Sport
Ceredigion set to host thrilling clash of rally titans
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.
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
Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1: Match reports
Goodwick United 3–0 Merlins Bridge
League leaders Goodwick United claimed a commanding 3–0 victory over Merlins Bridge at the Pembrokeshire Sports Village. Rhys Jones broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a spectacular 25-yard free kick. An own goal by Nick Squire early in the second half doubled the advantage, and Jones sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike. The result keeps Goodwick four points clear at the top as they push to retain their title.
Carew 16–0 Herbrandston
Carew delivered a record-breaking performance, thrashing Herbrandston 16–0 at the Gerald Hicks Memorial Ground. James Hinchliffe led the charge with six goals, supported by Shaun Whitfield’s rapid hat-trick. George Waters contributed four goals, Gareth Lewis added two, and Leon Davies completed the rout. The emphatic win lifted Carew out of the relegation zone, while Herbrandston remains firmly at the bottom of the table.
Clarbeston Road 5–2 St Ishmaels
Clarbeston Road cruised to a 5–2 victory over St Ishmaels at Knock Field. Ben John missed an early penalty for Clarbeston but redeemed himself by assisting Jake Wesley’s equaliser. Laurie Haworth and Dan Rees found the net, with Wesley adding a second to complete the scoring for Clarbeston. St Ishmaels’ captain Brennan Devonald netted twice, but his side dropped into the relegation zone.
Monkton Swifts 1–4 Hakin United
Hakin United strengthened their title challenge with a 4–1 win over Monkton Swifts. Dylan Davies put Monkton ahead early, but Hakin responded through Ryan Wilson and Mark Jones to take a 2–1 lead into halftime. Jay Kilby scored twice in the second half, sealing a vital away win for the Vikings.
Milford United 2–2 Pennar Robins
Milford United and Pennar Robins played out an entertaining 2–2 draw at Marble Hall. Liam Davies gave Milford the lead, but Jamie Wilkes equalised for Pennar. Dan James then put Pennar ahead, only for Leon Davies to bring Milford level again. Milford’s Sam Davies was sent off late, but neither side could find a winner in the closing stages.
Tenby 2–3 Kilgetty
Kilgetty staged a thrilling comeback to defeat derby rivals Tenby 3–2 at the Clicketts. Joe Leahy opened the scoring for Tenby, with Jordan Gorman quickly levelling for Kilgetty. Scott Ferney restored Tenby’s lead before halftime. However, Kilgetty turned the tide in the final ten minutes as Lloyd Hughes equalised, and captain Richard Cope struck the decisive winner to secure a dramatic victory.
Sport
Local rugby action: Thrills, wins, and tough battles across divisions
Crymych 19 – Llanelli Wanderers 33
Llanelli Wanderers showcased their title aspirations with a decisive bonus-point victory over Crymych. Despite a spirited effort from the Preseli Men, who trailed 12-18 at halftime, they couldn’t capitalize on second-half opportunities.
Crymych’s hooker Lee Griffiths scored two tries in the first half, and a late penalty try offered some consolation. The Wanderers, under Sean Gale’s guidance, proved dominant with tries from Rhydian Morgan, Lewis Jones, Rhodri Owens, and Sam Icke. Jones contributed two conversions and three penalties, keeping the Wanderers in contention at the top of the table. Crymych remain in a relegation battle.
Division One (West)
Pontarddulais 17 – Tenby United 26
Tenby United maintained their unbeaten streak with a hard-earned seventh victory of the season, defeating a determined Pontarddulais side. Though missing a bonus point, the disciplined Seasiders secured a valuable win.
Lloyd Thomas played a pivotal role, kicking four penalties and converting tries by Gwion Jones and Rob Luly. Acting skipper Jones shone with an individual effort. Pontarddulais responded with tries from Ethan Miles, Lewis Edwards, and Iwan Evans. Tenby stay second in the league with a game in hand over leaders Aberystwyth.
Division Two (West)
Whitland 13 – Fishguard & Goodwick 10
A late Harry Fuller penalty sealed Whitland’s narrow victory in a fiercely contested clash with Fishguard and Goodwick. The Seagulls led 7-3 at halftime after Ben John’s converted try answered Johnny Thomas’s penalty.
Rhys Nicholas turned the game in Whitland’s favor with a crucial intercept try, converted by Thomas. Although Mark Jones briefly leveled the scores, Fuller’s decisive penalty secured Whitland’s fourth win of the season.
