Neath hoping for boost after tough week

NEATH have been busy putting out fires this week as speculation over their long-term future, and debts they owe to the taxman, overshadows matters on the field.

Chairman Geraint Hawkes moved quickly to quash reports the Gnoll club was in danger of going out of business, telling fans that the money needed to pay HMRC would be found.

The situation has reared its head in between cup and league meetings with Pontypridd with the valleys outfit winning the former in Neath last weekend.

Patrick Horgan’s men will have to put that, and the Welsh All Blacks’ financial troubles, behind them as they head to Sardis Road for the Premiership encounter tomorrow.

While Neath are looking good at the top of the table, their injury woes continued after the defeat last Saturday with coach Horgan admitting his team has “a mountain to climb” if they want to gain revenge for their cup exit.

“We picked up a couple more knocks last week and we have a real mountain to climb if we are to overturn the cup result,” he said. “They say that a side’s true character shines through in adversity and our squad has been fully tested in that respect this season and responded.

“The inspiration of playing at an atmospheric Sardis Road may be just what we need as Ponty are using the game as part of Owen Smith MP’s campaign to revise regional rugby with a supporters’ rally up there.”

Pontypridd are aiming for a third win over Neath this season following an 18-13 victory in late October before their 23-10 quarter-final success seven days ago.

Dale McIntosh makes five changes, one positional, from the line-up which faced Neath last Saturday with winger Lewis I Williams, centre Gary Williams and scrum-half Rhys Downes drafted and Dafydd Lockyer moving from inside to outside centre.

In the back row, Owen Sheppeard is given a start while hooker Darran Harris, back from Wales under-20s duties, is called up to the bench.

Teams

Pontypridd

15. G Wyatt; 14. L I Williams. 13 D Lockyer, 12. G Williams, 11. M Nuthall; 10. S Humberstone, 9. R Downes; 1. S Williams, 2. H Dowden, 3. P Palmer, 4. C Locke, 5. R Savage, 6. C Dicomidis (capt), 7. W O’Connor, 8. O Sheppeard. Reps – L Jones, L K Williams, G Dacey, D Harris, J Thomas, D Godfrey, K Knaggs

Neath

15. A. Bramwell; 14. K James, 13. G King, 12. G McCarthy, 11. E Jones; 10. D Langdon, 9. C Morgans; 1. O Ford, 2. R Clancy/A James, 3. J Reeves, 4. R Jones, 5. A Powell, 6. M Rees, 7. L Evans, 8. G Gravell (captain). Reps – TBC

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Trophy semi-final venues announced

THE venues for next month’s semi-finals of the Swalec Cup, Plate and Bowl have been confirmed.

Cardiff Arms Park will host the Cup clash between Pontypridd and Newbridge while Newport’s Rodney Parade is the location for the other tie which sees Cross Keys face Ebbw Vale.

In the Plate, Newtown is the location for Bethesda’s showdown against Penallta and Llanidloes is set to host Nant Conwy’s semi with Ystrad Rhondda.

Glan-yr-Afon Park in Blackwood is the venue for the Glyncoch-Talywain semi-final in the Bowl while Tycroes and New Tredegar will have to travel to Heol y Cyw to battle it out for a place in the final.

All matches are scheduled for Saturday, April 14 at 2.30pm, though in the case of the Cup that could change depending on television demands.

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Table-toppers looking to stretch lead

CAMBRIAN & Clydach can go six points clear at the top of the MacWhirter Welsh League first division tonight with a win at Bridgend Town.

The Rhondda side can put the pressure back on second-placed Taffs Well, who host Goytre United tomorrow (Saturday), while Haverfordwest in third go to Cwmbran Celtic.

Taffs Well have been free-scoring in recent weeks but were humbled 4-1 by struggling Cardiff Corries last night as the capital city outfit dented the visitors’ hopes of going level on points with Cambrian & Clydach.

At the bottom, Aberaman Athletic can all but put the final nail in the coffin of Caerau (Ely) who are eight points behind the Cynon Valley club with only five games left.

In the remaining fixtures, Cwmaman Institute host West End and Pontardawe Town entertain AFC Porth.

Monmouth Town have one hand on the division two title and a win against Ammanford will tighten their grip on the championship as closest rivals Tata Steel visit Caerau.

The leaders have a 10-point advantage with five games to go and although Tata have two matches in hand, Monmouth’s fate is entirely in their own hands as the business end of the season approaches.

Below them there is a scrap going on for third place with four sides still in with a chance of finishing in the top three. Caerleon are in the box seat at the moment and will be buoyant after a 6-0 thrashing of Caerau last time out.

They face Croesyceiliog tomorrow with Dinas Powys in fourth travelling up the Rhymney Valley to take on Aberbargoed Buds. Elsewhere, Caldicot Town meet Ely Rangers.

Mathematically, five clubs are still in contention to win division three though it’s looking like the battle will be between current leaders Undy Athletic and Goytre.

The game of the day is at Undy where third-placed Pontypridd bid to put the top two under pressure while Goytre are without a match and Briton Ferry in fifth should have few problems seeing off Tredegar.

Newport Civil Service go up against Risca United and Llanwern play UWIC in the remaining fixtures.

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Lakeside Winter League down to final three

THE Margam duo of Jason Thomas and James Matthewman are in contention to be crowned club champions with the Lakeside Winter League set for a thrilling finale.

The pair are through to the singles final, along with Paul Thomas, and the doubles decider where they face Nigel Howell and Dai Williams.

Jason Thomas is likely to be favourite for the singles crown having finished the regular season with the most points and come first in last weekend's eliminator.

A total of 36 stableford points was good enough to claim victory, with Matthewman second on 33 and Paul Thomas third with 32.

Howell, runner-up to regular season table-topper Thomas, missed out on a place in the final as he could only manage 29 points, two behind Gary Tamlyn and two in front of Williams.

Williams and Howell will bid to put that behind them when they take on Thomas and Matthewman in the doubles. In an extra competition last weekend, Del Morgan won the Club Stableford with 39 points.

In Swansea Bay's Spring Pairs Medal, a tight better ball contest saw four pairs finish on a net score of 65. Countback was required and Clive Adams, playing off 13, and Gareth J Edwards claimed first place.

The Club Stableford was won by Jon Wootton with 40 points and Gary Lewis's 22 saw him win the Thursday Medal with a net 65.

