Sport

Tributes pour in for ‘First Lady of Point-to-pointing’ following death of Cynthia Higgon

Published

2 years ago

October 15, 2024

Tributes are pouring in for Cynthia Higgon, a woman described by many as the First Lady of Point-to-pointing following her death after battling cancer for many years. She was 86.

She will be remembered for giving a lifetime of service to point-to-pointing but also to many other organisations which brought so much pleasure to riders of all abilities, including Riding for the Disabled and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.

Born and raised in Gloucestershire, she was introduced to the sport as a young child, and then followed her father into the mastership of the Pembrokeshire Hunt when she moved to the county in 1964. She subsequently held a mastership with the Pembrokeshire, and had 14 seasons as field master to the South Pembrokeshire.

“My first recollection of point-to-pointing was as a child,” she once said in a newspaper interview.

“On Easter Sundays it would be church in the morning, family lunch, then to Ryalls Court to clean the numbers on the number board for the Croome point-to-point on Easter Tuesday.”

She also took great pride in seeing pony races being held at some of the county’s point-to-points.

“The young are the future,” she said. “Already in Wales we have produced some super horses and quality jockeys, and when I see trainers such as Peter Bowen, Evan Williams and Tim Vaughan doing so well, I feel honoured to have known them.”

Cynthia Higgon continued following hounds on the back of a thoroughbred until she was well into her 80s.

Paying tribute to her commitment to the sport and her outstanding horsemanship this week was Beverley Thomas, who succeeded her as the West Wales point-to-point secretary.

“One of her finest legacies is The Planner, which she was instrumental in instigating and which she stewarded all her life,” she said.

“She was a key organiser at the Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells and was incredibly resilient, as we saw in her recent battles with cancer. She initiated inter-hunt relays at shows all over Wales and if you asked Cynthia to do something, she gave it her all. Nothing was too much trouble for her and if there was a fundraising event, she was there.”

Cynthia Higgon was a familiar face at meetings as a steward and owned and trained point-to-pointers including Sir Noddy who, in 1989 won three on the bounce, and was a candidate for the country’s leading novice, while Terrierman was named after her husband, Peter.

But perhaps Cynthia is best known for her administrative skills which saw her become chairman of the PPSA (Point-to-Point Secretaries’ Association) which organises meetings and has a key role in creating the fixtures’ list. She was also the West Wales area secretary for over 40 years.

“For me she was the First Lady of point-to-pointing, and when I became chairman, she was often the first port of call, and was always there with ready advice,” said Robert Killen, who is the current PPSA chairman. “I always respected her views, and we had a lot of laughs too. She was enormous fun.”

The Cynthia Higgon Award for services to administration within the sport has become a treasured piece of recognition for officials around Britain and is presented at the National Dinner and Awards ceremony each year. For many years she presented it in person.

Following her retirement, Cynthia Higgon continued to be a great supporter of point-to-pointing in Pembrokeshire.

“She always took a great interest in everything we were doing and gave a lifetime of service, not only to point-to-pointing but so many other organisations connected with riding,” added Beverley Thomas. “Our thoughts are with her family at this very sad time.”

Sport

Thousands of cyclists arrive in Tenby after 100-mile Carten challenge

Published

17 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Herald Sport

THOUSANDS of cyclists rolled into Tenby today after completing one of Wales’ best-known charity cycling challenges.

The annual Carten100 ride took place on Saturday (May 9), with riders setting off from Cardiff City Hall before making the long journey west to Pembrokeshire.

The event, now in its 22nd year, is built around a simple idea: Cardiff to Tenby — 100 miles, on a bike, in a day.

Organisers stress that it is not a race, but a personal challenge designed to get people cycling, bring riders together and raise money for good causes.

This year’s ride was fully booked, with entries limited to 2,400 and an estimated field of around 2,200 cyclists taking part.

Riders left Cardiff from 7:30am, travelling through South Wales on a mix of roads and cycle paths before crossing into Pembrokeshire for the final stretch into Tenby.

The official route included support and refreshment stops at Baglan, Burry Port, Carmarthen and Tavernspite, before riders made their way through Stepaside and on towards the finish.

