Newcastle Emlyn’s Henri Cynwyl secures first outright R53 Mini Rally Challenge win at Greystoke Stages Rally in Cumbria

RISING rally star Henri Cynwyl has claimed his first outright victory in the R53 Mini Rally Challenge after an impressive performance at the Greystoke Stages Rally in Cumbria.

The young driver from Newcastle Emlyn, who recently made his gravel debut at the Plains Rally, wasted no time in showing his potential on one of the toughest events of the season.

In only his second gravel rally, Henri delivered a composed and determined drive over rough and demanding terrain. Despite difficult conditions and damage to the car during the event, he secured victory in the R53 Mini Rally Challenge, finished an outstanding 15th overall, and took second in Class 3 in the over 2000cc category.

The result further strengthens Henri’s reputation as one of rallying’s brightest young prospects and marks another major step forward in his developing career.

Speaking after the event, 18-year-old Henri said: “This was my second outing at a gravel event and I’m absolutely delighted with the win, especially on very rough and challenging terrain.

“It was my first time at Greystoke and although it was rough, I really enjoyed it. I knew I just had to get back to service for the win with a one minute 30 second lead.”

For the apprentice electrician, finishing inside the top 15 overall and second in class capped off a superb weekend.

Henri added: “A huge thank you to my support network and sponsors, especially W1 Motorsport Group and team manager Mark Williams, who has a wealth of knowledge and gives me valuable advice.

“From the service crew to my mum, they have all been terrific. It was also brilliant to have the support and help from other Mini Rally Challenge members, who went above and beyond to help fix my damaged radiator.

“I really appreciate all the phone calls and messages from family, friends and sponsors. They all mean a lot to me.”

Henri also paid tribute to his co-driver Dilwyn John, whose experience proved invaluable throughout the event.

He said: “Having Dilwyn John as my co-driver was super. He is very experienced at gravel, stage and night events, and reading the maps over the weekend suited him perfectly.

“Thirteen-year-old Wil Parry also came along to service. He is very much part of the team now. It was his 13th birthday and he worked so hard with Mark to make sure the car was running well. Top job!

“I would also like to thank all of the organisers for a great event. We will be back next year.”

With a podium finish on his gravel debut followed immediately by his first outright Mini Rally Challenge victory, the future looks bright for Henri.

If these early performances are anything to go by, the Newcastle Emlyn youngster is certainly one to watch as his rally career continues to gather momentum.

Haverfordwest County AFC’s new Tor Sports home kit made its first appearance on the pitch at the weekend

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC’s new home strip has been seen in action for the first time.

The Bluebirds wore the new Tor Sports kit during Saturday’s fixture, giving supporters a first proper look at the design on the pitch.

The strip keeps Haverfordwest’s traditional blue colours, with yellow detailing on the sleeves and shorts, while the club badge sits prominently on the front.

The club shared photos of the kit on social media, asking supporters: “How good?!”

The images show the squad walking out and in match action, with the new strip already getting plenty of attention from fans.

Haverfordwest County, who continue to proudly use the slogan #PlayingForPembrokeshire, will wear the kit as their home strip for the new campaign.

FRESH questions are being raised over the football ownership network behind Haverfordwest County AFC after a Scottish report claimed Hamilton Academical are facing growing anger over unpaid pension contributions.

The Daily Record and Lanarkshire Live have reported that rival SPFL clubs are frustrated by what they see as a lack of action over Hamilton’s alleged pension issues, with claims that the League One side is gaining a sporting advantage while continuing to sign players.

Hamilton Academical and Haverfordwest County are both linked through Morley Sports Management, the group associated with Haverfordwest chairman Rob Edwards (pictured).

The issue has now taken on a direct Pembrokeshire angle because Hamilton travelled to Haverfordwest earlier this month for a pre-season friendly at the Ogi Bridge Meadow. Haverfordwest County described the fixture as a first meeting between two clubs under the Morley Sports Management umbrella, while Hamilton said the trip was an opportunity to strengthen connections on and off the pitch across the MSM team.

Hamilton won the friendly 4-0 on Saturday, July 4.

The Scottish reports claim that current and former Hamilton players have been chasing pension contributions, while rival clubs are concerned that the Accies have continued to recruit players and offer contracts despite unresolved financial questions.

One unnamed SPFL club official quoted by the Daily Record described the situation as an “absolute scandal” and claimed clubs who meet their obligations are being placed at a disadvantage.

There is no suggestion that Haverfordwest County players or staff are affected by the pension allegations. However, the latest claims are likely to increase scrutiny of the wider Morley Sports Management football model at a time when Haverfordwest County are moving towards a hybrid first-team structure, with some young players training on a full-time basis.

The Bluebirds have previously said the hybrid model is intended to provide a pathway for talented Pembrokeshire players and help the club continue its push for success in the Cymru Premier.

Hamilton’s off-field difficulties have been well documented. In February, the SPFL confirmed that the club had received a six-point deduction after admitted breaches relating to unpaid wages and tax obligations. The SPFL said at the time that those breaches related to the period before the current ownership took control of the club.

In May, Hamilton said outstanding historic HMRC liabilities had been settled and that a winding-up petition against the club would be withdrawn. Rob Edwards said at the time that the matter was the club’s “last major hurdle” and that Hamilton could now focus on the future.

The latest pension claims, however, have reignited concerns among Scottish clubs over financial compliance, sporting integrity, and the enforcement of league rules.

The Herald has asked Haverfordwest County AFC, Hamilton Academical, the SPFL, the Football Association of Wales, and The Pensions Regulator for comment.