Sport

Woodrow wins it for Hakin

Published

8 years ago

September 18, 2017

HAKIN UNITED reached the second round of the Pembrokeshire Senior Cup on Saturday (Sept 16) as a Nicky Woodrow hat trick secured a 4-1 victory over Division 3 hosts Camrose at the Martin Mathias Memorial Ground.

It took the Division 1 champions 71 minutes to regain the lead through a Woodrow tap in following a rasping free kick from 25 yards out on the left hand side by Ryan Wilson, which goalkeeper Geraint Sergeant fumbled.

The goal was a crucial breakthrough for the visitors who had dominated possession throughout the game but their frustration at their own lack of quality at key times was evident.

The game, for a potential David v Goliath encounter lacked any ferocity in the opening quarter of an hour as Hakin settled into a style which worked their wing backs, Steele and Bradley Barrett into positions where as the spare man could dictate the pace and direction of play.

Both had excellent games which encouraged their team mates to keep the ball moving on a greasy surface, even playing short free kicks from which Woodrow combined with Wilson who shot wide from the right of the goal after 11 minutes.

Young Camrose centre back Callum John, sitting between the experienced Simon Gilderdale and captain Richard Nash in a back five was directed to pick up the prolific Woodrow, which he did well until the seventeenth minute when the deadlock was broken by the striker who planted a header from eight yards into the bottom left of Sergeants goal.

Barrett, Justin Harding, Adam John and Wilson had combined brilliantly in the midfield to send the ball across the pitch with one touch passing and movement which dragged Nash into going to ground on the right hand touchline, missing the flying Fawcett who whipped in the perfect cross for Woodrow to finish.

Hakin were on the front foot, forcing three corners in quick succession and it took all of Gilderdale’s experience as a Schoolboy international and Welsh Premier player to keep them at bay, with his side unable to move the ball out of their own half as the mid-point of the half passed.

Ben Aldred also began to become influential in the centre of the field combining well with Wilson and Harding before Steele was played in just before the half hour mark from wide on the right, only to fire over the top.

Camrose had been down to ten men for five minutes after winger Finn Thompson had a blooded nose after an innocuous challenge on Woodrow but on his return he created a chance from himself picking the ball up forty yards from goal and driving a right foot effort to the left of Adrian Devonald’s goal.

It gave Camrose some confidence which developed as seventeen year old Jordan Williams and Dan Phillips were not averse to standing tall in the midfield tussle whilst James Williams and Jay Johnson enjoyed picking up the loose ball.

With six minutes to go Sergeant made a smart save to his right from Harding following a sweet Steele delivery, with the goalkeepers long clearance causing Hakin centre half Daniel Armstrong to slip.

Mikey Loveridge accepted the opportunity to latch onto the mistake to round the advancing Devonald and score from the edge of the eighteen yard box despite pressure from Ryan Mansell.

The sides were equal going into the half time break and the second half followed a similar pattern to the first as Hakin dominated the play, with the home sides Thompson doing his best to drive them forward with some neat touches and dribbles.

Manager Kristian Bennett switched Steele into the centre of the field, pushing Aldred wide on the right with the former Monkton Swifts player pulling the strings which drew a continuum of free kicks for the ‘Vikings’ which they didn’t capitalise on until Woodrows tap in, just after Thompson had to be withdrawn with a recurrence of his nose bleed.

Camrose’s Sion Williams had picked up a yellow card in the first half for a late tackle but benefitted from his manager, Jamie Gilderdale’s brave change of formation which saw former Narberth star Nash push into the centre of the field as they went in search of an equaliser.

Williams found time on the ball and combined with the home sides own ‘Edgar Dravids’ James Williams who rang a track down the left side of the field which Hakin couldn’t stop.

Loveridge had a tame free kick from 20 yards saved by Devonald following Aldreds tackle on the flying ‘Dravids’ as the Hakin frustration built; Williams worked hard to keep a ball in play on the left side of the Hakin goal area to send in a cross which Nash would have relished in his Narberth prime but couldn’t direct it into the unguarded net as Mansell challenged him.

Hakin themselves had become reliant on skipper Woodrow, who was a constant outlet from dead ball situations throughout the game but he was nullified by Dan Phillips who sat in front of his defence after Gilderdales tactical switch.

Half chances fell at either end to the tireless working Loveridge for Camrose and Harding, Fawcett and Adam John for Hakin, before the blue touch paper was lit with fifteen minutes left following a bought between John and Camrose full back Johnson following the Hakin wingers lunge over the ball.

With both receiving red cards for violent conduct after exchanging more than a hand shake with each other, it raised the shackles for the final interlude as Mansell was cautioned for handball, Steele for unsporting behaviour and Camrose’s Callum John for a late tackle.

Jordan Williams had been booked for dissent after Woodrow put Hakin 2-1 ahead, which caused a five minute delay after Badger had consulted the home linesman who was flagging for offside and calmly sorted out the ensuing melee.