The Gower Cup and March Stableford at Pennard were both won with 37 points, Neil Perry and Chris Williams securing the respective first prizes.

Close to 50 players entered the Gower Cup and it was Perry who came out on top with Chris Wilson second and Leighton Pritchard third.

More than 75 golfers hit the course for the March Stableford, with Williams's better back nine giving him victory on countback from Christopher Cash. Ian Jenkins, third on 35 points, also needed countback to finish ahead of Tony Hamilton and Alastair Verbruggen.

There was a cracking contest in the Ladies' Stableford, particularly in the bronze division, where eventual winner Elizabeth Edwards and runner-up Jennifer Crooks both returned with 40 points — Edwards's superior back nine gave her the edge.

In the silver division, Angela Pritchard took the honours with 35 points, two clear of Moira Thomas.
Bronze division winner Jen Phillips was the overall champion in the Challenge Cup, her score of 43 points seven clear of the next best round. Andrea Allnatt was the silver division victor with 35 points.

Lynda Bowen and Geraldine Edwards were runners-up in bronze and silver respectively.

Max Davies destroyed the field in the March Medal at Fairwood Park by recording a net score of 69 playing off a handicap of two. Huw Quick (76) was second and David Williams (77) third.

Dave Harries claimed the Yellow Box Stableford with a superb 44 points from Mike Hancock and Paul Davies.

At Langland Bay, Paul Griffiths was in fine form during the March Medal, the 12-handicapper winning the division one contest by two strokes. In division two, Mike Founds was top with a net score of 71.

With a net round of 66, Aldo Gambatesa won the Wales Open qualifier at Tawe Vale by one shot from Stuart Hanney. Andrew Mould was third on 70. The Club Medal went the way of Peter Knight, whose net 67 was one stroke better than Alex Fletcher and K John Jones.

The Duxberry Shield at Carmarthen was won by Andrew Rowlands, whose 43 points were marginally better than second- placed Ann Morris. Her total of 42 pushed Andrew Jones into third with Paul Strickland and Robert Fleetwood on 40.

CARMARTHEN : Duxberry Shield: 1. A. Rowlands 43pts, 2. A. Morris 42, 3. A. Jones 41.

FAIRWOOD PARK : Yellow Box Stableford: 1. D. Harries 44, 2. M. Hancock 42, 3. P. Davies 41.

March Medal: 1. M. Davies net 69, 2. H. Quick net 76, 3. D. Williams net 77.

LAKESIDE : Winter League: 1. J. Thomas 36, 2. J. Matthewman 33, 3. P. Thomas 32.

LANGLAND BAY : March Medal: (Div one) 1. P. Griffiths 80-12=68, 2. D. Dean 79-9=70, 3. J. Manson 75-3=72. (Div two) 1. M. Founds 84-13=71, 2. A. Vaughan 87-16=71, 3. D. Allnatt 86-13=73. (Div three) 1. M. Rees 89-19=70, 2. P. Gorvett 96-21=75, 3. A. Marchant 96-20=76.

PENNARD : Gower Cup: 1. N. Perry 37, 2. C. Wilson 36, 3. L. Pritchard 34.

March Stableford: 1. C. Williams 37, 2. C. Cash 37, 3. I. Jenkins 35.

Ladies' Stableford: (Silver div) 1. A. Pritchard 35, 2. M. Thomas 33. (Bronze div) 1. E. Edwards 40, 2. J. Crooks 40.

Challenge Cup: (Silver div) 1. A. Allnatt 35, 2. G. Edwards 33pts. (Bronze div) 1. J. Phillips 43, 2. L. Bowen 36.

SWANSEA BAY : Thursday Medal: 1. G. Lewis 87-22=65, 2. D. Dalling 88-22=66, 3. J. Griffiths 79-12=67.

Club Stableford: 1. J. Wootton 40, 2. B. Ashford 39, 3. W. Powell 38.

Spring Pairs Medal: 1.C. Adams & GJ Edwards net 65, 2. M. Conde & D. Harry net 65, 3. I. Griffiths & B. Hinchey net 65.

TAWE VALE : Club Medal; 1. P. Knight 78-11=67, 2. A. Fletcher 77-9=68, 3. KJ Jones 78-10=68.

Wales Open Qualifier: 1. A. Gambatesa 84-18=66, 2. S. Hanney 78-11=67, 3. A. Mould 79-9=70.

THE GROVE : Leon Warne Order of Merit: 1. N. Summers 37, 2. W. Thomas 36, 3. N. Rand 36.

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Laura's weekend predictions

Ammanford v Llangennech

This all West Wales derby will surely be a feisty affair. Ammanford will be desperate to put a run of wins together to avoid finishing bottom of the league, whereas Llangennech, who finished ninth last year, will want to finish the season strongly with a top six finish. Llangennech won the reverse but with both sides losing last weekend, I predict a close encounter. With the perfect weather conditions for running rugby coupled with two exciting back lines, I think a high scoring encounter will be on the cards.

Verdict-Llangennech by 5 points

Bonymaen v Carmarthen Athletic

Bony have rekindled the form that took them to a fourth place finish last season and they were unlucky to come away from Narberth on the wrong side of the result last weekend. They were easily dispatched by Athletic back in October but I foresee a much tighter contest on Saturday, with Carmarthen wanting to consolidate their top three position in the table with their fourth win on the bounce.

Verdict-Bonymaen by 3 points

Bridgend Athletic v Waunarlwydd

Athletic, similarly to Bonymaen, have seemingly sprung to life since Christmas. As the Newbridge Fields side build towards the National Championship, they were impressive in their high scoring win at Llangenench last week and I expect another rip roaring affair on Saturday. Waunarlwydd meanwhile come in to the match on the back of two losses and although I think they will enjoy an open expansive match, they will fall short.

Verdict-Bridgend Athletic by 7 points

Llanharan v Tondu

The Dairymen have been strong at home this season and will be keen to build on their comfortable victory at Waunarwlydd last weekend. On the other hand, the Waterwheelers, who sit bottom, have failed to bag a win since the middle of January, and despite some impressive performances, the newcomers have failed to seal games that they should have won.

Verdict-Llanharan by 5 points

UWIC v Tata Steel

This is the first of two meetings between these sides in the space of two weeks. The students, who suffered a shock result to Cardiff University in the Bucs league earlier in the week, will want to get their season back on track after also losing out to Newbridge for a place in the Swalec Cup semi-finals. The Saints meanwhile are still in the hunt for the One West title and will look to compound their hosts' misery, but they also know that one more slip-up would gift the title to Narberth.

