Sport

Rali Ceredigion delivers thrilling BRC double header

Published

8 months ago

September 1, 2024

THE fight for the Probite British Rally Championship crown will go down to the wire at the final round, after the merciless Welsh mountain stages of the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion saw a dramatic rise and fall of several title challengers at the weekend.

The Aberystwyth-based event featured on the FIA European Rally Championship [ERC] roster for the first time and brought some of Europe’s fastest drivers to Wales to go head-to-head with the BRC regulars.

Two points scoring opportunities across the tricky three-day closed road event meant that the approach to the weekend for BRC contenders could well be a tactical one and two top scores for several of the front runners could significantly shape the championship standings. Points were allocated after Saturday’s stages, with another opportunity to score on the final day.

Over 184km of flat-out driving would ensure that crews would need to be on their “A-game” across the daunting asphalt tests and it was undoubtedly shaping up to be the toughest event of the year.

A qualifying session kicked off proceedings on Friday morning to determine road order for the following day and it was series leader William Creighton who took his Pirelli shod M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2 to third fastest overall and top BRC time against the ERC regulars.

After the afternoon’s sell-out ceremonial start on Aberystwyth seafront, two blasts around the promenade street stage were in order and the short sharp test saw Chris Ingram set the pace with two scratch times despite this event marking his debut on asphalt in the Michelin-backed Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.

Behind him, a fascinating battle for the overnight honours unfolded with ERC regular Jon Armstrong receiving a late call-up from the M-Sport squad to score points for the team and making an instant impression, taking second overnight.

Just 0.1s behind would be Creighton with an under-the-weather James Williams setting an impressive pace to finish the day fourth in his Hyundai i20 N Rally2. Keith Cronin escaped a first-stage clash with the stage furniture in his Fiesta Rally2 to round out the top five.

Whilst the opening day was brief, Saturday offered up a stark contrast with over 124km of special stages and eight tests providing the bulk of the competitive driving.

The opening Brechfa test saw a masterclass performance from Williams, who recorded a breathtaking pace which was not only the scratch BRC time, but also the fastest time overall, his maiden European stage win. Sadly, that would be all undone on the very next test when he and co-driver Ross Whittock left the road, tipping the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 onto its roof.

Punctures for William Creighton and Jon Armstrong over the opening loop of the day threw the leaderboard into chaos and positions would change with every passing stage.

Heading into the mid-point service it was Ingram out front, Cronin second and Osian Pryce in third with Ingram almost 19s to the good from the Irishman.

Armstrong would be the man of the moment over the repeat loop, setting the fastest BRC time over each one of the afternoon’s five tests but his earlier puncture meant that fourth would be the best he could manage.

Despite just one stage win, Ingram was uncatchable and ended the day in second overall, giving him his third maximum BRC score of the season.

“I’ve been so careful this afternoon with so many guys getting punctures,” said a delighted Ingram.

It’s been tough to keep everything together today and keeping it clean and tidy has been important. Scoring maximum points today means the pressure is off slightly [for tomorrow] but we can have a push”.

Ingram and co-driver Alex Kihurani’s result meant they headed into the final day with the BRC title within reach; a win could be enough to seal the crown. Second went to Cronin and Mike Galvin with Osian Pryce and Rhodri Evans rounding out the podium in third.

With the clocks reset for points purposes, Sunday would be a short, sharp blast of just four stages, kicking off with the treacherous Bethania test. Creighton was one of the first on the road and would set the pace but behind him, the drama unfolded in spectacular fashion.

Braking for a fast right-hander, Ingram’s Yaris rear end stepped away and launched him off the road and into instant retirement. If that wasn’t enough, just a few minutes later Cronin clipped the inside of a wall and rolled his Fiesta spectacularly, meaning once again the BRC leaderboard was thrown into disarray.

Eager to capitalise, Armstrong was quickest on the next test to move into the lead for Sunday’s points. Three-time British Rally champion Matt Edwards’ return to the series was a testing one, but the fastest overall time on the Bethania repeat was some consolation for a difficult weekend in his Fiesta Rally2.

Another scratch time from Armstrong on the final stage of the rally gave him the win on paper, before electing to check into the finish time control late to incur a 20second penalty – enough to hand teammate William Creighton the round six win and a vital top score for the Irishman’s Championship aspirations.

