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Rally Sweden joy for Evans

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Elfyn Evans leads the 2020 FIA World Rally Championship after rewriting the sporting history books with an outstanding victory on this weekend’s Rally Sweden (13-16 February).

The Welshman not only becomes the first-ever British driver to win the wintry Scandinavian classic but also is the first Briton to top the WRC points table since the heady days of Colin McRae and Richard Burns nearly 20 years ago at the start of the century.

On only his second outing for the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team, Evans overcame the odds to lead the notorious tricky winter fixture from start to finish, winning five of the nine stages to beat Hyundai’s defending champion Ott Tänak by 12.7 seconds.

The victory elevates Evans to jointly lead the championship, tied on 42 points with last month’s Monte Carlo winner Thierry Neuville, but ahead of the Belgian on countback.

“It was a great weekend and I feel really good to have my first win with Toyota in just our second event together,” enthused a delighted Evans. “Big effort trying to settle into a new team but the guys have made the job very, very easy and given us everything we could have wanted. They’ve given me great support and a great car that is ging me great confidence. In the changeable conditions we had in Sweden, that’s really worth a lot. Hopefully, we can carry this form onto the gravel in the events to come.”

Adding to the celebrations, it was a first WRC win (on his 132nd start) for Scott Martin, Evans’ experienced co-driver who joined forces with the Welshman at the start of last season.

The pair’s dominant performance was all the more impressive as it came in ultra-challenging conditions with the unseasonal weather serving up a treacherous mix of snow, slush, ice and gravel in the usually frozen forests. Moreover, several stages had to be cancelled to protect the roads, thus turning the event into a shortened, high-speed sprint format and heaping extra pressures onto all the competing crews.

Though eclipsed by the masterful Evans, Tänak bounced back after his terrifying crash on the Monte Carlo Rally to ignite his title defence with a strong second place, while teenage sensation Kalle Rovanperrä took third in the second of the Toyota Yaris WRCs. The 19-year-old Finn outgunned team-mate, and six-time world champion, Sébastien Ogier in a final test shootout to claim his first WRC podium on just his second appearance at the top level.
From the European winter, the 13-round FIA World Rally Championship now heads for the heat and dust of Mexico. Thereafter showdowns in Argentina, Kenya, New Zealand and throughout Europe follow before the teams head to the UK in late October for this season’s penultimate encounter. Thereafter the season finale is staged in Japan.

 

Sport

Pupils try new sports at Community Clubs event

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More than 100 children took part in a day of sport at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun

MORE than 100 pupils from Years 4, 5 and 6 enjoyed a day of sport and activity at a Community Clubs event held at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun earlier this month.

The event, organised by Sport Pembrokeshire and sponsored by Valero, gave young people the chance to try a range of sports delivered by local clubs.

Activities included archery and golf sessions led by Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun, as well as rugby with Fishguard & Goodwick RFC, hockey with Fishguard & Goodwick Hockey Club, and bowls with Fishguard & Goodwick Bowls Club.

The event was designed to encourage participation, build confidence, and strengthen links between schools and community sports clubs, helping pupils discover new ways to stay active outside school.

Dan Bellis, from Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “This was the second year we have run this event and, as with last year, it was great to see so many children taking part and being active.

“A big thanks to all the students for their enthusiasm, to the local clubs for their support and delivery, and to the Young Ambassadors for being excellent role models.”

 

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Sport

Narberth U11s continue winning form with victory over Haverfordwest

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NARBERTH CRICKET CLUB’S Under-11 side produced another impressive performance on Monday evening, defeating Haverfordwest in a closely contested junior fixture.

Batting first, Narberth posted 95-3, which translated to a net score of 280 under junior cricket scoring rules. Haverfordwest replied with 77-11, finishing on 222 after losing wickets throughout their innings.

Poppy Phillips top-scored for Narberth with 17 runs, helping to anchor the home side’s innings.