There was a strong welcome in Tenby as family members, friends and supporters gathered to cheer cyclists home after more than 100 miles in the saddle.

Carten100 has grown from a small ride involving just four cyclists in 2004 into a major annual event on the Welsh cycling calendar.

Since it began, the challenge has helped raise more than £1.75m for Welsh charities and good causes.

Organisers say the aim remains the same: to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get back on their bikes, take on a demanding but achievable challenge, and support charity at the same time.

The 2026 ride covered around 107 miles, with organisers reminding participants that the event takes place on open roads and that cyclists must follow the Highway Code throughout.

Riders were supported along the route by feed stations, event volunteers, support vehicles, mechanical help and first aid cover.

For many, the arrival in Tenby marked the end of months of training and fundraising.

The sight of cyclists streaming into the town has become a familiar early-summer scene, bringing a colourful boost to Tenby and celebrating one of Wales’ most popular mass-participation cycling events.

Photo caption:

Carten100 arrives in Tenby: Riders pictured in the town after completing the Cardiff-to-Tenby challenge on Saturday (Pic: Malcolm Richards).

Sport

Tony Pennock and Dan Hawkins nominated for April awards

Published

3 days ago

May 7, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY manager Tony Pennock and forward Dan Hawkins have been nominated for the JD Cymru Premier’s April awards following an impressive month for the Bluebirds.

Pennock has been shortlisted for Manager of the Month, while Hawkins is in contention for Player of the Month after helping County finish the regular season strongly and secure another place in the European play-offs.

The Bluebirds enjoyed a perfect end to the league campaign in April, winning all three of their matches, including two away from home.

The month began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at JD Welsh Cup runners-up Flint Town United. Ben Ahmun’s penalty on the stroke of half-time proved enough to secure all three points in north Wales and keep Haverfordwest firmly on course for the play-offs.

Fifteen days later, County knew that a draw or victory against Llanelli Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow would be enough to confirm their place. They did it in style, with Hawkins scoring the first senior hat-trick of his career in a 6-0 win in front of more than 800 spectators.

Having secured a European play-off place for the third time in four seasons, the Bluebirds then travelled to Jenner Park to face Barry Town United.

County fell behind after just three minutes, but battled back strongly. Greg Walters, assisted by Hawkins, levelled the tie 20 minutes from time before Haverfordwest went on to win 3-1 on penalties.

Supporters can vote for Pennock and Hawkins through the JD Cymru Premier’s official awards link.

Dan Hawkins was sponsored for the 2025-26 season by That Football Drawing.

News

Ysgol Bro Teifi celebrates national championship rugby success

Published

4 days ago

May 6, 2026

Herald Sport

UNDER-18 SIDE LIFTS WRU PLATE AFTER HARD-FOUGHT FINAL AT RODNEY PARADE

YSGOL BRO TEIFI’S under-18 rugby team are celebrating national success after winning the WRU Schools and Colleges Plate Final at Rodney Parade.

The Ceredigion side travelled to Newport to face Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in a fast, physical and closely contested final.

Bro Teifi made a strong start, with tries from Elis Evans, Llew Thomas and Jack Brown giving them an early advantage. Dafydd Nichols-Evans added the extras from the kicking tee as the team went into half-time 19-14 ahead.

The second half proved even tighter, with Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth applying sustained pressure and forcing Bro Teifi to defend with discipline and determination.

A late try gave Bro Teifi breathing space before Nichols-Evans held his nerve in the closing stages, landing a crucial penalty to seal a 27-19 victory.

The school said the win reflected the hard work, commitment and talent of the players, as well as the support of staff, parents and fans throughout the season.

Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “This game is the culmination of a tough season for the boys as they beat much bigger schools on the way to the final.

“It also builds on the school’s reputation in sport, with numerous successes this year across a range of sports and age groups.

“I would like to thank all the school staff for their tireless work in ensuring these experiences for our pupils, and the parents for their support.”

Photo caption: Plate winners: Ysgol Bro Teifi’s under-18 rugby team celebrate their national success at Rodney Parade.