Sport

Late heartbreak as Scotland snatch victory in Cardiff thriller

Published

3 months ago

February 21, 2026

Wales 23 – 26 Scotland

WALES suffered agonising late heartbreak at the Principality Stadium on Saturday (Feb 21) as Scotland produced a second-half comeback to claim a 26–23 victory in a pulsating Six Nations encounter.

In what was comfortably Wales’ most competitive performance of the championship so far, Warren Gatland’s side led for the majority of the contest and looked on course for a morale-boosting win before relentless Scottish pressure in the closing stages turned the match on its head.

The defeat leaves Wales still searching for a first victory of the campaign, while Scotland remain firmly in contention near the top of the table.

Fast Welsh start

Wales began with urgency and physical intent, clearly determined to impose themselves after heavy defeats earlier in the tournament. Their forward pack carried with aggression, winning the gainline battle and providing quick ball for the backs.

Early territorial pressure eventually told when prop Rhys Carré crashed over from close range following multiple phases near the Scottish line. The try lifted the Cardiff crowd and gave Wales early confidence.

Scotland initially struggled to find rhythm but remained dangerous in broken play. Winger Kyle Steyn crossed to keep the visitors in touch after a sharp attacking move, though Wales continued to look the more cohesive side.

The home team extended their advantage before the interval with one of the best passages of attacking play seen from Wales in this year’s competition. Quick hands and accurate support lines created space out wide, allowing Josh Adams to finish clinically in the corner.

With the conversion added, Wales went into half-time leading 17–5, having controlled both territory and physical exchanges.

Momentum swings after the break

The second half began with a noticeable shift in momentum. Scotland increased their tempo and began to play with more width, with fly-half Finn Russell growing increasingly influential.

Russell’s tactical kicking pinned Wales back inside their own half, while his distribution began to unlock the Scottish backline. That pressure produced results when Darcy Graham finished a well-constructed move to reduce the deficit and spark Scottish belief.

Wales responded with determined defence and briefly steadied themselves with penalty points, but Scotland were now controlling possession and territory for long stretches.

Russell then crossed himself after orchestrating a slick attacking move involving multiple phases and quick support runners, bringing Scotland within striking distance and setting up a tense final quarter.

Late pressure proves decisive

As the clock ticked down, Wales clung to a narrow lead but were forced into repeated defensive sets inside their own 22. Scotland’s forwards hammered away at the line through pick-and-drive phases, testing Welsh discipline and defensive organisation.

The decisive moment came in the closing minutes when replacement hooker George Turner forced his way over from close range after sustained pressure near the Welsh line. The score put Scotland ahead for the first time in the match.

Although there were nervy moments late on, Scotland’s defence held firm to secure the victory and silence the home crowd.

Encouragement despite defeat

For Wales, the result will feel particularly cruel given the improvement shown. Their physicality, defensive commitment, and attacking cohesion were significantly better than in previous rounds, and for long periods they matched — and at times outplayed — a strong Scottish side.

However, crucial moments ultimately proved costly. Missed tackles, turnovers under pressure, and an inability to clear their lines during the closing stages allowed Scotland back into the contest.

There were positives in individual performances, particularly in the Welsh pack and back-three, but the frustration of another narrow defeat was evident at full-time.

Scotland title hopes alive

For Scotland, the win represents another significant step forward under Gregor Townsend and keeps their Six Nations title hopes alive heading into the final rounds.

Their resilience, attacking ambition, and ability to capitalise on late opportunities proved decisive, with Russell once again central to their attacking threat.

Wales must now regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture, with signs of progress offering some encouragement despite the disappointment of defeat.

Sport

Fishguard gears up for first Festival of Sports weekend

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2026

Herald Sport

Harbourside town to host new triathlon and family-friendly sporting events with live music and celebrations

FISHGUARD is preparing to welcome athletes, families and spectators next weekend as a brand-new Festival of Sports comes to town, bringing races, live entertainment and a post-event celebration to the historic harbour.

Organised by Activity Wales Events, the inaugural Fishguard Festival of Sports will see competitors take part in a series of endurance events set against the backdrop of Pembrokeshire’s dramatic coastline.

The festival promises scenic race routes, historic surroundings and what organisers describe as “incredible spectator support,” with participants encouraged to make a weekend of the occasion.

Among the attractions are commemorative finisher medals, family-focused participation opportunities and live music taking place across the town throughout the weekend.

One of the more unusual features of the event allows runners to cross the finish line with their children or loved ones, giving families the chance to celebrate together.

Camping will also be available for visitors travelling to the area, while race registration and number collection will take place from 2:00pm on Friday, June 5, at the Phoenix Centre in Fishguard.

Organisers say entries for the sporting events close on Monday, meaning anyone hoping to take part is being urged to sign up quickly.