“It’s been great to be here and compete against the BRC regulars and compare our pace, especially William [Creighton] & Matt [Edwards], said Armstrong.

Equally happy was Creighton, who now heads to the final round in the lead of the standings, by just one point over Ingram.

“Yesterday wasn’t great from me, some small mistakes that had costly errors and that put us behind, but we reset ahead of today and we’ve done a pretty good job” he said. “Thanks to all the team who got behind us after yesterday’s issues.”

Edwards did enough to clinch third with Pryce fourth. Meirion Evans hurled his Yaris to fifth over the closing day, with plenty to take away from a good performance over this home event.

The title fight now goes down to the wire at the Cambrian in October, where a handful of BRC1 contenders still have a chance of clinching the crown.

Junior British Rally Championship and BRC4
Home hero Ioan Lloyd was unstoppable in the Junior BRC, taking his Peugeot 208 Rally4 to a convincing round-five victory with Sion Williams alongside. The Welsh pair finished a staggering 1m 17s ahead of Ryan MacHugh in his Fiesta Rally4 as early contender Keelan Grogan exited early with an off-road excursion. Kyle McBride rounded out the podium in third after switching to an Opel Corsa Rally4 for the weekend.

MacHugh enjoyed the top spot on Sunday’s sixth round, with Lloyd electing to take it easy and maximise his chances of a top Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup IRE & UK score, eventually taking second place. McBride’s Opel suffered a water pipe failure, taking him out of third and ensuring Grogan could leave Wales with some points for his efforts. Robert Proudlock and Steven Brown still head the championship standings with one round remaining.

In BRC4, James Lightfoot and Ula Budzyńska completed their first international rally and in the process became class champions in their Fiesta R2T.

Open Rally Title & National Rally Title
Callum Black and Jack Morton were unstoppable in the Open Rally Title, claiming both round five and round six wins in their Fiesta Rally2. Eventual second-placed man Neil Roskell mastered the Aberystwyth Street stage to lead overnight on Friday before Black hammered in fastest stage times throughout Saturday to end the day with over 2m 34s in hand and newcomer Dylan Davies rounding out the top three. The sixth round was a carbon copy, which means like its BRC1 counterpart, the title race goes to the final round of the season.

In the National Rally Title, Nathan Evans and Rhys Edwards took their Renault Clio RS to victory at round five, following it up with second spot on Sunday. Sunday’s victory went to Nathan Bolton and Phil Kenny in their Mitsubishi Evo. Series leader and Vauxhall Nova driver William Mains secured third on both occasions, to come within a hair’s breadth of the title.

The last round of the season heads back to the gravel and the popular Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally in October. With one and a half times points available, it’s all set to be a thrilling final encounter.

Catch up with all the action from Rali Ceredigion with the BRC highlights on ITV4, ITVX and ITV4+1 at 8pm on Wednesday 11 September.

Sport

Snooker: Waterloo B seal league and cup double in dominant display

Published

6 hours ago

May 13, 2025

Herald Sport

Posted in Black Diamond Village by Jonathan Davies

WATERLOO B capped off a remarkable season by completing the league and cup double last night, defeating Hook B by 46 points in a well-contested final.

The match began with Lee Walters (Waterloo B) taking on Rob Phelps (Hook B). Phelps made the stronger start and opened up a 20-point lead, but Walters showed resilience, steadily closing the gap and potting the final three colours to take the frame by 12 points.

The second frame featured a doubles encounter between S. Jenkins & D. James (Waterloo B) and S. Jones & S. John (Hook B). It was a nervy affair, with both sides potting well, but the Waterloo pair edged ahead to win by 22 points — extending their team’s overall lead to 34.

In the third frame, Alan Davies (Waterloo B) faced John Davies (Hook B) in a cautious, tactical contest. Alan’s well-placed snookers proved decisive, and John was unable to escape them cleanly. Alan went on to win the frame by 19 points, pushing Waterloo’s overall lead to 53.

The final frame brought together R. James & G. James (Waterloo B) against T. John & C. James (Hook B). With Hook needing a 53-point win to snatch the match, the odds were stacked against them. They fought hard and managed to take the frame by 7 points, but Waterloo B still secured a comfortable 46-point overall victory — and with it, the cup.

