Sport

Ceredigion set to host thrilling clash of rally titans

Published

4 months ago

August 27, 2024

THE picturesque roads of Ceredigion are set to reverberate with the roar of engines this weekend as the British Rally Championship (BRC) goes head-to-head with the European Rally Championship (ERC) at the highly anticipated Rali Ceredigion. With two points-scoring opportunities up for grabs, this event promises to be a pivotal moment in the battle for the championship title.

The 2024 edition of Rali Ceredigion, which runs from 30th August to 1st September, marks a historic occasion as the ERC makes its long-awaited return to British soil. The Aberystwyth-based rally, now in its third consecutive year on the BRC calendar, will see the UK’s best drivers face off against some of the world’s top rally crews. Over 140 competitors from 14 different countries will tackle the challenging Welsh moorland roads, covering an intense 183km of special stages.

Ingram is just one point behind the lead

At the top of the BRC standings, a fierce battle is brewing. William Creighton, the 2021 Junior BRC champion and 2023 Junior World Rally champion, currently leads the BRC1 standings by a single point. Driving a Pirelli-shod Ford Fiesta Rally2 with co-driver Liam Regan, Creighton will be looking to redeem himself after a challenging run in Scotland, where luck wasn’t on his side.

Hot on Creighton’s heels is Chris Ingram, who, after a stellar performance at the Voyonic Grampian Forest Rally, is just one point behind. Ingram, piloting a Michelin-clad Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 alongside co-driver Alex Kihurani, secured his second top score of the season in Scotland, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in Ceredigion.

But the fight for the top spot is far from a two-horse race. Osian Pryce, a two-time winner of the Ceredigion rally, returns to the fray in his Fiesta Rally2, aiming to leverage his local knowledge and experience on these roads. However, with the route significantly reworked and the added challenge of Europe’s finest rally teams, Pryce will have his work cut out to make it three wins in a row.

Adding to the excitement, four-time BRC champion Keith Cronin enters the weekend fresh from an Irish championship win in Ulster. Cronin, who sits third in the standings, has also tasted success in Ceredigion, although his last outing ended in disappointment with a non-finish. Teaming up with co-driver Mikie Galvin, Cronin will be playing his Joker during the first points-scoring opportunity, adding an extra layer of strategy to his weekend.

The event also sees the return of three-time British Rally Champion Matt Edwards. The Welshman, who has been a dominant force in the Irish series this year, will be driving a Ford Fiesta Rally2 with co-driver David Moynihan. Edwards’ return to the BRC has generated significant buzz, and he is expected to challenge the regulars for a top spot on the leaderboard.

The Junior BRC category could see its champion crowned this weekend. Robert Proudlock, driving a Peugeot 208 Rally4, has enjoyed a strong season with two gravel wins under his belt. A top score in Ceredigion could see him clinch the title with a round to spare. However, he will face stiff competition from the likes of Ryan MacHugh, Kyle McBride, and Keelan Grogan, all of whom are eager to keep their title hopes alive.

The Junior BRC field is further bolstered by the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup, adding even more depth to an already competitive line-up. Local favourite Ioan Lloyd, who took Junior victory in Ceredigion last year, is tipped as a pre-event favourite. Driving a Peugeot 208 Rally4, Lloyd will be aiming for both BRC and ERC glory on his home stages.

Running alongside the International event, the National Rally Title and Open Rally Title categories promise their own share of drama. Callum Black, driving a Fiesta Rally2, heads the charge in the Open Rally Title, while BRC1 ace Neil Roskell will be looking to score Open points in his Fiesta Rally2. Both drivers will need to watch out for local hero Kevin Davies, who will be in hot pursuit in his Volkswagen Polo.

In the National Rally Title category, William Mains leads the standings in his Vauxhall Nova. Mains, who is competing on his home rally, will face tough competition from double winner Darren Atkinson in his Escort. The category also features a strong line-up of challengers, including Wayne Jones in a Darrian and Nathan Evans in a Clio.

The action kicks off on Friday, August 30, with Free Practice and Qualifying for the International crews, followed by a ceremonial start in Aberystwyth. The popular Aberystwyth Street Stage will see a double run on Friday night, setting the scene for a weekend of high-octane competition.

Saturday’s itinerary features eight stages, covering 124km of challenging terrain. Sunday’s action-packed schedule includes four stages and an additional 57km, culminating in a ceremonial finish in Aberystwyth from around 3pm.

Rally enthusiasts can catch all the BRC action from Rali Ceredigion, which will be broadcast on ITV4, ITV4+1, and ITVX on Wednesday, 11th September at 8pm. For live updates and the latest news, fans are encouraged to visit the British Rally Championship’s official website and follow the BRC on social media using the hashtag #BRCRally.

As the countdown to Rali Ceredigion continues, the excitement is palpable. With championship points, national pride, and international glory on the line, this weekend’s rally promises to be a defining moment in the 2024 British Rally Championship.

Sport

Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Herbrandston 0 – St Ishmaels 6

BRENNAN DEVONALD delivered a masterclass as St Ishmaels thrashed Herbrandston 6-0, with the skipper leading from the front and scoring a stunning hat-trick. The comprehensive victory propels St Ishmaels to eighth in the league table, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.

The visitors asserted their dominance from the outset. Devonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute, latching onto a pinpoint assist from Owen Lawrence. He doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute, again set up by Lawrence, giving St Ishmaels a comfortable cushion at the break.