Verdict-Tata Steel by 6 points

Whitland v Narberth

The Borderers lost their third placed position in the league last week, losing out at Tata Steel and they will be determined to try and prevent their neighbours from bagging the One West title. The Otters meanwhile know the destination of the championship is in their own hands but will also be very aware of Tata Steel breathing down their necks, especially after nearly slipping up against Bonymaen last week.

Verdict- Whitland by 3 points

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Amateur trio handed Wales Open chance

THREE of the best amateur golfers in Wales will get the chance to mix it with the professionals at the ISPS Handa Wales Open at Celtic Manor.

Rhys Pugh, Jason Shufflebotham and Rhys Enoch, all on golf scholarships in the US and have been named in the Great Britain and Ireland squad to take on the continent of Europe in the St Andrews Trophy, will get the opportunity to match their skills against some of the top professionals in the European game from May 31-June 3.

Three places in the European Tour event are offered to the Golf Union of Wales for the nation's top amateurs to gain experience that will help their future professional careers.

“This is a great opportunity for three of the best up and coming golfers in Wales,” said Golf Union of Wales Performance Director Ben Waterhouse.

“We would like to thank Celtic Manor and the European Tour for granting the wildcards to our players and what a fantastic opportunity it will be for them.

“As the three players selected at GB and I level this season they were the obvious trio to get this chance, now it is a question of them making the most of the chance, learning as much as they can from the players and the situations around them.”

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Italy up first for Wales Under-18s in Spain

WALES play Italy in Madrid tomorrow in the first game of the FIRA-AER Justin Bridou Under-18 European Championship

Allan Lewis’s side is seeded third for the tournament after beating France in the third place play-off in last year’s competition staged in France.

Lewis, the WRU National Academy Coaching Manager, has taken on the role of head coach and is  assisted by Andrew Millward and Dale McIntosh.

Depending on the outcome of tomorrow’s match (2.30pm), the youngsters will play either France or Scotland next Tuesday in either the semi-finals or the fifth to eighth place play-offs.

Only three of last year’s squad are still involved, although all of them are front row players so team manager Gethin Watts is hoping they will help build a solid platform for some attacking play.

“It would be great to build on last year’s performances and we have started our international campaign well with a 19-12 away win in a friendly against Scotland,” he said.

“We have a young squad with only Callum Lewis, Nicky Smith and Elliot Dee surviving from last year’s squad, but we will be looking to rely on their experience in the front row in order to form a strong platform up front to enable our backs to do some running.

“Centre Jack Dixon and full back Hallam Amos have already had senior regional game time with the Dragons, and wing Dafydd Howells is also an exciting player so we are hoping to create some good attacking play.”

Wales Under-18 squad for FIRA-AER Justin Bridou European Championship;

Forwards: Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Guss McPherson (Blues), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Scott Otton (Ospreys), Callum Lewis (Blues), Nicky Thomas (Ospreys), Scott Andrews (Dragons), James Sheeky (Blues), Joshua Helps (Scarlets), Ethan Lewis (Blues), Benjamin Roach (Blues), Scott Matthews (Dragons), Calum Davies (Ospreys), James Benjamin (Dragons)

Backs: Luke Crane (Dragons), Shaune Clarke (Blues), Joel Raikes (Blues), Jack Maynard (Scarlets), Gareth Thomson (Blues), Dafydd Howells (Ospreys), Jack Dixon (Dragons), Ben Roberts (Ospreys), Steffan Hughes (Scarlets) Lewis Hudd (Dragons), Hallam Amos (Dragons), Ashley Evans (Ospreys) 

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This weekend's Premiership Predictions

Carmarthen Quins v Bedwas

Quins are on a six-match winning streak and unbeaten in the league since the second day of January. They’ll be big favourites to beat Bedwas even though they haven’t seen any Premiership action for three weeks. Quins have lost just twice at home all season although Bedwas haven’t got the worst of away records.

Verdict – Quins by 15 points

Cross Keys v Aberavon

Before losing at Neath in their last league outing, Keys had won four in a row and last weekend went through to the semi-finals of the Swalec Cup. With the Wizards looking to keep first place with a win, Keys could go top themselves if they pick up a bonus-point victory and others slip up.

Verdict – Aberavon by 3 points

Llanelli v Cardiff

Llanelli edged the reverse fixture by two points last October and the Scarlets have to win again to stay in the hunt for a top three place and a successful defence of their title. Cardiff’s inconsistency can be seen in their last two performances, a victory at home over Aberavon and a defeat at Pontypool. This should be a home win.

Verdict – Llanelli by 10 points

Newport v Swansea

Both sides go into this one on the back of morale-denting losses, Swansea in the cup at Ebbw Vale and Newport in the league at Cross Keys where they shipped 50 points. However, Newport at home seem to be a different team and they’ve won their last three at Rodney Parade, including successes against Neath and Pontypridd.

Verdict – Newport by 9 points

Pontypridd v Neath

Pontypridd have games in hand on the six clubs above them in the table but they’ll know that a win on Saturday will not only work wonders for them but dent Neath’s championship aspirations too. And the hosts had a perfect warm-up by beating the Welsh All Blacks in the cup last weekend but they and their fans know that this is likely to be an even tougher assignment.

Verdict – Pontypridd by five points

Tonmawr v Llandovery

A great chance for Llandovery to bag a bonus point and perhaps move to the summit should Aberavon and Neath fail to win their matches. Tonmawr scored 34 points at Aberavon last Saturday but still conceded more than 50 so it’s quite clear where their weakness lies.

Verdict – Llandovery by 25 points

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Laura's weekend predictions

Bargoed v Newbridge

Bargoed know that if they are to have any hope of wrestling the Division One East title from Ebbw Vale, they must defeat Newbridge on Saturday. However, the visitors, who secured a Swalec Cup semi-final berth last weekend, will be high in confidence and looking to secure a repeat of their narrow win over their rivals back in October. I think this will be another tight encounter but the home advantage will just give the edge to Bargoed

Verdict-Bargoed by 3 points

Beddau v Blackwood

A single point separates these sides in the table. Beddau won the reverse and will be confident of securing a similar result tomorrow as they target a top five finish in the league. Blackwood on the other hand will want to put in an improved performance after losing the last two encounters, albeit against Ebbw Vale and Newbridge.