The festival is expected to provide a welcome boost for local businesses, with competitors and supporters likely to visit pubs, restaurants and shops across Fishguard and Goodwick during the weekend.

A post-race celebration is planned at The Farmers Arms in Fishguard, where participants and supporters will be able to enjoy live entertainment after the events.

Further details and event registration are available through Activity Wales Events.

News

Bowen trainers fined after racehorse drug test failures

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2026

Herald Sport

Letterston racing family at centre of BHA ruling as two winners are disqualified

TWO Pembrokeshire horse trainers from Letterston have been fined £5,000 after two racehorses failed post-race drug tests, leading to both animals being stripped of race victories.

Peter and Mickey Bowen, father and brother of champion jockey Sean Bowen, appeared before a British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel on Thursday (May 28).

The father-and-son training partnership was operating under the same licence at the time of the positive tests, although Mickey Bowen has been the sole licence holder since May 2025.

The pair were fined £4,000 for breaching Rule (K)2.2, which states that no category B substance may be present in a horse’s system on the day it is engaged to run.

They were also fined a further £1,000 for breaching Rule (D)24, which requires trainers to keep clear and accurate records of medication given to horses in their care within 48 hours of treatment.

Two horses disqualified

The disciplinary action relates to Flying Fortune and Olivers Travels, both of which have now been disqualified from wins in 2024.

Flying Fortune has been stripped of victory in the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow on Friday (Oct 11, 2024).

The race is regarded as one of the key early contests of the National Hunt season, and the win had been a major success for the Bowen yard.

Racing reports at the time described it as a family affair, with Flying Fortune trained by Peter and Mickey Bowen and ridden by James Bowen. The mare was sent off 2/1 favourite and won by seven-and-a-half lengths.

However, a post-race urine sample later revealed the presence of procaine, a local anaesthetic.

The race has now been awarded to Intense Approach, trained by John McConnell.

Second winner loses race

Olivers Travels has also been disqualified from a 2m7f handicap chase at Worcester on Wednesday (Aug 21, 2024).

A post-race urine sample revealed the presence of dexamethasone, a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammation or allergic reactions.

That race has now been awarded to Galloping Pride, trained by Emma Lavelle.

The BHA said the case was dealt with by way of a plea agreement approved by the independent disciplinary panel.

A BHA statement said: “Following this morning’s hearing before the independent Disciplinary Panel, the Panel has approved a Plea Agreement.

“The penalty for breaching Rule (K)2.2 is a £4,000 fine and (D)24 a £1,000 fine.

“The two horses involved, Olivers Travels (IRE) and Flying Fortune (IRE), will be disqualified from their respective races at Worcester on 21 August 2024 and Chepstow on 11 October 2024.”

The ruling does not suggest any wrongdoing by the jockeys involved. The disciplinary action was directed at the trainers over the presence of prohibited substances on race day and failures in medication record keeping.

Sport

Castrol MEM Rally Team celebrates double podium on Jim Clark Rally

Published

7 days ago

May 26, 2026

Herald Sport

Welsh drivers Meirion Evans and Osian Pryce strengthen British Rally Championship title challenge

CASTROL MEM Rally Team secured its second double podium finish in as many rounds of the 2026 British Rally Championship, with Welsh crews Meirion Evans/Dale Furniss and Osian Pryce/James Morgan finishing second and third on the Jim Clark Rally.

The Borders event, held on Friday and Saturday (May 22 and 23), covered 100 stage miles and proved another strong outing for the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 team.

Lampeter driver Meirion Evans delivered a fast and consistent performance, setting the quickest time on stage two and recording six second-fastest stage times. He was third overnight, just 18.7 seconds off the lead, despite starting one night-time stage with his Toyota’s lamp pod disconnected.

Evans moved into second place after Saturday’s opening daylight stage and held the position to the finish, collecting another valuable haul of championship points.

Osian Pryce, from Machynlleth, made a flying start by setting the fastest time on the opening stage and led the rally early on. He was second at the overnight halt, but his hopes of victory were hit on stage five after a delay at the start left him launching into the Polwarth test on cold Michelin tyres.

The 2022 British Rally Champion overshot, then lost around 25 seconds when he was unable to select reverse, leaving him stranded up an escape road.

Pryce then focused on securing third place and ended the event on a high by setting the fastest time on the tenth and final stage.

A win and a third place from the opening two rounds keeps Pryce at the top of the BRC drivers’ standings, while Evans is just four points behind after two second-place finishes.

Evans said: “We were really strong on the Jim Clark Rally last year, so we came here with hopes that we could fight for the win. We were close, but no cigar.

“Two second place finishes in the BRC so far this year is good. I just need to start winning now.”

Pryce said: “We were fighting for the win but ended up having to consolidate the points available, and I’m not too disappointed with third given how things unfolded.

“We’re still leading the championship, so now the focus shifts to the next round and coming back fighting on the Grampian.”