The match was played in great spirit, with both teams showing excellent sportsmanship. Thanks were extended to Peter Thomas for officiating the match.

Sport

National Road Championships return to West Wales this summer

Published

17 hours ago

May 13, 2025

Herald Sport

CEREDIGION will host the 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships from June 26 to 29, bringing elite-level cycling to west Wales – and Pembrokeshire residents are being encouraged to make the short trip across the border to enjoy the action.

A total of ten national champion’s jerseys will be contested across three days of racing, with the time-trial on Thursday, June 26, the circuit race on Friday, June 27, and the road race concluding the event on Sunday, June 29.

Entries for all events are open now and will close at midnight on Sunday, June 1. Full route details can be found at www.ceredigion.gov.uk/resident/news/2025/routes-revealed-for-the-2025-lloyds-national-road-championships

Time-trial – Aberaeron – Thursday, June 26
The opening event takes place around Aberaeron, with a challenging route beginning in Ffos-y-ffin and heading along fast-rolling roads to Ciliau Aeron before returning via a short but steep climb at Rhiw Goch. Elite women and under-23 riders will cover 27km, while elite men will face a 41km course.

Circuit race – Aberystwyth – Friday, June 27
The circuit race will take place in Aberystwyth on Friday evening. Riders will race for 50 minutes plus five laps on a 1.6km loop through the town centre, including Pier Street, Portland Street and Queens Road. The start and finish line will be on the seafront promenade. Spectators will have several opportunities to see the action as riders pass iconic landmarks like the Bandstand and old college.

Road race – Aberystwyth – Sunday, June 29
The championships culminate in a gruelling road race beginning on Aberystwyth’s promenade and heading out towards Trawsgoed on a 23.4km anti-clockwise loop. The course includes a maximum gradient of 9.1% and a technical 13.8% descent from Moriah to the A44. The women’s race will cover 128km and the men’s 187km, finishing on the seafront.

The finishing circuits, which loop through the old harbour and over Trefechan Bridge, are expected to deliver a thrilling end to each race.

Stevie Williams, winner of last year’s Lloyds Tour of Britain Men and a native of Aberystwyth, said: “Racing on home roads is a rare opportunity which always makes it extra special, so I can’t wait to get out on the roads I know so well.”

Jonathan Day, Managing Director for British Cycling Events, said: “The locations for each of the championships are stunning and provide a great test for the riders. There are multiple opportunities for spectators to see the riders pass these iconic landmarks.”

Ceredigion County Council has worked closely with organisers to support the event, which is expected to bring visitors and cycling fans from across the UK.

Councillor Clive Davies said: “The routes will demonstrate all that Ceredigion has to offer, from the coast to the countryside, taking in iconic sights along the way.”

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans said the event was a key milestone as Wales prepares to host the Tour de France for the first time in 2027.

Picture caption:
Tour of Britain: When it visited Aberystwyth in 2021

Sport

Record chases in week of high drama across Pembrokeshire cricket

Published

2 days ago

May 11, 2025

Herald Sport

THE THIRD week of the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League delivered thrilling contests, standout performances, and significant table movements as clubs across all divisions fought to build early-season momentum.

Division 1: Carew crush Saundersfoot, Cresselly and Neyland stay unbeaten

Carew made a resounding statement at the top of Division 1 with a 198-run demolition of Saundersfoot, amassing 341-5 thanks to a blistering 142 from Tim Hicks and 77 from Adam Chandler. With the ball, Barry Evans took 4-17 and James Hinchcliffe chipped in with 3-43 to bowl Saundersfoot out for 143.

Cresselly remain hot on Carew’s heels after a comfortable 132-run win at Haverfordwest. Tom Murphy struck a commanding 67 as Cresselly posted 254-6 before Christian Phillips ripped through the hosts with 5-22.

Elsewhere, Neyland’s powerful batting display secured a 47-run win over Whitland. Paul Murray’s 83 set the tone before Jack John’s 6-36 dismantled the Whitland response.

Herbrandston edged Lawrenny in a tight contest, winning by 10 runs after setting 215-9. Key all-round contributions came from Harry Nicholas (43 & 2-37) and Nathan Banner (32 & 2-24), while Lawrenny’s Finley Lewis hit 56 in vain.