The bowling attack proved decisive, with Danny Evans returning figures of 3-12 and also contributing seven runs with the bat. Archie Young claimed 1-9 and scored seven runs, while Charlie Morton (1-4), Kai De Silva (1-7), Morgan Rees (1-8), Lewis Roberts (1-10) and Tommy Phillips (1-12) all chipped in with wickets.

The victory continues a strong season for Narberth’s young cricketers, who have shown both depth in batting and discipline in the field.

A photograph shared by the club after the match showed a smiling Narberth squad celebrating the win in the evening sunshine.

Photo caption:

Victorious Narberth U11s after their win over Haverfordwest (Pic: Narberth Cricket Club).

 

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Sport

Adam Muskett memorial football tournament returns to Tenby

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Annual event will honour popular young footballer while raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance

FOOTBALLERS, friends and families from across Pembrokeshire will come together next month to celebrate the life of a much-loved local sportsman at the second Adam Muskett Memorial 7-a-side Tournament.

The event, organised by Tenby AFC, will take place at The Clicketts Playing Fields on Saturday, July 25, bringing together teams for a day of football, remembrance and fundraising in memory of Adam Muskett.

Adam, 27, tragically lost his life alongside his girlfriend, Katie Worrell, 25, in a road traffic collision in June 2024. The tournament was established by his football club as a lasting tribute to his passion for the game and the impact he had on those around him.

Last year’s inaugural event proved a great success, raising £620 for Wales Air Ambulance. Following the positive response from players, supporters and the wider community, Tenby AFC has committed to making the tournament an annual fixture.

Recently, Adam’s parents, Helen and Andrew Muskett, joined Tenby AFC secretary Gareth Noot in presenting a cheque to Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager Mike May.

Speaking ahead of this year’s tournament, Helen and Andrew said: “As a family, we are extremely grateful to Gareth and the members and players at Tenby AFC for setting up this tournament as a tribute to Adam, and for all their support over the last two years.

“In particular, Gareth has been amazing and has worked incredibly hard, in such a respectful and considerate way, to support us in this and other matters.

“Last year’s tournament was such an enjoyable day, and we want to thank everyone who attended or contributed in any way. We especially want to thank the participating players, the referees, and those who helped at the entrance and with refreshments. It was wonderful to see so many families there.

“It really was a very special day that meant an awful lot to us as a family and a fitting tribute to Adam, who was passionate about football.”

Supporting a lifesaving charity

The family said they were keen for Wales Air Ambulance to remain the main beneficiary of the fundraising efforts.

They added: “We wanted Wales Air Ambulance to benefit from the funds raised because they helped Katie at the time of the collision, and Adam would have wanted them to be the first benefactor of the tournament.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved, and we hope the tournament will continue for many years to come.”

Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service that brings hospital-standard emergency care directly to patients across Wales. Working in partnership with the NHS Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), its crews can provide advanced critical care at the scene of an incident, including anaesthesia, blood transfusions and minor surgical procedures.

Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “It’s humbling to hear that Adam’s club, family and friends will continue to come together to hold an annual tournament in his memory. It’s a touching tribute.

“We are deeply grateful that Adam’s family has chosen to support Wales Air Ambulance through this tournament following the care provided at the time of the collision.

“We hope as many people as possible support this event in honour of a very popular young man who was passionate about football.”

Teams invited to enter

The tournament is open to registered senior men’s football clubs. Each squad can register up to ten players and the entry fee is £50 per team.

Organisers are hoping for another strong turnout and a day that not only celebrates football, but also keeps Adam’s memory alive while supporting a charity that provides lifesaving care throughout Wales.

For more information or to enter a team, email [email protected] or call 07815 189374.

Photo caption: Helen and Andrew Muskett with Gareth Noot, Secretary of Tenby AFC, and Mike May of Wales Air Ambulance during the cheque presentation following last year’s tournament fundraising success.

 

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