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Severn Valley Stages set for spectacular return this weekend

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Top drivers to tackle iconic Mid Wales gravel roads as championship opener roars back after a year away

THE SEVERN VALLEY STAGES returns this weekend for its 51st running, bringing a top-class field of almost 120 cars to Mid Wales for the opening round of the Motorsport UK British Rally Championship.

Supported by Axon Commercial Catering Equipment, the popular event makes its comeback on Saturday after a year’s hiatus, with some of the best rally drivers from across the UK and beyond heading to Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells.

The rally will also feature the Fuchs British Historic Rally Championship, Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship, West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters and the T.C.S Plant Rally Challenge.

Organised by Midland Manor Motor Club, the event will once again be based in Builth Wells, while Llandrindod Wells will play host to the ceremonial start and autograph session at the Metropole Hotel on Friday evening, as well as the finish celebrations on rally day.

Crews will tackle more than 50 competitive stage miles on some of the country’s most famous gravel roads, with the world-renowned Myherin forest complex taking centre stage. Seven stages are scheduled, including an 18-mile final test expected to provide a dramatic climax.

Among the leading contenders is 2024 winner Osian Pryce, who returns in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 alongside co-driver James Morgan. Pryce will be aiming to secure both another Severn Valley Stages victory and a second British Rally Championship crown.

Max McRae, son of 1995 British Rally Champion Alister McRae, will make his debut on the event as he launches a full British Championship campaign in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2. Co-driven by Cammy Fair, McRae arrives in confident mood after victory on the recent Rally North Wales.

Welsh duo Meirion Evans and Dale Furniss will also be among the front-runners in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. Their strong showing on Rally North Wales, where they claimed maximum Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship points, underlined their pace heading into the new season.

Garry Pearson leads the M-Sport challenge in a Ford Fiesta Rally2 with Hannah McKillop on the notes, while Elliott Payne and Patrick Walsh, along with Liam Clark and Michael Gilbey, also line up in Fiesta Rally2 machinery.

Scottish Rally Championship front-runner Scot MacBeth adds further strength to the entry in a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5, with Ross Whittock co-driving.

The British Historic Rally Championship field also promises plenty of interest. George Lepley and Dafydd Evans head the entry in a Mitsubishi Galant VR4, while Marty McCormack and Barney Mitchell are set to entertain fans in their BMW E30 M3. Fellow Irish pairing Damian Tourish and Kevin Duggan will spearhead the Ford Escort challenge.

Spectators will have several opportunities to see the action up close. The ceremonial start and autograph session at the Metropole Hotel is free to attend from just after 6:00pm on Friday.

In the forests, fans can watch at Sarnau from 8:43am and Myherin from 9:59am, with both stages run twice during the day. Access is also available to the mid-event service area at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, as well as the ceremonial finish back at the Metropole Hotel from around 4:00pm.

More information for spectators is available on the event website and across the rally’s social media channels.

Picture caption:

The Severn Valley Stages returns this weekend (Pic: British Rally Championship).

 

Sport

Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club to hold next time trial event

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MEMBERS of Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club are being encouraged to take part in the club’s next Time Trial Series event.

The 20km bike time trial will take place at Herbrandston, next to the old school, on Sunday, May 17, starting at 8:15am.

The club says the event is open to members of all abilities, whether they are chasing a personal best, building confidence, or simply looking to take part in a friendly club event.

Those wishing to enter are asked to book their place through the Connect My Club app.

Parking at the start is limited, so members are being encouraged to car share where possible or allow extra time before the event.

 

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S4C secures exclusive Barbarians v Wales double-header

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S4C will broadcast a live rugby double-header from Twickenham this summer, with Wales taking on the Barbarians in both men’s and women’s fixtures.

The matches will be shown live and exclusively on Friday, June 27, with the men’s game kicking off at 2:00pm and the women’s match following at 5:00pm.

Both fixtures will be available across S4C, S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and S4C Chwaraeon’s YouTube channel, with Welsh and English-language commentary.

Sarra Elgan will present the coverage, with Lauren Salter reporting pitchside.

Gareth Charles will commentate on the men’s match, with analysis from Ken Owens and Elinor Snowsill. Siwan Lillicrap will also join the team for the women’s fixture, with further members of the broadcast line-up to be announced.

Tomos Grace, WRU Chief Commercial Officer said: “We’re delighted that S4C will bring coverage of Barbarians v Wales at Twickenham to supporters across the country and beyond.

“This fixture is always a celebration of rugby’s spirit and tradition, and it’s fantastic that fans will be able to enjoy it free-to-air, with comprehensive Welsh-language coverage at its heart alongside English provision, which is hugely important for the game in Wales.

“We look forward to what promises to be a memorable summer occasion for Welsh rugby.”

Sue Butler, Head of Sports at S4C, said the broadcaster was pleased to have secured exclusive rights to the event.

She said: “We are delighted to have secured the exclusive broadcast rights to this double-header, bringing Wales together with the Barbarians for a special day of summer rugby.

“These fixtures promise a great Wales day out, and we’re pleased that S4C’s coverage will be available across all platforms.

“This agreement underlines S4C’s commitment to delivering premium live sport exclusively to audiences across Wales and the UK, in both Welsh and English, and to showcasing the very best of international rugby on a global stage.”

John Spencer, President of Barbarian F.C., said: “Barbarian F.C. and Wales have an intertwined history, with supporters of both teams enjoying the spirit and values of the game.

“This summer’s double-header against Wales is a hugely exciting fixture and the announcement that the matches will be on S4C, on free-to-air TV, broadcast by a national broadcaster, with huge rugby experience, is really important.

“We want to showcase the very best of rugby and having the fixtures on S4C will allow us to reach a large audience for what will be a great day of rugby.”

Fans will also be able to attend the double-header at Twickenham, with tickets available through Ticketmaster and England Rugby.

The coverage will be produced by Whisper Cymru.

 

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Merlins Bridge U14s girls celebrate league title success

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YOUNG footballers from across Pembrokeshire are celebrating after Merlins Bridge U14s Girls secured the league title in the West Wales Women and Girls League.

The team confirmed their place at the top of the table after an away victory against Carmarthen Stars, capping a memorable season for the squad.

Title-winning season

The achievement follows the club’s decision to enter the West Wales Women and Girls League at U14 level, giving the players the chance to test themselves against teams from across the region.

Coach Jan Bojanowski said the success was a proud moment for the players, families and club.

The squad is made up of girls from across Pembrokeshire, who have shown commitment throughout the season and continued to develop as a team.

Growing girls’ football

Merlins Bridge AFC said the title win reflects the strength of girls’ football in Pembrokeshire and the increasing opportunities now available for young female players.

The team’s success is also a boost for grassroots football locally, with more girls taking part and representing their clubs in competitive leagues across West Wales.

The players celebrated with trophies and the league cup after completing their title-winning campaign.

Champions: Merlins Bridge U14s Girls celebrate their West Wales Women and Girls League title success (Pic: Supplied).

 

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