Verdict-Beddau by 10 points

Ebbw Vale v Merthyr

Fresh from their win over their third Premiership conquest Swansea in the Cup last weekend the Steelmen welcome Merthyr to Eugene Cross Park with the One East pacemakers gunning for another big win as they look to home in on successive league titles. The Ironmen showed their dogged spirit in their narrow home win against Mountain Ash last week but I don’t think they will be able to prevent Ebbw notching up their 16^th league win.

Verdict- Ebbw Vale by 25 points

Gilfach Goch v Tredegar

Gowch have stuttered since the Christmas break but looked back to their best in their win at Treorchy last week, as they look to chase down Newbridge and bag a top three finish. The reverse fixture was very close with Gil only just triumphing, but basement boys Tredegar haven’t won since November and I don’t see that changing on Saturday.

Verdict-Gilfach Goch by 15 points

Glamorgan Wanderers v Treorchy

Both sides will want to bounce back from disappointing losses last week. The Zebras won the reverse and will be keen for a repeat to cement a top six finish, four places higher than last year. The Wanderers, who are already assured a place in the National Championship next season, have started to show signs of improvement and will target a win as another step in the right direction.

Verdict-Glamorgan Wanderers by 5 points

Mountain Ash v Rumney

The Old Firm narrowly missed out on picking up their sixth win last weekend as last year’s Two East champions continue to establish themselves in the higher league. Rumney won the reverse and will be buoyed by their performance last weekend as they look to improve on their eighth place finish last season.

Verdict- Rumney by 6 points 

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Finalists gearing up for amateur showpiece

TWENTY-SIX boxers will converge on Cardiff tomorrow with the chance of putting their names alongside those of some of Wales’s greatest fighters.

The Sport Wales National Centre in Sophia Gardens hosts the Welsh ABA (WABA) senior finals for the second year in a row with 13 bouts in all taking place.

A number of those taking to the ring in the Welsh capital have recently won selection for the WABA’s new 2014 Elite Men’s and 2014 Elite Women’s squads, while Cwmgors ABC’s Zack Davies is a current member of the GB Boxing set-up.

Davies, who meets Thomas Evans of Maesteg ABC, is bidding to defend the 60kg title he won in 2011. On that occasion he had too much firepower for opponent Craig Woodruff and was also named Best Boxer of the Night.

Two of those included in the 2014 Elite Men’s squad, Morgan Jones (Merthyr Ex ABC) and Nathan Thorley (St Joseph’s ABC, Cardiff), who fought for Wales at last year’s Commonwealth Youth Games, clash at 81kg.

Mountain Ash ABC’s Lloyd Davies will hope to retain his 91kg crown with victory over Carmarthen ABC’s Rhys Williams while Jamie Evans, of Dowlais ABC, a losing finalist 12 months ago, looks to go one better in the 69kg final against Kristian Nagle (Splott ABC).

Daniel Richards and Darren Hughes, both boxing out of the Heads of the Valley club, face Leon Goodman (St Joseph’s ABC, Newport) and Craig Kennedy (Llanrumney ABC) at 75kg and 91+kg respectively.

At 52kg, Jay Harris, of Gwent ABC in Swansea, goes head-to-head with Ryan Llewellyn (Cwmbran ABC), while clubmate Joe Hall takes on Red Dragon ABC’s Kazim Ghani at 56kg. Croeserw ABC’s Thomas Hoar and Pembroke ABC’s Nico Morrison are the finalists at 64kg.

The standout contest in the women’s competition looks like being the one at 60kg between Wales teammates Becky Price, of Cwmcarn ABC, and Charlene Jones, fighting out of Merlins Bridge ABC.

Price won the title last year after beating Jones in the semi-finals and both have been included in the 2014 Elite Women’s group.

GB Boxing squad member Lynsey Holdaway is a big favourite to retain her 48kg championship against Sophie Tinklin, also of Cwmcarn ABC, and at 64kg Colcot ABC’s Rachel Tobin faces Tamlyn Williams of Baglan’s Sandfields ABC.

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Gwent golfers learn Duncan Putter draw

AFTER a European Nations Cup to forget, Joe Vickery's next big test will be the Duncan Putter at Southerndown in just over two weeks’ time.

The draw for rounds one and two sees Vickery paired with Neath’s Richard Hooper as the Newport man looks to improve on last year’s seventh place.

St Pierre duo Richard Bentham and Oliver Mottram start their campaigns alongside Somerset’s Fin Bullough and Joshua White of Surrey respectively while Greenmeadow youngster Otto Mand has Cheshire’s Josh Evans for company for the opening 36 holes.

Pennard’s James Frazer is the defending champion of an event that is all the more important this year with Welsh players hoping to catch the eye before October’s world amateur team championship, the Eisenhower Trophy.

It always looked on the cards, but John Davies and Leon Hillman were crowned division one champions in Tredegar & Rhymney’s Cock of the North last weekend.

They clinched top spot with a victory over closest rivals Mark Davies and Gwyn Board to set-up a champions’ play-off final against second division kings Mike Shepherd and Glenn Trigg.

Davies and Hillman reached the magical 26-point mark with the win while Shepherd and Trigg slipped to fourth.

They were overtaken by Gareth Owen and Sean Scannell, who had a bye, and Darren Sullivan and Mike Sutton, who beat bottom-of-the-table Tony Morgan and Gareth Harse.

The play-off winners will then go forward to take on the best from the other clubs in the region at the Gwent Cock of the North finals day while the Tredegar & Rhymney annual Cock of the North Away Day is to be held at Forest Hills in the Forest of Dean on May 12.

Results

Pontypool

Club Stableford; (0-12 Hcp) 1. C. Jones 43pts, 2. L. Gibbs 41pts, (13-18 Hcp) 1. A. Long 42pts, 2. M. Sturch 39pts, (19-28 Hcp) 1. J. Rogers 42pts, 2. M. Williams 39pts

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Sardis Road to host regional reform rally

THIS Saturday will not only be a big day at Sardis Road on the pitch but off it too.

Pontypridd host rivals Neath at 2.30pm in a key Premiership clash for both sides before a rally is held at the ground in support of a reform of regional rugby in Wales.

MP Owen Smith has been at the centre of the campaign to bring the professional game back to the valleys and he will lead the event which will also include speeches by a number of voices supporting the movement.