The nomadic Matthew Price entered the scene as Gilderdale searched for a goal to get back in the game with the former Dragons player manager running lines which allowed Loveridge, substitute Will Bateman and Nash some half chances before Harding broke free with seven minutes remaining and fed Fawcett allowing the youngster to sublimely chip Sergeant to extend the lead to 3-1.

Woodrow had a chance to complete his hat trick but was denied by a great challenge in the penalty box by Callum John, before he finally notched his third and his sides fourth in injury time.

Speaking post-match home manager Jamie Gilderdale stated: “The result didn’t reflect the game and whilst we didn’t do enough to win the game the score line flattered them. At 2-1 we went for an equaliser and they exposed the gaps we left but Dan Phillips, Simon Gilderdale and James Williams were superb. We had our half chances and our boys are far from despondent as they knew we have given a super Hakin side a game. The objective from day one this season has been promotion from Division 3 and it would be great to be sitting at the top table alongside Hakin in the not too distant future.”

Kristian Bennet was pragmatic is his analysis, saying: “We’re delighted to be in the next round. We have gone off the boil in the last two weeks and are missing the injured James Stanmore [slipped disc] and Craig Nicholson [hamstring] which has affected our tempo. Credit to Nicky and Ben who are driving forces for us and every one of the players deserve respect and praise for their performance in what could have been a ‘banana skin’ game. We are still fighting on four fronts and this young side grows with confidence each game but they may have learnt a lesson today on not being complacent as every victory has to be fought for.”

Hakin welcome South Wales Premier League side Pencoed Athletic to the Observatory field on Saturday for the second round of the FAW Cup before a league encounter at the end of the month away at Monkton Swifts.

For Camrose, they welcome Carew seconds to Folly Cross next week before they travel to Pendine at the end of the month, with the hope of reaching October with a 100% league win record.

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Community

Tenby sailing club works approved by national park

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for works at Tenby’s historic sailing club building, part of the ‘iconic view’ of the town’s harbour have been given the go-ahead by the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Tenby Sailing Club, through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect sought permission for the two openings in second floor gable wall along with two new windows at Tenby Sailing Club, Penniless Cove Hill, along with a related listed building consent.

The application was supported by Tenby Town Council and Tenby Civic Society, the latter saying it will “add value to the use of the building and maintain the character and value of the listed building and the conservation area”.

Supporting documents for the application said: “The proposal is to form two new openings in the stonework and install two windows. These will replicate the existing windows at first floor level below. The openings will have red brick head as on existing original openings on the building. The proposal will have very little adverse impact on the listed building.”

They added: “The proposed new windows will improve observation of the harbour and bay from the second-floor level. This is where yacht racing is monitored and observed by officials and safety personnel.”

An officer report, recommending approval said: “The sailing club was built as a warehouse c. 1825, abutting the C17 sluice. Originally wine stores, it was later used by the local fishermen for stores and is now the home to Tenby Sailing Club, established in 1936. The rubble-built building is of three storeys and four bays, the glazing all later C20 with a slated roof and a modernised interior. There is a large steel stair to north (seaward) elevation.”

It added: “The building forms part of a group picturesquely clustered around the sluice, in turn forming part of the iconic view of Tenby Harbour. The proposal is to insert two windows at second floor level to the north (seaward) elevation, flanking the existing door,” adding: “The area retains its mercantile character not just in appearance, but also through its character due to ongoing use as fishing boat stores and winter moorings.

“The sailing club has occupied the building for many years and remains very active. The proposal is intended to improve the amenity of the building to provide better viewing at elevation and seeks to copy the detail and proportions of the windows at first floor stage.”

The application, and the related listed building consent, was conditionally approved by park planners.

Sport

Severn Valley Stages returns to open British Rally Championship in 2026

Published

1 week ago

January 24, 2026

Herald Sport

Myherin forest takes centre stage as revised route sets up demanding Mid Wales season-opener

THE SEVERN Valley Stages – supported by Axon Commercial Catering Equipment – will make a much-anticipated return in 2026 as the opening round of the Motorsport UK British Rally Championship on Saturday (April 11).

The acclaimed gravel event is back with renewed momentum and a new-look route for crews and spectators, after the rally was cancelled in 2025 following the impact of Storm Darragh, which restricted access to large parts of the Welsh forest estate.

Organised by Midland Manor Motor Club, the Builth Wells-based rally will again offer one of the longest and most cost-effective forest events in Wales, featuring more than 50 competitive stage miles across some of the country’s most revered gravel roads.

A major talking point for 2026 is a significant route evolution. While driven by forest availability, organisers say the changes have produced what could be one of the most demanding Severn Valley Stages in recent years.

The world-famous Myherin Forest block will take centre stage, forming the backbone of the event and being used to its fullest potential. In combination with the Tarenig complex, organisers have created a series of challenging tests within Myherin, supported by the classic Sarnau stage, promising a flowing, high-speed but technical challenge throughout the day.

