Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Sport

Ceredigion set to host thrilling clash of rally titans

Published

on

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.

News

Residents reminded of IRONMAN Wales road restrictions

Published

on

IRONMAN Wales returns to Pembrokeshire in just over a week and there will be full and partial road closures in and around the south of the County.

IRONMAN Wales will be held on Sunday, 22nd September with thousands of athletes from all over the world taking part in a 2.3mile swim, followed by a 112mile bike ride before finishing with a 26.2mile run.

The swim starts at 7.30am and the predicted last finisher time is around 1am the following morning.

Full information outlining road closures and alternative routes available across the course is available on the IRONMAN website (opens in new window) to help residents plan their travel ahead of the event.

The A40 and A477 will remain open and are unaffected to facilitate access east-west throughout the event.

Emergency services will maintain full access.

Due to the road closure it will not be possible for the 387/8 (Coastal Cruiser) bus service to operate on Sunday 22nd September. The service will operate as normal on Saturday 21st and Monday 23rd September.

The bike course closure map (opens in new window) and run course closure map can also be downloaded from ironman.com

There will also be restrictions in Tenby town centre on Saturday 21st when IRONKIDS from across the county take part in their running races.

A park and ride shuttle bus will be running on Saturday and Sunday from Carew Airfield and Saundersfoot.

If you have any IRONMAN Wales access questions, please contact [email protected] or call 03330 11 66 00 and provide the following details:

  • Name
  • Telephone Number
  • Journey Start Postcode
  • Journey End Postcode
  • Time of Departure
  • Details of Enquiry

Please note the e-mail address will not be monitored on the event weekend so please plan ahead.

Continue Reading

Sport

Thrills, spills, and big wins: Pembrokeshire Division Two heats up

Published

on

LAST weekend’s action in Pembrokeshire Division Two delivered an exhilarating mix of high-scoring encounters, closely fought draws, and dominant displays, as the league standings begin to take shape.

Merlin’s Bridge Reserves 3-3 Camrose

The highly anticipated local derby between Merlin’s Bridge Reserves and league leaders Camrose did not disappoint, ending in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Camrose, still unbeaten at the top, looked set to secure the win after a brace from James Williams and a strike from Lewis Watts. But Merlin’s Bridge, determined to salvage a point, fought back through captain Morgan Richards. His two-goal performance, capped by a dramatic last-minute equaliser, ensured the Wizards shared the spoils in this action-packed affair.

Fishguard Sports 2-2 Hakin United Reserves

At Tregroes, Fishguard Sports and Hakin United Reserves played out a hard-fought 2-2 stalemate. Both sides remain unbeaten in a game where neither could find the breakthrough to secure all three points. Hakin’s youthful squad showed resilience, earning a commendable point against the more seasoned Fishguard team. Phil Jones’ men now sit fourth in the standings, while Hakin leapfrog to second.

Narberth 9-0 Lawrenny

Narberth delivered the weekend’s most emphatic result, thrashing newly promoted Lawrenny 9-0 at Jesse Road. Jordan Williams and Steff Williams each netted twice, while substitute Jacob Layfield came off the bench to bag a brace of his own. This devastating performance lifts Narberth to third, while Lawrenny, still without a point, languish at the foot of the table, enduring a tough baptism in Division Two.

Neyland 3-1 Johnston

Neyland secured a solid 3-1 home victory over Johnston, with the visitors still struggling to adapt to life in Division Two following their recent relegation. Johnston, with just one win from four matches, found themselves unable to match Neyland’s composure and quality. The result leaves them in the lower half of the table, while Neyland continue to build momentum.

Solva 6-2 Broad Haven

Solva’s impressive start to the season continued with a commanding 6-2 win over Broad Haven. Following their promotion, Solva have emerged as early dark horses, their strong performances keeping them within touching distance of the top spots. For an in-depth report on this feature match, head to our sports section.

Carew Reserves 3-0 Monkton Swifts Reserves

Carew Reserves finally notched their first win of the season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over an out-of-sorts Monkton Swifts Reserves. Last season’s league champions, Monkton, seem a shadow of their former selves, managing just one win from four outings as they continue to struggle to rediscover last year’s form.

With Camrose setting the early pace and several sides showing potential, Pembrokeshire’s Division Two is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive contest this season. Stay tuned for more twists and turns as the battle for promotion heats up.

Continue Reading

Sport

Goals galore and dominant displays in Pembrokeshire’s Division One

Published

on

THE latest round of Pembrokeshire Division One action saw some thrilling performances, with high-scoring victories and crucial wins that are already shaping the season’s outlook. Here’s a breakdown of all the key moments from the weekend’s fixtures.

