Sport
Blues unbeaten run ends – Rugby round up 18/11/23
IN THE THIRD division Haverfordwest’ unbeaten run has come to an end as the Blues lost 19-7 on the road to Aberaeron. Marty Phillips scored the visitors only try in what was always going to be a tough test for the Blues. The result sees Aberaeron and Cardigan above Haverfordwest in the third division, however the Pembrokeshire based team have a game in hand still to play.
Elsewhere St Davids made matters worse for Pembroke as they beat the former division three champions 17-12 on their own patch. It’s two wins from two for the Saints who will be delighted with that, however contrasting fortunes for Pembroke as they struggle to deal with relegation in the way they would have wanted to. While ever Neyland improving Neyland comfortably beat Llanybydder 44-10 with Ben Williams and Dan Hart both bagging two tries each. Down the road Llangwm failed to register a point as Laugharne scored 64 at Pill Parks. A young Llangwm team who are still developing found players such as Liam Price, Carl Smith and Nico Setaro too much to handle. Laugharne have plenty of players who have played at a higher level than this and are our ones to watch as the season develops.
Fishguard were the only Pembrokeshire team to play in the second division with Milford vs Tenby falling foul of the weather. They beat Loughor 16-14, largely thanks to the boot of the experienced James Griffiths. Rhys Lewis got the hosts only try and it was enough to secure the win, a good result as Loughor were unbeaten until their visit to Pembrokeshire. Fishguard now sit 5th in the league and they will be looking up the league rather than down after this result.
News
Welsh rally star eyeing second British championship success
OSAIN PRYCE is eyeing his second British Rally Championship (BRC) title after a recording a superb victory in the Severn Valley Stages.
The Welsh star and co-driver Rhodri Evans finished 20 seconds ahead of Irish driver William Creighton, with championship leader Chris Ingram claiming third place.
The result left Pryce 15 points adrift of Ingram after two rounds and boosted his chances of adding to his 2022 British title success.
Pryce was excellent in his Ford Fiesta Rally2, wowing the sizeable crowds who lined iconic stages such as Hafren Sweet Lamb and Myherin.
The Welshman established an early lead over Ingram before withstanding a charge by Creighton to claim his first BRC victory since Rally Yorkshire in 2022.
“It’s a big relief – I’m so happy to get the win,” Pryce said. “We had a dodgy couple of stages at the end, and to be honest, it was so slippy, but I drove at a pace where I was comfortable.
“I did lose some time, which in the end wasn’t too bad, but we certainly had some hairy moments just trying to keep it on the road. Credit to everyone who’s got me here. Top job from Rhodri too – that’s his first-ever win!
While Ingram currently leads the standings by four points from Creighton, the Irishman could be the biggest threat to Pryce’s title hopes.
He is still getting to grips with his new Ford Fiesta Rally2 car, but has recorded back-to-back second place finishes to force his way into contention.
Bettors in Creighton’s homeland have backed their compatriot to emerge victorious this season, forcing bookmakers to cut his odds to win the title.
Several of the best Irish betting sites also make him the favourite to win the upcoming Jim Clark Rally in Scotland later this month.
However, Pryce will fancy his chances of claiming another victory as he strives to follow up his impressive 2022 British title success.
The Welshman won four of the seven events that season to clinch top spot by an emphatic 19-point margin from Keith Cronin.
With two of the final four rallies of the season set to be staged in Wales, Pryce could be a good bet to upset the odds over the next few months.
He has previously won Rali Ceredigion and the Cambrian Rally, which should give him the confidence he needs to secure another British title.
Sport
Winners and losers from the 23/24 season
With all but a couple of the fixtures having been completed for this season. We take a look at the promotions and relegations throughout the divisions.
Division One –
Champions – Goodwick United, uneaten in the league all season and champions by a huge 17 point margin to second placed Hakin. An outstanding league campaign for O’Sullivan’s men.
Relegated – Neyland & Fishguard Sports
Division 2
Champions – Monkton Swifts Reserves. Having only lost two games all season Monkton dominated the division winning the league by a huge 14 point margin. Being a reserve team they can’t be promoted as their first team are in the first division.
Promoted – St Ishmaels & Herbrandston. Swifts winning the league meant second and third place would be promoted to the first division and Tish and Herbie took full advantage and have returned to Pembrokeshire’s top flight.
Relegated – St Clears & Cosheston
Division 3
Champions – Lawrenny, a much tighter title chase in the third division between Solva and Lawrenny. However it was the former who secured the title by three points and will be looking forward to the second division next season.
Promoted – Solva, only three points behind the champions and definitely deserving of their promotion.
Relegated – Letterston & Pennar Robins II
Division 4
Champions – Camrose Reserves who came out on top of a thrilling chase for the title.
Promoted – Tenby Reserves who push Camrose really hard in the title challenge. They fell three points short of becoming champions, however they held off local rivals New Hedges Saundersfoot in the promotion race who ended two points behind them.
Relegated – Milford Athletic & Carew III
Division 5
Champions – Hundleton. The return of Hundleton couldn’t have gone much better they have won the league and with a staggering goal difference of plus 98.
Promoted – Johnston Reserves.
Sport
Cricket season to begin… finally
The cricket season is set to begin this coming Saturday after a delay due to bad weather. The first two rounds of fixtures have been re arranged due to an extremely wet March and April. This coming Saturday should have been match week three, however it is the first game of the season.
We eagerly await the season and what promises to be exciting league and cup campaigns across the county. Neyland are definitely the team to beat after their excellent season last time out. Newly promoted Haverfordwest and Whitland will be wanting to cement their places back in the top division of the county.
Whilst the second division looks set to be the most competitive for years. Pembroke and Lamphey are the two new comers to the league and will definitely be more competitive than last seasons relegated teams. Johnston will be aiming to avoid a relegation battle this season under new captain Chris Fitzpatrick.
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