tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13528664597729721392024-03-13T07:50:25.208+01:00All Wales Sport ReportsLaura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.comBlogger1515125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-35875355469814677152015-05-29T11:39:00.002+02:002015-05-29T11:40:13.836+02:00Bargoed win Worthington Mid District Cup<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>BARGOED 39-20 MERTHYR</strong> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bargoed gained revenge
for their only league loss of the season 25 days earlier by Merthyr as they
added the Worthington Mid District Cup at Sardis Road, Pontypridd, to their
earlier Championship success.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It has been the
best-ever season by both the Bargoed and Merthyr clubs, who had finished first
and third respectively in league play but it was the Blues of Bargoed who were
clear and deserved winners over the Ironmen of Merthyr.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The opening quarter saw
Bargoed lead 14-0 but Merthyr were still in it as the interval was reached with
Merthyr ahead at 20-10. Though Merthyr closed it to seven points, Bargoed then
used their powerful pack and the scrummage in particular to wear their
opponents down as they led 39-13 until the final seconds.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was goodbye to both
fly halves as the talented Josh Prosser of Bargoed has now signed for Cross
Keys and Josh Flye is leaving Merthyr to play for Swansea. Prosser was luckier
to have a powerful eight and a lively partner in scrum half Craig Morgan in
front of him.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Both clubs are
determined to fight their way upwards in Welsh rugby but on this occasion
Bargoed, even without James Pizey and Lewis Protheroe, were stronger than
Merthyr, who missed skipper Matthew Rees (holiday) and Dean Gunter (cuptied).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No 8 Ross Coombs,
brother of Wales international Andrew, opened the scoring after just five
minutes and Prosser converted before hooker and captain Leigh Meades surged
over from a lineout ploy and again Prosser added the extras.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Merthyr suddenly woke up
and luck was with full back Dan Parry for a kick and chase try that somehow he
did not convert as Prosser struck back with a penalty four minutes later.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Again Merthyr hit back
as wing Aaron Howard nipped in at the corner but again the boot of Prosser
struck a penalty over just before the break.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Though Parry kicked a
good penalty after 45 minutes it was Bargoed’s pack who took over with flanker
Adam Coupe, then a penalty try and finally a second touchdown by Coombs
bringing the five-pointers, plus two conversions by Prosser, to keep the
scoreboard ticking over.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Merthyr had the final
say as they flung the ball around and teenage replacement prop Sam Evans did
well to score with Parry drop-kicking the conversion.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was a deserved win
for Bargoed and crowned a season they will never forget while young North
Walian referee Owain Griffiths gave another excellent display in allowing the
game to flow.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once again the
partnership of Worthington and the Mid District committee had joined to help
provide a fitting end to the season. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scorers.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bargoed – Tries: R
Coombs 2, L Meades, A Coupe, pen try. Cons: J Prosser 4. Pens: J Prosser 2.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Merthyr – Tries: D
Parry, A Howard, S Evans. Con: D Parry. Pen: D Parry.</span></div>
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-52103430703268044742015-05-29T11:37:00.001+02:002015-05-29T11:40:47.394+02:00Falcons win the Worthington Cup<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ABERTYSSWG FALCONS 23-16 HAFODYRYNYS</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Abertysswg Falcons gained
the Worthington Gwent and District (Cyrus Davies) Cup for the third successive
year when they saw off a depleted, but brave, Hafodyrynys side at Glan Yr Afon
Park, Blackwood.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Falcons gave their
departing coaches a great send off as both head coach Leigh Meddlicott and his
assistant Gareth Richards are both moving onto new ventures to join the
coaching set-ups<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> at the under 16 sides of the Cardiff
Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons respectively.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Meddlicott said “This is my
last game at Abertysswg and I am proud and thrilled to be part of a journey
that has taken us from Division Six to Division Two.”<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Despite being two divisions
below Abertysswg, it was Hafodyrynys who took an early lead via a penalty from
outside half Kris Moses as both sides tried to settle into a rhythm. From a
lineout Hafod attacked again and a clever inside switch put full back Rob
Smith, one of the small band of players who have scored over 100 league tries,
in for a try converted by Moses for a 10-0 advantage after 18 minutes.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Abertysswg reduced the
arrears with a 35 metre penalty from their outside half and captain Jamie
Howells, the former Wales Districts cap, before play was held up for several
minutes whilst an injured Hafodyrynys forward was treated for injury.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Play switched from end to
end but defences held firm before Moses added a long range penalty to increase
the Hafod lead, though from the restart Abertysswg earned another penalty
slotted by Howells immediately followed by the half time whistle at 13-6.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Falcons were quickly
out of the blocks in the second half and soon wiped out the seven-point
interval deficit with a try by Rhys Davies converted by Howells to tie the
scores.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Both sides continued to
accrue injuries but Hafodyrynys, with only two replacements named, gamely
battled on as both Moses and Howells had unsuccessful penalty goal attempts and
the sides sparred for an opening before Moses found his range to put his side ahead
at 16-13.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fresh legs in the