Hakin United Make a Statement with 8-0 Win Over Clarbeston Road

Hakin United delivered an emphatic message to the rest of the league as they dismantled last year’s Senior Cup winners, Clarbeston Road, with a staggering 8-0 victory at the Obs. The Vikings were in full control from the first whistle, and their offensive firepower was on full display.

Alfie Stotter was the standout performer, grabbing a hat-trick and establishing himself as a key player for Hakin this season. His clinical finishing and sharp movement were too much for the Clarby defense, who struggled to contain the relentless pressure. This dominant win signals Hakin’s clear intent to challenge for the title this year, as they continue to set the pace at the top.

Carew edge past Merlins Bridge for first win

Carew claimed their first victory of the season with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Merlins Bridge. It was a tightly contested affair, with both sides creating chances, but it was Leon Davies who made the difference for the visitors. His goal proved decisive as Carew held on to secure three valuable points, leaving Merlins Bridge frustrated after failing to find an equalizer.

Milford United cruise past Kilgetty

Milford United secured their second win of the campaign, overcoming Kilgetty 2-0 at Marble Hall. It was a solid performance from the home side, with goals from Parr and Sam Davies sealing the win. Milford looked composed throughout and managed the game well, ensuring Kilgetty left without any reward. The result boosts Milford’s position in the table, as they aim to build momentum early in the season.

 Monkton Swifts add to St Ishmaels’ woes

Monkton Swifts piled more misery on a struggling St Ishmaels side, cruising to a 4-1 victory. The win leaves St Ishmaels rooted to the bottom of the table, still without a point this season. Monkton were dominant from the outset and showed no mercy as they took control of the game early on. St Ishmaels will need to find answers quickly if they are to avoid a relegation battle.

Goodwick United secure 2-0 win over Pennar Robins

Goodwick United continued their steady start to the season with a solid 2-0 win over Pennar Robins at Bush Camp, which was our feature match this week. Goodwick looked in control for most of the game and managed to break through the Pennar defense with two well-taken goals. Be sure to check out the full match report on our sports page for a detailed look at how the game unfolded.

 Tenby maintain perfect start with 5-0 victory over Herbie

Tenby maintained their perfect start to the season with a commanding 5-0 win over Herbie at the Clicketts. Spencer Williams led the charge with a brace, while Hipkiss and Leahy also got on the scoresheet. Tenby were in full flow, showcasing their attacking prowess and leaving Herbie with no answers. The result leaves Herbie at the bottom of the table without a point, while Tenby sit joint top with a perfect record.

Continue Reading

Crime5 hours ago

Man with limited mental capacity sees child grooming conviction overturned

A WEST WALES man, initially convicted of grooming and sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy, has been acquitted after a trial...

News1 day ago

Local Conservatives condemn Winter Fuel Payment cut

AROUND 21,000 pensioners in Mid and South Pembrokeshire are set to lose up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payments after...

Education2 days ago

Pandemic impact on Welsh reading standards still felt, says Estyn

A NEW report by Estyn has highlighted the ongoing negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pupils’ Welsh reading skills,...

News2 days ago

Eluned Morgan unveils new cabinet as Mark Drakeford takes on finance role

WALES’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan, has revealed her newly appointed cabinet just days after her predecessor, Vaughan Gething, announced he...

News3 days ago

Pembrokeshire’s new MP votes to cut the Winter Fuel Payment

MPs have voted to drastically reduce the winter fuel payment, restricting it to only the country’s poorest pensioners. A Conservative-led...

News3 days ago

Prince William visits Wales amid positive news on Kate’s health

PRINCE WILLIAM, the Prince of Wales, made a visit to Wales on Tuesday (Sept 10), just a day after Princess...

Business3 days ago

Ministers approve £500m Tata Steel subsidy but Tories say it ‘falls short’

MINISTERS have confirmed an agreement providing Tata Steel with a £500 million grant towards its transition to electric arc furnace...

News4 days ago

National review urges reform of Welsh Fire and Rescue Authorities

A MAJOR new report has highlighted significant weaknesses in the governance of Wales’ Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs), calling for...

News4 days ago

Local police assisted by National Police Helicopter in Milford Haven search

RESIDENTS in Haverfordwest and Milford Haven were left concerned last night after a significant police presence and a low-flying helicopter...

News5 days ago

Newgale Coastal Adaptation Scheme will include new section of A487

NEWGALE, a constant victim of extreme weather and rising sea levels, is set for a transformative shift with the latest...

Popular This Week