Sport
Rali Ceredigion returns in 2023: A thrilling rally championship committed to sustainability
After the resounding success of the 2022 event, which saw New Zealand driver Hayden Paddon emerge victorious, Rali Ceredigion returns for an exciting edition in 2023. As a key round of the Motorsport UK British Rally Championship, the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship, TER – Tour European Rally, and the FIA European Rally Trophy, this year’s event is set to attract both domestic and overseas competitors.
Building upon its commitment to sustainability, Rali Ceredigion made significant strides in 2022. It became the first UK event to fully offset the emissions of all competing vehicles, permitted electric rally cars in a multi-venue rally for the first time in the UK, and ran under the FIA’s new environmental management accreditation. This year’s event, which will span two days, will continue its pioneering efforts in sustainability by focusing on minimizing its environmental impact and leaving a lasting legacy of environmental improvement.
The inaugural running of Rali Ceredigion took place on September 8, 2019, making it the first special stage rally in Wales to be held entirely on closed public roads. The event was a tremendous success, with 120 crews thrilling thousands of spectators as they navigated the challenging stages around Aberystwyth. Welsh crew Osian Pryce and Dale Furniss emerged as the winners, etching their names in the event’s history.
The 2022 edition of Rali Ceredigion further elevated its profile by counting towards prestigious championships, including the Motorsport UK British Rally Championship, the FIA European Rally Trophy, the Tour European Rally, and the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship. It was also a trailblazer in sustainability, offsetting the carbon emissions of all competitors and achieving the coveted FIA Environmental Accreditation. New Zealand’s Hayden Paddon and Jared Hudson claimed victory, showcasing their skills and resilience.
In 2023, Rali Ceredigion remains committed to sustainability and minimizing its environmental impact. Under the guidance of an Environmental Manager, the event aims to introduce innovative initiatives to achieve these goals. By partnering with local organizations, Rali Ceredigion aims to promote the adoption of lower-carbon transport alternatives and create a long-lasting legacy of environmental improvement. Measures such as reducing vehicle movements associated with spectators, providing public transport options, and implementing waste recycling at official spectator locations will contribute to the event’s sustainability efforts. Additionally, the event will pioneer alternative low-carbon fuel options, and spectators will have the opportunity to contribute to responsible tree planting to offset their impact.
The 2023 edition of Rali Ceredigion promises excitement and challenge with its 14 stages spread across two days. The total length of special stages has increased by 16% from the previous year, covering 100.6 miles (162 kilometers). The event organizers have also reduced the entry fee, making it more accessible to competitors. With a strong focus on sustainability and an international field of competitors, Rali Ceredigion will once again captivate motorsport enthusiasts when it takes place in September 2023.
Sport
New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.
Division Four Cup Final
New Hedges Saundersfoot 7-1 St Ishmaels Reserves
The Division Four Cup Final between New Hedges Saundersfoot and St Ishmaels reserves took place at Monkton Swifts, witnessed by an eager crowd. The game, officiated by Sean O’Connor, with Gareth Elliot and Dean Driscoll as assistant referees, promised an intense battle for the coveted trophy.
From the onset, New Hedges Saundersfoot showcased their dominance. Owen, Miles, Davidson, and Marsh all getting on the score sheet leading to an impressive goal tally.
The Mice never gave up and battled well but they struggled to contain their opponent’s attacking quality. Thomas Williams managed the one and only goal for Tish.
The final score stood at an emphatic 7-1 in favor of New Hedges Saundersfoot, underlining their superiority throughout the match.
New Hedges Saundersfoot emerged as deserved victors, clinching the silverware and adding a significant achievement to their season. Their comprehensive victory in the cup final will undoubtedly be celebrated by players and fans alike. Despite falling short of promotion in their league campaign, this triumph will serve as a testament to their talent and resilience on the field.
In conclusion, the Division Four Cup Final witnessed a commendable display of skill and determination from both teams. Congratulations to New Hedges Saundersfoot for their outstanding performance and well-deserved victory in the final.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Sport
Promotion, relegation and everything in between.
As we come to the end of the 2023-2024 season it’s time to look at the winners and losers so to speak as most promotion and relegation battles are now all sewn up.
We begin at the very top where Goodwick United have blown away the first division to become deserved champions elect. At the opposite end of the table Fishguard Sports struggled all season and we comfortably relegated, going down with them are Neyland who’s relegation was confirmed a few weeks ago. Neither team were cut adrift and battled right until the end which is credit to both outfits, sometimes relegation can act as a spring broad and both clubs will be hoping this is the case.
Monkton Swifts reserves were the outstanding team in the second division and were a cut above the rest on their journey to becoming league champions on 56 points with an impressive plus 61 goal difference. As Monkton can’t be promoted due to their first team being in the first division it allowed both Herbrandston and St Ishmaels to be promoted. Herbrandston finished in third on 40 points, whilst the Mice just beat them to second place ending up on 42 points. Both clubs will now use the summer to prepare for the step up that awaits.
At the opposite end of the division, Cosheston never really got going and after their points deduction ended on a lowly 6 points which is never going to be enough to avoid relegation. The second relegation place was much closer with St Clears, Carew reserves and Broad Haven all being in a dog fight for the majority of the season. Broad Haven showed good fight and character which steered them clear of trouble while Carew found form at a key time, which means St Clears will play their football in the third division next season.
-
News4 days ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News4 days ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
News4 days ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Crime5 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
News3 days ago
Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor
-
Business5 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News5 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson
-
Community7 days ago
Survey of Picton Castle reveals groundbreaking medieval architecture