Burton picked up their first win of the season, beating Llangwm by 30 runs, thanks to 56 from Dan Llewellyn and a four-wicket haul by Morgan Scale.

Carew top the Division 1 table with 58 points from three wins, closely followed by Cresselly on 56. Neyland remain in third with 46 points.

Division 1 Table – Week 3

Position	Team	Played	Won	Lost	Points	Runs For	Runs Against	Wickets Taken	Wickets Lost
1	Carew	3	3	0	58	694	411	30	21
2	Cresselly	3	3	0	56	748	491	25	22
3	Neyland	3	2	1	46	678	638	28	19
4	Saundersfoot	3	2	1	42	608	697	20	19
5	Lawrenny	3	1	2	36	461	525	29	23
6	Burton	3	1	2	34	522	690	27	25
7	Whitland	3	1	2	33	614	559	20	30
8	Herbrandston	3	1	2	33	539	687	23	28
9	Haverfordwest	3	1	2	31	619	610	17	24
10	Llangwm	3	0	3	18	390	565	22	30

Division 2: Nail-biters and centuries as top three pull ahead

A remarkable unbeaten 93 from Loui Davies guided Narberth to a tense two-wicket victory over Burton II, maintaining their perfect start. Narberth now lead the Division 2 table on 58 points, level with Hook, who scraped a one-wicket win over Cresselly II after chasing 262, powered by 98 from Neal Williams for the hosts.

Pembroke are close behind in third, following a 13-run win over Llechryd. Krunel Patel starred with 24 and 4-22 to edge out a tight defence of 145.

Carew II edged St Ishmaels by five runs in another low-scoring affair, with Sam Harts claiming 4-32. Johnston dominated Llanrhian by nine wickets, thanks to Lee Summons’ unbeaten 70 and a collective bowling performance that left the hosts 153-9.

Division 3: Laugharne hammer Neyland II, Fishguard lead the pack

A breathtaking 98 from Callum Collins-Davies and a five-wicket haul from Sam Lynch propelled Laugharne to a 171-run rout of Neyland II, who were bowled out for just 59.

Fishguard top Division 3 after a 62-run win over Lamphey, with Nigel Delaney producing an all-round masterclass, scoring 85 and taking 2-16.

Pembroke Dock, Stackpole, and Kilgetty all registered wins to stay in the title hunt, with Josh Davies’ unbeaten 89 leading Stackpole to a five-wicket win over Kilgetty.

Division 4: Durey and Hawkins star in huge wins

Crymych’s Nitai Durey slammed an unbeaten 119 as his side chased down Narberth II’s 167 with ease. Steffan Williams also hit 79 not out and took 5-30 in a dominant all-round display.

Darren Hawkins’ century anchored St Ishmaels II’s 72-run win over Carew III, while Saundersfoot II retained their position at the top of the table with a narrow six-wicket win over Pembroke II, thanks to Steve Cook’s unbeaten 78.

Lawrenny II were clinical in a 10-wicket win over Llangwm II, as Alfie Buckle’s 103* ensured a perfect chase of 166.

Division 5: High-scoring thrillers and tight finishes

Herbrandston II edged Haverfordwest IV by just two wickets, with Johnnie Lewis hitting 79 not out. Pembroke Dock II also impressed, chasing 190 to beat Hundleton II by eight wickets, led by Luke Murray’s unbeaten 82.

Cresselly III crushed Neyland III by 62 runs with Tom Rowlands top-scoring on 72, while Whitland II romped to a nine-wicket win over Llechryd II, powered by 58 from Dafydd James and 4-10 by Rhys Davies.

Division 6: Jenkins and James shine for Haverfordwest/Cresselly

Haverfordwest/Cresselly maintained top spot with a six-wicket win over Whitland III, bowling them out for 93. Arthur Jenkins and Jake Manuel took two wickets apiece before the latter guided the chase with an unbeaten 19.

Looking Ahead

With three weeks of action completed, early trends are emerging in all divisions. Carew and Cresselly appear set for a fierce Division 1 title battle, while Division 2 is shaping up into a three-way tussle between Narberth, Hook, and Pembroke. In Division 3, Fishguard’s form is commanding, and in Division 4, Saundersfoot II’s unbeaten start has made them the early pace-setters.

Cricket fans across Pembrokeshire can expect more drama as the season unfolds.