teams in Wales from four to three by 2027 — a move that has sparked concern across the game.

In a statement, the WRU confirmed that negotiations with Y11 have been ongoing since the group was chosen as the preferred bidder, with both sides continuing to work towards agreeing terms for the takeover.