The rally will build towards a dramatic finale, with a joined Myherin–Tarenig stage in the afternoon forming an 18-mile test to close the event – a true sting in the tail for competing crews.

Proceedings begin on Friday evening at the Metropole Hotel & Spa in Llandrindod Wells with a ceremonial start designed to bring fans closer to the action and officially launch the weekend’s competition.

Builth Wells will host pre-event formalities and service, while the Metropole will act as rally headquarters and host the finish celebrations on Saturday evening.

As the 2026 BRC curtain-raiser, Severn Valley Stages will welcome the latest generation Rally2 machinery and many of the UK’s leading drivers.

The event will also host the return of the Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship, alongside rounds of the Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship, West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters and the T.C.S Plant Rally Challenge.

Clerk of the course Keith Ashley said: “After a frustrating year away, we’re incredibly proud to bring the Severn Valley Stages back for 2026 and to do so as the opening round of the British Rally Championship, alongside the returning British Historic Rally Championship, is something special.

“The revised route has allowed us to create a real driver’s rally, with Myherin at the heart of the event and a spectacular long stage to finish. We’re looking forward to welcoming competitors, championships and fans back to Mid Wales for what promises to be a memorable return.”

Fans can follow the event’s social media channels for updates:
www.facebook.com/SevernValleyStages
www.twitter.com/svstages

The 2024 Severn Valley Stages.
Credit: British Rally Championship

Sport

4 ways horse racing remains part of West Wales sporting life

Published

2 weeks ago

January 21, 2026

Staff Writer

Pembrokeshire has no permanent racecourse, yet horse racing still finds a place in everyday sporting life across west Wales. From rural fields hosting traditional meetings to packed minibuses heading east on race days, the sport travels well beyond the rails.

That persistence is not accidental. Racing has long fitted the rhythms of farming communities, weekend socialising, and regional travel, adapting to local circumstances rather than disappearing when facilities are absent. In 2026, it remains a shared reference point, even for those who only engage from a distance.

What matters is not just the spectacle of big events, but how racing threads itself through habits and decisions made closer to home. These quieter connections help explain why the sport continues to matter locally.

Local point-to-point traditions

Grassroots point-to-point racing has long bridged the gap between elite courses and rural life in west Wales. These meetings, often staged on farmland, turn sport into a community event, blending competition with socialising and fundraising. Families attend as much for the atmosphere as the racing itself.

These events underline how racing culture survives without grandstands. The focus is on continuity, keeping familiar customs alive while quietly absorbing new ways of engaging with the sport.

Travel to regional race meetings

When Pembrokeshire residents want the full racecourse experience, travel fills the gap. Trips to Ffos Las or Chepstow are regular fixtures in many diaries, turning race days into planned outings rather than spontaneous visits. Transport, food stops, and overnight stays all become part of the occasion.

Preparation for these days now mixes tradition with modern routines. Conversations about form and fixtures increasingly happen online during the week, and it is common for followers to glance at early indicators when planning a visit. For many, that includes checking midweek previews and scanning resources like tomorrow’s horse racing tips as part of deciding which races to follow and when to gather. The information rarely dominates the day, but it adds to the sense of shared anticipation and helps racegoers plan ahead.

Nationally, racing’s scale helps explain why these visits and bets matter. A parliamentary debate confirmed that the sport contributes over £4 billion annually to the UK economy. That economic footprint filters down to regions like West Wales through travel spending and hospitality.

The real point is less about headline numbers and more about habit. Regular travel keeps racing visible, reinforcing it as a normal leisure choice rather than a distant niche interest.

High street and hospitality links

Race days rarely exist in isolation. Pubs open early for televised coverage, cafés time busy periods around afternoon cards, and accommodation providers benefit from visitors passing through the county en route to meetings. These links may be informal, but they are consistent.

That makes policy changes a local concern. A regional forecast reported by the Monmouthshire Beacon warns that proposed betting tax harmonisation could remove £18 million from the Welsh economy over five years and cost 168 jobs in the first year alone. Even areas without a course would feel the knock-on effects.

For Pembrokeshire, the issue is about resilience. When racing activity contracts elsewhere, the secondary spend that reaches local high streets and hospitality venues shrinks with it.

Race days in the weekly diary

Beyond travel and spending, racing maintains a quieter presence in weekly routines. Fixtures are pencilled in alongside football matches and community events, often forming the backdrop to social gatherings rather than the sole focus.

Employment figures help explain this reach: horse racing supports around 85,000 jobs across the UK. That workforce extends into media, transport, and leisure, shaping how and when people encounter the sport.

For West Wales, the takeaway is simple. Horse racing endures not because of proximity to a track, but because it adapts to local patterns of life. As long as those routines persist, the sport will continue to find its place in Pembrokeshire’s sporting landscape.