Carmarthen Athletic 23 – Milford Haven 10
Carmarthen Athletic overturned a halftime deficit to claim a solid home win over Milford Haven. The Mariners led 10-6 at the break, thanks to Robbie Jones’s converted try and a James Trueman penalty.
The Athletic surged back with 17 unanswered points, including tries from Gethin Phillips, Morgan Morse, and Deian Morgan. Zak Williams added the conversions and penalties to seal the victory. Milford missed out on a losing bonus point in their fourth defeat of the season.
Division Three (West)
Cefneithin 16 – Cardigan 29
Cardigan continued their strong form with a bonus-point win over Cefneithin. The Teifisiders led 15-6 at halftime, with Marcus Castle and Shaun Leonard crossing the try line. Leonard was instrumental, adding another try and three conversions.
John Lumb and Jack Taylor scored second-half tries as Cardigan capitalized on excellent possession. Cefneithin fought back with a try by Jonathan Morgan and three penalties from Carwyn Evans but fell short.
Division Four (West)
Llanybydder 17 – Neyland 43
Neyland dazzled with a six-try bonus-point victory over Llanybydder. Leading 24-5 at halftime, the All Blacks saw tries from Owain Evans, Matthew Coles, Owen Hamer, and skipper Georghe Williams.
Young winger Josh Watts added two second-half tries. Llanybydder responded with tries from Jake Evans, Dan Davies, and Dan Jones, converted by Ethan Sion Mathias, but Neyland’s dominance was unshaken as they returned to the top of the table.
Teirw Crymych 17 – St Davids 17
Teirw Crymych and St Davids battled to a draw in a thrilling encounter. The Bulls dominated early, building a 14-0 lead with tries from George Plummer and Trystan Griffiths, both converted by Adam Phillips.
St Davids stormed back with tries by Will James and Tom Clarke, before George Raymond’s late try leveled the scores. The conversion went wide, leaving both teams to share the points.
Dreigiau Emlyn 14 – Narberth Athletic 3
Narberth Athletic’s unbeaten run ended at Ddol Wiber as Dreigiau Emlyn’s forward strength secured a gritty win. A single forward-driven try and three penalties proved enough for the Dragons.
Athletic struggled to convert pressure into points, their only score coming from a Shane Rossiter penalty. The Dragons celebrated their third victory of the season.
Llangwm 17 – Pembroke 22
In a heated Division Four West derby, Pembroke edged out Llangwm in the first leg of the Palmer Cup at Pill Parks. The Scarlets held firm against a late surge to secure the win.
Llangwm opened strongly, with James Morgan and Dan Richards scoring tries, both converted by Harry Makepeace. Pembroke’s forwards turned the tide, with Jamie Brayford (2), Robin Badham, and Josh Greenwood crossing the line. Despite Llangwm’s late efforts, Pembroke extended their winning streak to three matches.
Sport
Pembrokeshire Vikings triumph over Port Talbot panthers
PEMBROKESHIRE VIKINGS faced a tough challenge against the formidable Port Talbot Panthers at Milford Haven RFC on Sunday afternoon. In a fiercely contested battle, the Vikings emerged as worthy winners with a final score of 33-17.
The Vikings’ try scorers included Dave Roberts, Karl Bate, Shaun Treadwell, Richard Williams, and Jack Elliott. Callum Power added to the scoreboard with four successful conversions. Karl Bate’s standout performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
A special mention goes to Sean Phillips, who made a welcome return to the team. Phillips delivered a brilliant 30-metre line break, unselfishly passing the ball to Dave Roberts, who crossed under the posts. His contribution exemplified the team spirit that defines the Vikings.
Matches between the Vikings and the Panthers are always marked by fierce rivalry, but also by strong friendships forged on and off the field. The team eagerly anticipates the return fixture in 2025.
The Vikings also extended their gratitude to Barry from Pembrokeshire College, a loyal supporter of the team. Additionally, thanks were given to sponsors Austwel LTD, Hedley Asset Management, and The Pembrokeshire Herald for their ongoing support.
Next match: A historic showdown
This Saturday, the Pembrokeshire Vikings will travel to Llandaff RFC to make history in a match against Rygbi Senedd Cymru. The team looks forward to another thrilling encounter as they continue their successful season.
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