Sport

James Williams glorious at Goodwood

Published

2 years ago

July 19, 2024

ORANGE AMPS rally driver James Williams topped the time sheets at the prestigious 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed Forest Rally stage last weekend (11-14 July).

The 26-year-old Welshman in only his second visit to the Festival rubbed shoulders with the stars and cars from rallying’s illustrious history – including factory drivers and teams from Hyundai, Toyota and Ford going against the Orange Amps-backed Hyundai i20 Rally2 driver from Newcastle Emlyn.

Across the four day festival, James took several passengers around the chalk-surfaced rally stage in the grounds of Lord March’s Goodwood Estate. Willing passengers included sponsors, media and guests – all leaving the experience with broad smiles following trepidation just minutes before the start line.

Around the displays and showboating, daily shootout sessions were the highlight of the day, with the short 2.5km stage packed with festival goers and millions more watching around the world via the event LIVE stream on YouTube and other social media platforms.

For the serious task of fastest time of the weekend, Williams was joined in the turbo-charged, four-wheel-drive Hyundai by regular co-driver from the British Rally Championship Ross Whittock – who helped set the tone for the bobsleigh style run.

The Goodwood Forest Rally Stage – may be short, but is quick in places, with trees just centremetres from the racing line, yet technical and tight and twisty in other sections.

To win the shootout, times were added together from the four days of the event with the combined time the winner. James had been fighting for the quickest time all weekend, with three outright fastest times from four shootouts, but it was to be on Sunday afternoon when the times tumbled in the Sussex downs. The fastest time of the weekend came on the final run with a blistering 2:28.1 and a combined total of 10:01.00. Williams would go on to receive the award for fastest time of the weekend in front of Goodwood House – with large crowds in attendance.

“I just love Goodwood,” grinned Williams. “The atmosphere and celebration of motorsport is like nothing else. I was lining up behind Group B icons of the sport with World Rally Championship cars going into the stage behind me, it’s pretty surreal!

“We had a ball this year – we really wanted to try and get the fastest time, and that was the target I set myself at the start of the year when I got invited back. I am really chuffed to have done that as it’s a massive honour for me and the team. I was also delighted to take out some of my personal backers and supporters to give them a taste of what rallying is all about. It was fantastic to put a smile on so many faces.

“I would like to thank the entire team at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, all the marshals and all the team who put the event together. It was an incredible weekend and I hope I can get invited back in 2025, so I can try and defend the title!”

James and Ross will return to British Rally Championship action next month with the Grampian Forest Rally on the 9/10 August – where James will look to return to the podium on the Scottish gravel stages.

James would like to thank his team of loyal partners: Orange Amps, Fast Forward Logistics, Hyundai Power Products, Rally Cover, Pirelli, Performance 1st Coaching, Composites Cymru, West Wales Lubricants, Palletline, Craftric Technology, Speedline Corse, Castle Designs, Charlies Stores, ND Civils, Progressive Safety Equipment, Huw Morris Plant Hire , Hide Away Wales, West Coast Finance, Ceir Castle Motors and Vital Equipment. If you would like to become a partner, get in touch with the team today –[email protected].

Sport

Haverfordwest County Under-13 girls shine at final FAW festival

Published

6 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC Women and Girls have praised their under-13s after another strong showing at the third and final FAW Festival of the season.

The young Bluebirds travelled to Colliers Park in Wrexham on Saturday (Apr 4), where they once again impressed with their performances.

Club officials said the girls had performed fantastically well throughout the season, adding that everyone at Haverfordwest County was incredibly proud of their efforts.

The squad for the day was Libby O, Ela I, Ines M, Mila E, Scarlett C, Rachel B, Lydia H, Lilly M, Zara E, Leila P and Lillie EJ.

Well done girls.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls: Friendly League week 22 results

Published

7 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

RESULTS from week 22 of the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League have been confirmed, with Badgers recording a comprehensive 10-0 win over Lamphey and St Twynnells edging past Cosheston 6-4.

An earlier fixture also saw Cosheston claim a 10-0 victory over Reynalton.

Several matches were postponed during the week, including Kilgetty v Carew, Llanteg v St Twynnells and Hundleton v East Williamston.

St Johns had the bye.

Latest results:
Cosheston 4 St Twynnells 6
Badgers 10 Lamphey 0
Cosheston 10 Reynalton 0

League table after week 22:
East Williamston — Played 19, Won 13, Drawn 0, Lost 6, Shot difference 169, Points 126
St Johns — Played 20, Won 12, Drawn 1, Lost 7, Shot difference 132, Points 118
Reynalton — Played 20, Won 8, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference 24, Points 99
St Twynnells — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 2, Lost 7, Shot difference 9, Points 99
Carew — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 9, Shot difference -12, Points 98
Hundleton — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 1, Lost 8, Shot difference -7, Points 97
Llanteg — Played 18, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 8, Shot difference -16, Points 95
Badgers — Played 20, Won 7, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -104, Points 89
Cosheston — Played 19, Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference -39, Points 88
Lamphey — Played 20, Won 9, Drawn 0, Lost 11, Shot difference -71, Points 80
Kilgetty — Played 19, Won 6, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -85, Points 73

League officials have reminded clubs that all outstanding matches must be completed by midnight on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Sport

Amman United Youth suffer agonising semi-final defeat

Published

7 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

Cup final dream slips away as Newcastle Emlyn battle back to seal 20-19 win in windy Carmarthenshire Cup clash

AMMAN UNITED YOUTH saw their Carmarthenshire Cup final hopes ended in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday (Apr 4) as Newcastle Emlyn snatched a 20-19 victory in a dramatic semi-final.

Played in difficult, windy conditions, the contest was fiercely competitive throughout, with Amman left to rue a series of handling errors that allowed the visitors back into the game.

Newcastle Emlyn made the stronger start, taking an early 3-0 lead through a penalty and then missing a chance to add to their tally.

Amman responded well and took control of the first half. Captain Ceian Lewis crossed following a well-worked catch-and-drive to put his side 5-3 in front. Toby Slater then produced an excellent touchline conversion in tough conditions to extend the lead to 7-3.

Amman continued to build momentum when Harvey Duncan made a sharp break down the wing to score their second try. Slater was again on target with an impressive conversion in the wind, giving his side a 14-3 lead at the break.

But the game turned soon after the restart. A costly Amman mistake allowed Newcastle Emlyn back into the contest, with the visitors scoring in the corner before adding the conversion to close the gap to 14-10.

Amman appeared to have steadied themselves when Kelston Fairhurst powered over from another catch-and-drive, stretching the lead to 19-10.

However, Newcastle Emlyn refused to give in. Strong forward play brought them another try, and the conversion cut the deficit to just two points at 19-17 as the pressure mounted in the closing stages.

The decisive moment came in the final five minutes when another Amman handling error handed Emlyn a crucial opportunity. The visitors worked their way into range and slotted a late penalty to edge ahead 20-19.

Amman had one final chance to rescue the game and opted for a catch-and-drive from a late penalty, having already found success with that tactic earlier in the match. This time, though, Newcastle Emlyn held firm to deny them and secure their place in the final.

It was a bitter end for Amman United Youth, who had looked in control at half-time, but Newcastle Emlyn showed resilience and composure when it mattered most.