The rally takes place on the Sardis Road pitch and Bob Bank terrace and the club is asking fans to stay on after the conclusion of the match to back the crusade.

Those that do stay will be the first to hear details of a document which campaign chiefs are set to submit to the WRU. The dossier puts forward the argument that supporters and grassroots clubs should inform future decisions about the structure of professional rugby, not solely the union and the regions.

Following the rally, guest speakers Tommy David, the former Pontypridd and Wales legend, and Stephen Jones, chief rugby correspondent for The Sunday Times, will address a fund and awareness-raising dinner in the club’s Grandstand Lounge.

With the event sold out, those unable to get a ticket can enjoy a celebration of valleys rugby in the main clubhouse bar.

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Grand Slam hero Evans proud of milestone

AFTER becoming the latest Ospreys centurion at the weekend, Ian Evans says he’s looking forward to taking advantage of the perks of being a senior player at the region.

Evans clocked up his 100^th appearance in an Ospreys shirt when he came off the bench during the closing stages of the win in Leinster, six-and-a-half years after his debut, also as a replacement, in a 37-10 defeat to Munster at the start of the 2006/06 season.

Having finally reached the century last Friday evening, Evans revealed that he’ll be looking to secure his own seat at the back of the team bus on the next away day.

“I’m over the moon to be joining the centurions ,” he said. “There are some great players on the list so to be in their company is fantastic. Best of all it means I’m allowed to sit at the back of the bus now without too much banter, so I’m quite happy with that!

“It’s been one of my goals for a while now so to actually get to 100 is really something I’m proud of.”

A Grand Slam winner back in 2008, Evans ended a lengthy absence from the national set-up when selected for the game against Australia in December before going on to play every second in the 2012 Grand Slam campaign.

It’s undoubtedly been a good few months for him personally, but the win in Leinster clearly meant a lot to him judging by the way he celebrated at the final whistle – something picked up by head coach Steve Tandy in his post-match comments.

“It was a massive occasion and it’s a great win,” added Evans. “Fair play to all the boys they really dug in for the full 80 minutes and showed great spirit. To come away with the result against the top of the league in circumstances like we did speaks volumes for the character in the squad.

“Everybody knows what’s in store for you when you go to Dublin to play Leinster. To get anything is an achievement, so when you win there you’ve got to savour it – and I did enjoy it, just to be a part of it.

“I’ve had a great couple of months and I’ve been enjoying my rugby. I’ve managed to get some games under my belt, found a bit of form, and I’m more than happy with how things are going at the moment.

“Hopefully now as we come to the business end of the season with the silverware up for grabs, it can get even better.”

After the highs of last weekend’s win, the Ospreys face a difficult challenge on Saturday against Benetton Treviso, and the big second row says it’s crucial that the team follow the Leinster win up with another good performance.

He continued: “There’s no point getting a great win like last Friday in Leinster and then losing your home game next time up. You’ve got to back it up or it counts for nothing.

“This week is about focussing on Treviso and making sure we are at our best on Saturday. We’ve played them a few times this season already, we know each other’s games very well, and they’ve given us a couple of scares.

“They are a good side capable of really hurting us if we aren’t at our best. They’ve shown since coming into the PRO12 that they can beat anyone. It’s about making sure we have everything we need in our armoury to enable us to secure a win on Saturday night to keep us going towards the play-offs.”

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Georgians edge out dogged Premiership XV

Welsh Premiership XV 32 Georgia Representative XV 36

A LATE penalty from the boot of Georgia’s Saba Nikolava sealed a win for the tourists in their clash with a select Premiership XV at the Brewery Field in Bridgend.

The hosts fought bravely but were outscored by five tries to one as the Georgians won the first of two matches they’ll play in Wales.

“The match was very well fought and was an excellent spectacle to watch,” said Premiership coach Simon King. “I thought it was a tough game but a good performance from the boys who have only had four sessions together.”

Premiership captain and man of the match Haydn Pugh, who plays for Carmarthen Quins, added: “They were a very physical side, especially up front, and the backs were very quick.

“It was an excellent performance from the lads and I hope we can do this again with other nations like Germany and Romania as this shows the potential that the Premiership has to offer.”

Cross Keys fly-half Steffan Jones helped kick the hosts into a 22-21 interval lead with five penalties and the conversion resulting from flanker Matthew Llewellyn’s try.

Many thought Georgia would overpower their hosts from the start but they were rocked into action when the Premiership side flew out of the blocks. They scored first-half tries through hooker Shalva Mamukashvili, lock David Chitidze, and George Katcharava.

Replacement outside-half Jamie Davies from Aberavon slotted a 50-metre penalty after the restart to make it 25-21 but Georgia hit back and centre Irakli Chkhikvadze had an easy run in under the posts.

Second row substitute Kaba Kikvidze drove over from the back of a scrum but despite Nikolava missing the conversion the tourists led 33-25. But the Welsh side battled on and Sam Soul gave them hope when he crossed with five minutes left to reduce the deficit to one point.

However, Nikolava spoilt the party when he successfully converted a penalty to put the game out of reach.

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Cup holders given Newbridge test in semis

PREMIERSHIP big guns Pontypridd and Cross Keys remain on course to meet in the final of this season’s Swalec Cup following today’s semi-final draw.

Cup holders Pontypridd play Newbridge in the last four while Cross Keys, also in the semi-finals of the British & Irish Cup, take on giantkillers Ebbw Vale.

The draw also leaves open the possibility of an all-Division One East final, and if Ebbw Vale can beat Keys it would be their fourth Premiership scalp in successive rounds following victories over Aberavon, Newport and Swansea.

In the Swalec Plate, it’s North versus South in the two semis with Bethesda facing Penallta and Nant Conwy going up against Ystrad Rhondda.

While in the Swalec Bowl, Glyncoch lock horns with Talywain for a place in the final at the Millennium Stadium while in the other tie Tycroes play New Tredegar.

All three finals will be played back-to-back at the home of Welsh rugby on May 7.

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Welsh ace Boulden to make Curtis Cup bow

CONWY teenager Amy Boulden will make her Curtis Cup debut this June after being named as the sole Welsh golfer in the Great Britain & Ireland team to face the USA.

The 18-year-old, who played for Europe in last year’s Junior Solheim Cup, made the eight-strong squad though Haverfordwest’s Becky Harries had to settle for a place as third reserve.