Aberytsswg ranks then paid dividends as following a scrum the ball was put
through several pairs of hands before replacement Joey Buckley crossed for a
try converted by Howells to put his side ahead for the first time in the game
and a Howells penalty two minutes from time finally broke the resistance of
brave Hafodyrynys.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tina Tew, on behalf of
sponsors Molson Coors, presented Howells and his happy Falcons squad with the
famous old cup.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scorers.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Abertysswg – Tries: R
Davies, J Buckley. Cons: J Howells 2. Pens: J Howells 3.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hafodyrynys – Tries: R
Smith. Con: K Moses. Pens: K Moses 3.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Howard Evans </span></div>
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-64079285382925194052015-05-29T11:32:00.002+02:002015-05-29T11:32:49.584+02:00Worthington Newport and District Cup Final: Hartridge 34-10 Caldicot Athletic <br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><strong>Hartridge RFC became the Worthington Newport and
District Cup winners after defeating Caldicot Athletic in the final at the
Whiteheads Ground in Rogerstone.</strong> <br />
<br />
Though Hartridge scored 4-2 on the try-count and dominated the game
territorially, the Caldicot side scored the first and last tries and tackled
manfully throughout. <br />
<br />
As it was, Hartridge had too much weight up front and their
charging forward rushes were hard to stop, yet Caldicot managed to do so for
much of the 80 minutes, but they suffered a cruel blow just on the interval
when a totally accidental collision saw the Athletic full back Kyle Deakin laid
out and he departed the field. <br />
<br />
Hartridge had a livewire wing in Dexter Lewis, who not only scored
scored a brace of tries, but seemed to pop up everywhere and was like a rubber
ball at times. <br />
<br />
Fly half Gareth Hopkins scored 12 points and Mitch Williams was
strong at centre with Rob Jones standing out in the pack for the winners, while
Caldicot had a splendid scrum half replacement in young James Taylor when Matt
Burton was forced to drop back to full back. <br />
<br />
Hartridge almost scored in the first minute before Hopkins kicked
them in front after 14 minutes but Caldicot centre Charlie Deacon hacked on,
gathered and sped clear for a fine try. <br />
<br />
The lead lasted until just on half-time as Hartridge captain Mike
Wrench went over for a solo try that Hopkins converted and after 48 minutes he
also goaled a Dex Lewis try. <br />
<br />
Hopkins then placed a penalty and full back Richard Torjenson
intercepted to run almost the length of the pitch with Hopkins converting.
<br />
<br />
Hartridge were now on to and the pacy Lewis pounced for his second
try with Hopkins converting but much of the last ten minutes belonged to brave
Caldicot and they deservedly scored a try through hooker Scott Baker. <br />
<br />
Skipper Wrench accepted the cup from Joanne Hurley, Accounts
Manager of Molson Coors in front of the delighted Hartridge supporters. </span><br />
<br /><br />
by Howard Evans Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-55337528863694475412015-05-29T11:30:00.001+02:002015-05-29T11:30:59.239+02:00Worthington Mid-District Bowl Final: Porth Quins 29-23 Caerphilly <br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>The aptly-named Will
Worthington scored the first and last tries of a splendid Worthington
Mid-District Bowl final at Mount Pleasant, Beddau, but he still finished on the
losing side.</strong><u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Porth came from 10-9
down at the interval to lead 26-10 with their pack going strongly but the
Cheesemen plugged away gallantly and shaded the final quarter of the game.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was an excellent try
by Porth captain and No 8 Gareth Lewis that took them ahead after 47 minutes
and it was a lead they never lost. Lewis tore for the corner going left, was
somehow halted, but when scrum half Dafydd Morris went right, he reverse-passed
and Lewis was first there to crash over.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Centre Josh Wauthington
had kicked Porth ahead but then centre Will Worthington finished a fine break
from Vaughan Thomas and fly half Luke Williams converted. Wauthington kicked
two penalties but Williams landed one in the final minute of the half.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then, Lewis scored his
try with Wauthington converting and he also goaled a try by
replacement hooker Marvin Bailey before placing a penalty.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Smart work by Caerphilly
halves Williams and Joe Bray kept them going forward and Williams placed two
good penalties and just missed a third.<u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With six minutes to go,
Lewis and the tireless former Beddau skipper Rob Downes helped Porth back
downfield and Wauthington kicked his fifth penalty but Caerphilly were still
not finished and smart running ended with a Will Worthington try that Williams
goaled with the last kick of an entertaining match.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Howard Evans <u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-61884573798589741462015-05-29T11:27:00.001+02:002015-05-29T11:27:21.473+02:00Wales Students to take on Aber Valley Wolves on Tuesday <br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wales Students take on Aber Valley Wolves at Senghenydd
RFC on Tuesday 2nd June in their final warm up game before their Four Nations
campaign (kick-off 7.15pm).</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Students have already beaten Cardiff City RL and a
North Wales Select XIII in their preparations but this, a game against last
season’s Welsh Conference league leaders, will be their toughest test yet.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wales coach Latham Tawhai will use this game to see who
makes the squad for the games in Ireland where the Welsh will take on England
and Scotland as well as the hosts in three games between June 14-19.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The Aber Valley Wolves game is definitely the final
chance for players to prove themselves,” Tawhai said: “After this final game
we’ll then name our 20 man squad.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The players recently had a weekend camp in North Wales
and responded well to everything we asked of them from 7am starts plus