St Ishmaels maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to cap off a stellar team performance. Adam Kingsbeer’s clever play set up Ieuan Hawkins for the third, before Tom Williams capitalised on another opportunity to make it 4-0. Devonald sealed his hat-trick in the 85th minute with an expertly taken goal, and Joel Mills added the finishing touch in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Sol Goodall.

Team line-ups

Herbrandston: Adrian Rees, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Scott Findlay, Dean John (Captain), Harley Barrett, Gedion Hockin, Leon Whatling, Scott Gillespie, Cian Davenport. Subs: Leo Duncan, Jacob James, Nico Cockrell.

St Ishmaels: Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrence, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald (Captain), Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Tom Williams, Daniel Coe, Nathan Thomas. Subs: Max Howells, Tyler Sheil.

Sport

Dominant wins for Pembrokeshire sides in West Wales Intermediate Cup round 3

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Goodwick United 7-0 Carew

Goodwick United put on a commanding performance with a 7-0 triumph over Carew. The home side proved too powerful for their opponents, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each bagging two goals. Matty Delaney, Will Haworth, and Daniel Bryce also got their names on the scoresheet. As one of Pembrokeshire’s top teams, Goodwick will aim to build on this dominant win as they progress to the next round.

Hakin United 13-0 Clydach Sports

Hakin United were in ruthless form as they dispatched Clydach Sports 13-0. Jack Britton led the charge with an impressive five-goal haul, while Liam Parks netted a hat-trick. Jack Griffiths, Jay Kilby, Kieran King, Justin Harding, and Mason Dolling all contributed to the comprehensive scoreline. Hakin, one of the premier teams in Pembrokeshire, will be keen to continue their pursuit of the cup after this emphatic victory.

Merlins Bridge 7-3 Treboeth United

Merlins Bridge secured a thrilling 7-3 victory over Treboeth United in an exciting encounter. Nathan Evans was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Tom Jago, Jason Griffiths, Hayden Dimond, and Ashton Plunkett all found the back of the net. Treboeth’s Liam Manning, Cori Jones, and Matthew Colley fought valiantly but could not prevent the home side from taking the win. Merlins Bridge will be pleased with their attacking display and will look to build on this result.

Monkton Swifts 5-4 Clarbeston Road

In a dramatic local derby, Monkton Swifts edged out Clarbeston Road 5-4 in a high-scoring affair. Dylan Davies was the standout performer with four goals, and Liam Butland added another. Clarbeston Road fought hard with goals from Laurie Haworth, Matthew Davies, Greg Brown, and Ben John, but it was the Swifts who held on to secure the victory. Monkton will be happy to progress after such a closely contested match.

Neyland 1-2 Cwm Wanderers

Neyland were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Cwm Wanderers in a closely contested match. Ben Gale scored for Neyland, but goals from Joseff Shaw and Corey Raven-Sayce gave the visitors the edge. Despite a valiant effort from Neyland, Cwm Wanderers held firm to secure the win and advance to the next round.

Plough Colts 0-2 Pennar Robins

Pennar Robins comfortably saw off Plough Colts 2-0, with Kieran Smith and Jamie Wilkes scoring the goals. Pennar demonstrated their class and will look to carry this momentum forward into the next round.

Tenby 2-0 Blaen-y-Maes

Tenby continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Blaen-y-Maes. Sam Butler and Scott Ferney were on target for Tenby, who have been one of the most impressive sides this season. This win further cements Tenby’s status as one of the top contenders in the competition.

Analysis:

Pembrokeshire’s leading teams, Goodwick United and Hakin United, demonstrated their superiority with commanding wins, while Tenby showed their credentials with a solid 2-0 victory. With such dominant performances, Goodwick and Hakin are likely to be among the favourites to claim the title, with Tenby also emerging as a serious contender in this year’s West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Sport

Thrills and dominance: Narberth shine in 6-1 victory

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Broad Haven 4-4 Solva

In an exhilarating, high-scoring encounter, Broad Haven played out a 4-4 draw with Solva. Marco Valentine netted twice for Broad Haven, with Owen Sheppard and Shane Howells also getting on the scoresheet. Solva responded through Josh Bland, who scored a hat-trick, and Lucas Price, ensuring the points were shared in this thrilling clash.

Camrose 1-3 Fishguard Sports

Fishguard Sports claimed a 3-1 victory over Camrose, with a clinical display of attacking play. Andrew John scored the only goal for Camrose, but Fishguard’s offensive strength proved overwhelming. Anthony Couzens, Luke Thomas, and Ieuan Llewellyn all found the net to guide their side to victory.

Carew II 0-2 Hakin United II

Hakin United II earned a solid 2-0 win over Carew II. Rowan Dixon and Tom Edmonds were the scorers for the visitors, with Carew struggling to break down Hakin’s defense. It was a well-executed performance that saw Hakin advance with all three points.

Johnston P-P Merlins Bridge II

The match between Johnston and Merlins Bridge II was postponed, with no further details available at the time of writing.

Lawrenny 1-6 Narberth

Narberth cruised to a commanding 6-1 victory over Lawrenny. Owen James scored the lone goal for Lawrenny, but Narberth’s attacking prowess was on full display as Steffan Williams scored twice, and Ashley Williams, Chris Brown, Conor Bowen, and Ryan Williams each found the back of the net in a comprehensive win.

Analysis:

The 14th December 2024 fixtures saw a blend of thrilling draws and dominant victories. Broad Haven and Solva shared the spoils in an action-packed 4-4 draw, while Fishguard Sports, Hakin United II, and Narberth all secured convincing wins. Narberth’s 6-1 triumph over Lawrenny was the standout result of the day, highlighting their attacking firepower.