Solva sailor Micky Beckett has once again struck gold after winning the prestigious ILCA 7 class in Mallorca for the third year running.

Nicknamed by fellow competitors as ‘The Welsh Wizard’ Micky is currently proving unstoppable after scoring a crucial victory in the countdown to Paris 2024, by winning the Princess Sofia Regatta in Palma, Mallorca, for the third consecutive year.

Beckett, 29, dominated the men’s dinghy class at the traditional Olympic classes season opener, wrapping up the win in the 193-boat fleet with a day to spare.

And the Welshman refused to rest on his laurels, finishing second in the medal race to win by an enormous 44 points.

Beckett’s Australian arch-rival Matt Wearn, the reigning Olympic and world champion, finished fifth. 

“I’ve been trying all week not to think about the fact that if I won this event it would be three in a row, but now it’s real and it’s pretty cool,” said Beckett, who booked his Paris spot with Team GB in October last year.

“I came here with more confidence having won twice previously but also more pressure. 

“All the top guys will be following their own plans to build up to this summer, but I have to say that beating them is a nice confidence boost.

“This win means that something’s working, but it doesn’t mean that the job is done or that anything is guaranteed. 

“ILCAs are simple boats, and all you have are your skills and your decision-making. That’s worked for me this last week, but it doesn’t guarantee it will work in a few months’ time. There’s plenty more work to be done.”

The Princess Sofia Trophy regatta attracted over 1,700 sailors, coaches and support staff from 70 nations and marked the countdown to the next Olympic Games, and a valuable reset as teams look to earn the first bragging rights of 2025.

Kilgetty 0 – Goodwick United 3

GOODWICK United are just one game away from completing a flawless league campaign after a dominant 3-0 victory away at Kilgetty.

Nathan Greene opened the scoring with a thumping header on 13 minutes, meeting Will Haworth’s pinpoint corner. Haworth then turned scorer just before half-time, glancing in Luke Hayward’s free-kick to double the lead.

Rhys Jones wrapped things up from the penalty spot after Rhys Dalling was brought down in the box.

Manager Chris O’Sullivan now turns his attention to the final fixture at Phoenix Park against Tenby, where his side will aim to complete an unbeaten league season.

Pennar Robins stay in top-four hunt
Pennar Robins 3 – Clarbeston Road 1

PENNAR Robins kept their hopes of a top-three finish alive with a solid 3-1 win over Clarbeston Road at Bush Camp.

Ben Adams struck twice, either side of a Jamie Wilkes goal, to seal the win. Adams and Wilkes gave the hosts a 2-0 lead at the break, but Richard Bevan pulled one back for the visitors in the second half.

Adams netted his second in the 88th minute to put the result beyond doubt and keep Pennar in touching distance of Monkton Swifts, with two matches left to play.

Swifts confirm Milford relegation
Milford United 0 – Monkton Swifts 4

MILFORD United’s relegation from Division One was confirmed on Saturday as Monkton Swifts cruised to a 4-0 win at Marble Hall.

Paul Miller was instrumental for the visitors, assisting goals for Billy Davis and Liam Butland before scoring one himself. Jack Clarke added a fourth after the break, converting from Ben Steele’s cross.

Monkton remain third, just ahead of Pennar Robins, with both sides battling for a top-three finish in the final weeks.

Milford now turn their attention to the Senior Cup Final against Hakin United.

Wizards and Vikings share derby spoils
Merlins Bridge 0 – Hakin United 0

A TIGHT and tense derby between Merlins Bridge and Hakin United ended in a goalless draw at the Pembrokeshire Sports Ground.

Both teams had opportunities, with Mark Jones going close for Hakin and Mason Dolling striking the side netting. For the Wizards, substitute Ben Davies had the ball in the net, only for the flag to go up for offside.

Hakin now shift focus to the Senior Cup Final against Milford United, while Merlins Bridge can take heart from a resilient defensive performance.

Narberth Athletic 61 – Llangwm 10
NARBERTH Athletic delivered a dominant display to defeat Llangwm 61-10 in their latest Division Four (West) fixture.

Llangwm showed promise in the early exchanges, particularly at scrum time, where their front row of Ieuan Power, Ben Elrick, and Matthew Rees competed well. However, it was the home side who controlled the scoreboard.

Narberth opened the scoring after 31 minutes with a converted try from prop Shay Norcross. That breakthrough was followed by a blistering five-minute spell in which captain Harry Phillips crossed three times, all converted by Shane Rossiter, giving the hosts a commanding 28-0 lead. Llangwm responded before the break with a penalty from Breig Matthews.

In the second half, Narberth extended their lead with tries from Brad Cramb and Stephen J Brown, the latter again converted by Rossiter. Llangwm briefly rallied with a converted try from No 8 Matthew Rees, but Narberth’s bench provided a strong finish. Will Davies touched down twice, while Rossiter added another try and two further conversions, finishing the match with a personal haul of 21 points.

St Davids 31 – Pembroke 24
ST DAVIDS sealed a league double over Pembroke with a thrilling 31-24 home win, a match that also marked the unveiling of the John James Memorial Scoreboard, in honour of a much-loved club stalwart.

The visitors struck first through a penalty from Jarred Sharratt, but St Davids hit back with a try from captain Nathan Foster, converted by Bob Froy. Pembroke regained the lead when Barry Alderman-John crossed for a try in his final game, also converted by Sharratt.

St Davids responded before the interval through player-coach Morgan Griffiths, who scored his first try of the afternoon, again converted by Froy.

The second half saw the momentum swing back and forth. Evan Davies put Pembroke back in front with a try, before a Froy penalty levelled the scores. A converted try from Fraser James gave Pembroke the lead once more, but Griffiths proved the difference, completing his hat-trick with two more tries—both converted by Froy—to secure victory for the Saints.

The win also saw St Davids lift the Willington Slate, an annual trophy contested between the two clubs.