The big talking point surrounding Tegwen Matthews’s side will undoubtedly revolve around English star Charley Hull, who was expected to miss out on selection having chosen to take up an invite to play at the LPGA’s Kraft Nabisco event in California.

That went against the original selection criteria which stated that if someone chose not to attend last week’s Curtis Cup team trial they would not be eligible for this summer’s event.

However, the independent selection panel made a U-turn over its policy and the 16-year-old will now take her place in the team for the showdown with the USA at Nairn, Scotland from June 8-10.

The other squad members are Holly Clyburn, Bronte Law, Kelly Tidy (all England), Leona Maguire and Stephanie Meadow (both Ireland) and Pamela Pretswell (Scotland).

For Boulden, selection is just reward for a highly successful few years and comes after she was a reserve in 2010 when the USA continued their run of victories that dates back to 1998.

Last year, Boulden was a member of the GB & Ireland team which beat Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia to win the Astor Trophy and a week later she played for Europe in the Vagliano Trophy match at Royal Porthcawl.

In August 2011, the youngster won all her singles matches for Wales in the Girls’ Home Internationals at Gullane and finished fourth in the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Strokeplay at Royal Ashdown Forest.

Meanwhile, joining Harries on the reserve list is Lisa Maguire, twin sister of Leona, English 15-year-old Georgia Hall and Scot Kelsey MacDonald.

Hull’s Woburn clubmate, Lauren Taylor, the youngest winner of the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship last June, was not selected because of doubts about her fitness.

“I am confident that the mix of experience, talent and enthusiasm within this team will prove to be a winning formula for success and that they will be playing with immense pride and desire to bring the Curtis Cup back home,” said team captain Matthews.

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Quins second row Pugh to lead Prem XV

CARMARTHEN Quins lock Haydn Pugh will skipper the Principality Premiership XV when they face a Georgia International XV at Bridgend’s Brewery Field tonight (7pm).

The former Wales Under-20 second row has impressed head coach Simon King and his coaching team in recent weeks on and off the field, earning the captain’s armband for this inaugural international match for the Premiership outfit.

“Haydn has been excellent in training, has worn his heart on his sleeve and fully deserves to be captain,” said King. “There are a lot of leaders in the squad including Aberavon’s Chris Davies and Swansea’s Sam Kiley, and all the players involved in the matchday 22 have been 100% committed throughout this training and selection process.”

King has named an experienced starting line-up for the occasion, with Aberavon wing Richard Carter and Newport and former Wales Under-21 centre Scott Williams among the most ‘capped’ Premiership players.

There are a number of other players with international honours to their name, including former Wales Under-20 caps Morgan Allen, Ben Thomas and wing Lee Rees, who is also a Wales Sevens international.

Dragons and Cross Keys outside-half Steffan Jones gets the nod at No 10, while full-back Geraint O’Driscoll (Pontypool) and lock Adam Powell (Llanelli) have also had game time with their respective regions this season.

Cross Keys prop Richard Cornock has been called into the squad to replace Aberavon’s Lloyd Howells who has been ruled out through injury, Cornock completing an all Cross Keys front row.

King added: “We are pleased with the team we have been able to select and we are all looking forward to the experience of playing against an international side like the Georgia XV. Everyone involved is determined to show the Principality Premiership in a good light.

“There are plenty of players who have come through the Premiership and gone on to bigger and better things and, as a vehicle, matches like this are a great indicator of the potential within the division.”

The full Georgia side beat Kingsley Jones’s Russia 46-0 the weekend before last and King expects the Georgia International XV to be an equally tough challenge for the Premiership players.

“Georgia are a very big, physical, well-drilled side so we will need to prepare for that challenge up front,” he added.

“We have had three or four training sessions together so we are going to concentrate on ourselves and on doing our clubs and league proud.”

Former Cross Keys captain Lloyd Burns will present the players with their team shirts at the Brewery Field. Burns, who played the vast majority of his rugby for the Gwent side before being selected for Warren Gatland’s Wales squad, is happy to provide the service.

“I owe the Premiership a lot so it’s great to be able to do this,” said Burns. “It’s fantastic for the Premiership to have international fixtures of this kind, it helps to raise the standard.”

Principality Premiership XV

Geraint O’Driscoll (Pontypool); Richard Carter (Aberavon), Matthew Jacobs (Llandovery), Scott Williams (Newport), Lee Rees (Llandovery); Steffan Jones (Cross Keys), David Pritchard (Aberavon); Richard Cornock (Cross Keys), Gerwyn Price (Cross Keys), Marc Jones (Cross Keys), Adam Powell (Llanelli), Haydn Pugh (capt, Carmarthen Quins), Ben Thomas (Bridgend), James Davies (Carmarthen Quins), Morgan Allen (Aberavon)

Replacements: Andrew Brown (Newport), Will Taylor (Aberavon), Ryan Harford (Pontypridd), Sam Kiley (Swansea), Chris Davies (Aberavon), Jamie Davies (Aberavon), Jason Harris (Carmarthen Quins), Justin James (Llanelli).

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Shane all set for Ospreys farewell tour

WITH the countdown to his last-ever Ospreys game well under way, rugby legend Shane Williams is set to embark on a tour of the region that will see the wing wizard visiting rugby clubs throughout Ospreylia in the coming weeks.

The Welsh derby against Newport Gwent Dragons at the Liberty Stadium on Friday, April 20 has been confirmed as his final Ospreys appearance before he calls time on a dazzling career that has seen him serve Neath, Ospreys, Wales and the British & Irish Lions with distinction, rewriting the history books on the way.

Ahead of the game, Shane and his team-mates will be winging their way to all corners of the region, allowing supporters to say their own goodbye to a player who they’ve held close to their hearts for many years.

Shane’s farewell tour will take in venues in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend throughout the Easter school holidays, where the squad will take part in open training sessions in front of the watching crowds, giving a unique insight into life as a professional rugby player, after which fans will get the chance to meet Shane and co as they sign autographs and pose for pictures.

The team will be accompanied on the tour by their much-loved mascot Ozzie the Osprey, along with Ospreys Community Officers, who will deliver a series of ‘Atomic Touch’ sessions once the team have finished training, allowing youngsters to enjoy their own rugby fun – with the added benefit of some of the Ospreys players taking part.

“While I’m really sad to be calling time on my playing career, I’m excited about what’s in store over the next few weeks leading in to my farewell game against the Dragons,” said Shane. “Since day one of my career the supporters have really shown me nothing but love and respect, so I’m grateful to the Ospreys management for giving me the chance to go out on the road in the build-up to the game and say thank you to as many of them as possible.

“It’s going to be a fantastic experience and I’m looking forward to meeting up with our young fans at their local clubs.

“I realise that with each visit I’m going to be a day closer to retirement so no doubt it will be emotional for me, but it’ll give me even more fantastic memories to add to those from my long playing career.

“Hopefully, some of the children I meet on the tour will be at the Liberty Stadium for the Dragons game, taking advantage of the free kids offer.”

Shane’s farewell tour kicks off at Swansea University playing fields tomorrow (Tuesday) at 11am, before the school holiday gets under way the following week and a visit to Aberavon Greenstars RFC on Monday, April 2 at 2pm and Ystradgynlais RFC on Friday, April 6 at 11am. The tour then rounds off at Kenfig Hill RFC on Tuesday, April 10 (11am).

The long-serving winger, who was originally signed for Neath from Amman United by Ospreys Managing Director Mike Cuddy in 1998, is one of the ‘originals’ who made up the first-ever regional squad for the 2003/04 season and has gone on to make 136 appearances for the region, scoring 276 points including a regional record of 54 tries.

A triple Celtic League champion, he also played in both the Ospreys’ EDF Energy Cup final appearances at Twickenham, scoring two tries in the losing 2007 game before picking up a winners’ medal the following year.

Capped 87 times by Wales, he is the country’s leading all-time leading try-scorer with 58, while he scored two tries for the Lions in four caps earned on the 2005 and 2009 tours. One of the greatest finishers of all time, in 2008 he became the first (and only) Welshman to be named IRB International Player of the Year, before winning the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year award.

Ospreys Chief Operations Officer, Andrew Hore, paid tribute to Shane saying that everybody at the region wanted to give him the send-off he deserves.

He said: “The word legend is used far too freely these days but in Shane’s case is entirely apt. His record and his achievements, for the region and for Wales, speak for themselves. He’s a proud Ospreylian who has always worn the jersey with real honour, and now that his final appearance is in sight, it’s important that we celebrate both Shane the person and Shane the Osprey.

“By taking Shane and his team-mates out on the road in the build-up to the game, during the school holidays, we are offering as many young Ospreylians as we possibly can the chance to say a personal farewell. Knowing how much they love Shane we can expect to see the local rugby clubs packed out for the visit, which will be fantastic.

“His final game will be at the Liberty Stadium against Newport Gwent Dragons on April 20, and to make sure he gets the kind of send-off fitting for such a legend, we’ve introduced a special deal for the game that allows up to four U16s to go free with a paying adult. Shane deserves nothing less than to see the Liberty full for his final time in an Ospreys shirt.”

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King names experienced squad for Georgia

HEAD coach Simon King has named an experienced Principality Premiership XV squad to face a Georgia International XV at the Brewery Field in Bridgend tomorrow (7pm).

Players from 10 Premiership clubs make up the 25-man squad from which King will select the starting line-up and replacements – Aberavon have the highest representation from any one club with seven.

“We are happy with the squad we’ve been able to select,” said King. “We have trained well as a group in the sessions we’ve had over the last couple of weeks and all the players involved have shown 100% commitment.

“The players in the final group are a very good reflection of the Principality Premiership and are determined to show the league in a good light on Tuesday. Most of the boys are true club stalwarts and there are also a number of players with international age grade experience to call on ahead of this game.”

The full Georgia side beat Kingsley Jones’s Russia 46-0 last weekend and King expects the Georgia International XV to be an equally tough challenge for the Premiership players tomorrow night.

“Most of the Georgian players ply their trade in the French First Division which is of a very high standard. Georgia are a very big, physical, well-drilled side so we will need to prepare for that challenge up front,” he added.

“We have had three or four training sessions together so we are going to concentrate on ourselves and on doing our clubs and league proud.”

Principality Premiership XV Squad

Backs: Geraint O’Driscoll (Pontypool), Elliot Frewen (Newport), Dan Robinson (Pontypool), James Davies (Carmarthen Quins), Richard Carter (Aberavon), Matthew Jacobs (Llandovery), Scott Williams (Newport), Lee Rees (Llandovery), Jason Harries (Carmarthen Quins), Jamie Davies (Aberavon), Justin James (Llanelli), Steffan Jones (Cross Keys), David Pritchard (Aberavon)

Forwards: Lloyd Howell (Aberavon), Will Taylor (Aberavon), Andrew Brown (Newport), Marc Jones (Cross Keys), Ryan Harford (Pontypridd), Gerwyn Price (Cross Keys), Sam Kiley (Swansea), Adam Powell (Llanelli), Haydn Pugh (Carmarthen Quins), Chris Davies (Aberavon), Ben Thomas (Bridgend), Robert Nash (Cross Keys), Morgan Allen (Aberavon)

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Welsh team end Nations Cup on a high

WALES climbed three places to 12^th on the final day of the European Nations Cup in Spain.

Pennard ace James Frazer ended his tournament with a round of 71, which also left him 12^th in the individual standings.

Had the 2011 Duncan Putter champion not started his campaign at Sotogrande with an 80 he could well have threatened the top of the leaderboard.

In the end, a play-off was needed to determine the best golfer on show and it was Dutchman Robin Kind who claimed first prize while the French team took the Nations Cup.

As for the Welsh foursome, along with Frazer’s 71, Jason Sufflebotham and David Boote recorded closing round 73s while Joe Vickery’s 82 completed a miserable tournament for the Newport man.

Wales’s final position was four places down on last year, however, Frazer was the best-placed Welshman again after coming 18^th in 2011.

In the women’s event, the French made it a double as won easily from Germany. And to put the icing on the cake, France’s Celine Boutier was the top female by three strokes from Denmark’s Nicole Broch Larsen.

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Pitmen outclass Quins to progress

Penallta ended Maesteg Quins' bid to return to the Millennium Stadium to secure their place in the Swalec Plate semi-final draw with an 18-8 victory at Ystrad Fawr.

In a tightly contested opening half, the Quins' well-organised defence and strong scrum put the Pitmen on the back foot, but the hosts rallied to take an 8-3 lead into the interval thanks to a Gregg Haines touchdown and a Jonny Wright penalty.

Penallta centre Andrew Jenkins touches down out wide

Photo courtesy of Penallta RFC

After the break, Penallta’s fitness and defence proved superior as Andrew Jenkins went over out wide, with Wright adding the extras and another penalty to secure the victory.

Ystrad Rhondda booked their semi-fianl place in emphatic fashion, clinically dispatching Cwmllynfell 36-10.

The Two East leaders dominated proceedings with speedster Alex Webber proving lethal in attack and with the boot, notching up 26 points, including a hat trick of touchdowns, four conversions and a penalty. Centre Dai Gratton and back row Mazin Alasawi also touched down.

The Two West highfliers were stunned and could only manage a consolation second half Gareth Jewson try, with Craig Jones adding the conversion to his earlier penalty.

Bethesda comfortably outclassed Three East’s Pontypool United 34-6 with a clinical home showing.

The hosts crossed four times, with Ben Stalmzek bagging a brace, and David Thomas and Matthew Parry also touching down, with the latter adding the extras to all four tries and a penalty.

Nant Conwy put the disappointment of losing out on the One North Title behind them, edging past Builth Wells 18-13.

Nant, who trailed at the break, produced a strong second half performance with Carwyn ap Myrddin their star man, crossing for a try and landing two penalties and a conversion

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Rhiwbina tame the Tyrchs at Cae Delyn

 Rhiwbina got back to winning ways against visitors Pentyrch in a free-flowing game at sunny Parc Caedelyn.  Both teams looked to run the ball, but Rhiwbina’s stronger pack secured enough of the possession in the second half to gain a 29-18 bonus point victory.

Man of the match, winger Brett Chatwin, scored two superbly taken tries for the Squirrels, one in each half. The first was silky run-in from 20 metres, and the second a really forceful effort taking three defenders with him to stretch over and score. 

Hooker Josh Madley scored after just four minutes, following some great inter-play and a delightful off-load from skipper Nick Howell.  Substitute scrum half Alex Kerr secured the win and a bonus point with a great finish just before full time, after the Squirrels’ pack over turned a Tyrch scrum.

Richard Saltmarsh, who again had a solid performance in the centre, kicked three conversions and a penalty.

The Tyrchs ran the ball from everywhere on the field which made for an entertaining game. Tom Marley and Darren Berry crossed for the Pentyrch tries, both converted by Hywel Chatham, who also kicked a penalty.

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Mold limp towards end of season

The journey for Mold to the end of the season and to Pwllheli seemed even longer this week with only 16 fully fit and available players managing to travel.

“It's been a disastrous week”, said Mold Head coach Les Byrne. “What started out a very promising week ended up a nightmare, even on the Saturday morning with just 16 players left. But that’s the hand we were dealt so all credit to those players that made the journey and came away with just a 26-13 defeat”.

In the post match player debrief, Byrne congratulated his players for “putting their bodies on the line and giving total commitment for the whole hard grafted 80 minutes. The club couldn’t have asked for more”.

In reality, Mold played the more aggressive rugby and had both possession and territory for 65% of the game, even after going down to 14 men with still 35 minutes to go. The difference in the score line was Mold’s old foe, inches and precision.

They were inches from causing an upset with 2 minutes to go at 13-19 and the precision of the pass that gifted Pwllheli their final converted try; the unfortunate story of Mold’s season. 

The game hadn’t started well when, at the opposite end of the pitch, they allowed Pwllheli to run through half of their players for Robert Williams to score on the 2 minute mark. Mold were lucky to prevent the same thing from happening again a few minutes later but finally shock off the long journey and began to play some nice rugby.

Reduced to playing uncontested scrums, Mold more then held their own in the other parts of the contest and some enterprising runs by scrum half Jamie Winning gave Mold the spur they needed. For much of the first half, Mold remained in Pwllheli's half  through hard work from the forwards at the breakdown, as well as some solid defence by returning Ollie Jenner and Cai Edwards. 

The pressure from Mold finally paid off when Dave James squeezed in close to the posts for a deserved try for Mold, with Luke Jones duly converting. Mold continued to push and came close to extending their scoring with two penalties in kickable range, both efforts drifting wide however.

Mark Jones and Gareth Millington paired to spoil opposition possession and take the ball up the middle of the park, with Alex Green powering through the opposition's defence, falling just short of the Pwllheli line.

Mold were then reduced to 14 men with a sin binning but instead of dropping their intensity, Mold dug deep and saw a rise in tempo just before the half time whistle. Ollie Jenner linked well with brother Tom to set up a resurgent platform at the breakdown before the touchline won out, just before half time with honours even at 7-7.

Pwllheli came out quicker off the blocks after the break with Alex Green producing the tackle of the match to initially deny Pwllheli their next score, before Pwllheli's extra man advantage saw Richard Highes go over for an unconverted try, before Robin Highes-Jones extended their lead with a touchdown shortly after.

Mold were then permanently reduced to 14 men when Dan Bowden went off injured, though Luke Jones did narrow Pwllheli's lead by slotting a penalty. Mold pushed on through Sam Wilding, Tom Williams and Sean Mackie, but overall, rushed decision making with two free kicks, took away the opportunity for them to exploit the uncontested scrums close to the opposition 22.

With Mold camping close to the opposition 22 for much of the last 15 minutes, Ollie Jenner then put Mold in range with a drop goal to move the board onto 19-13. Mold continued to surge against some determined Pwllheli defence, with Luke Jones being stopped only inches form the line.

The last few minutes were frantic for both teams with the try line in sight for Mold, only for the final pass to fall into a Pwllheli player John Hughes’ hands and charge to the other end of the pitch to score a dramatic intercept try as the final act of the game.

Stand-in captain for the day, Aaron Jones, also echoed Byrne's post match comments, “We couldn’t have asked for more effort or commitment from the players. It's important for us to keep improving and that's exactly what we did today."

Byrne was particularly praising of his young captain for taking on the role and leading from the front, “Aaron slogged and slogged today showing a very high work rate and clarity of thought – the team just needed to listen to him more and not knee jerk at crucial times."

Ending on a more upbeat note, Byrne added, "We played pretty well for long periods of the game today. There is still a bit to work on but the intensity was there and there are a lot of good signs that what we worked on during the last few weeks came through, which is commendable considering only 3 of the forwards have been regulars and with everyone dead on their feet at the end having given their all".

"We probably played about six out of ten in our last match but today it was nearer eight so, it's getting better and if we can get another improvement next week that will be very satisfying" added Byrne. “Next week will be crunch at home to Llandudno in our rearranged fixture”.

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