classroom sessions. The squad we will pick will be a strong and dedicated one.”</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The new issue of South Wales Rugby League Magazine, which
features this match, will be on sale at the ground priced £2.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">WALES STUDENTS (from): Morgan Evans, James Exley, Louie
Ford, Fraser Robinson (all University Of Bath), Alex King, Marcus Webb (both
Bridgend College), Jordan Sheridan (Cardiff University), Jordan Howells
(Cardiff Metropolitan University), James Gahan, George Giles, Nathan Rainer,
Josh Williams (all University Of Gloucestershire), Rhys Davies (Coleg Gwent),
Matt Davies (Hartpury College), Harry Boots, Jordan Thomas (both Maesteg
Comprehensive School), Tom Davies (Newcastle University), Joe Bridger, Kurt
Greatorex, Osian Phillips, Yousif Sulliman (all University Of South Wales),
Alec Wheatley (Swansea University), Efan Ellis, Owen Thomas (University Of
Wales Trinity St David), Connor Davies, Curtis Davies (Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera).</span></div>
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-38667015407559008682015-05-29T11:23:00.002+02:002015-05-29T11:23:55.424+02:00Death of Wales Rugby Cap- Anthony O'Connor <br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Former Wales and Lions scrum-half Anthony O’Connor has died,
aged 81. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tony O’Connor won his first of five Welsh caps against South
Africa in 1960. He also toured with the British & Irish Lions to South
Africa in 1962, playing in ten matches, although he did not appear in a Test. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">O’Connor played his club rugby for Aberavon, who he
skippered during the 1957/58 season. He played for the combined Neath-Aberavon
side against Australia in 1957, South Africa in 1961 and New Zealand in 1963.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Born in Neath, O’Connor attended Duffryn Grammar School and
Bristol University before joining St Edmund Hall, Oxford-where he gained an
Oxford Blue-partnering Australian international Ross Shiel in the Varsity match
of 1958.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He worked for ICI, then British Steel Company, living in
Porthcawl, where in 2005 he became captain of the famous Royal Porthcawl Golf
Club.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WALES CAP NUMBER - 656 - </span><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anthony O’Connor.
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Caps: 5. </span><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Position: Scrum half.</span><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Games Played: 1960 v South Africa; 1961 v England,Scotland; 1962 v
France, Ireland.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Born: 24 APRIL 1934 Neath. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Died: 22 May 2015 (aged 81).</span> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-57159528909956170752015-05-03T22:50:00.002+02:002015-05-03T22:50:49.045+02:00 Rugby Development at Bedwas RFC <b><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">For 125 years rugby football has been played at the former mining </span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">village</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> of </span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Bedwas</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">. Currently the club is unique in the Welsh Premiership Division. It is playing to a highly competitive standard in </span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Wales</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">’ top league while remaining true to its roots as a “community club”, owned and run by its members and serving the whole rugby community from Under 7s upwards and can even boast a newly formed girls Under 15 side.</span><span class="EOP SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></b><br /><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{152}" paraid="1027799686" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{165}" paraid="1184065757" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">According to Club Chairman, Mark Lewis, </span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">the club is now embarking on an exciting new phase in its rugby development. “For many years” he explains, “there was a natural rugby progression in our villages. Basic skills were learned pre school on streets and in welfare grounds. Secondary schools often had a rugby</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> “ethos</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">” and an enthusiastic</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> “rugby master</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">” who provided a natural pathway, developing players so the school had a 1st XV playing locally and up to County</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> competition standard”.</span><span class="EOP SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{167}" paraid="922822075" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{175}" paraid="2036595093" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">“These were the players,”</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> says Mark,</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">“who</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> came to clubs such as Bedwas to form a strong Youth XV and moved seamlessly through their rugby career </span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">to First team rugby and beyond”</span><span class="EOP SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{177}" paraid="1548191451" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{180}" paraid="2068382760" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">The changes brought about from educational reform through to the advent of professional and semi professional rugby has, unfortunately, undermined this successful natural transition. The ambition in Bedwas RFC is not to recreate the conditions of a now by- gone age but to respond to the challenges the game currently faces in today’s social and economic climate.</span><span class="EOP SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{182}" paraid="793230553" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{185}" paraid="772422077" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">“If a Club like Bedwas is to succeed” says Mark “it isn’t good enough just to play competitive Premiership rugby – even though that is important both for players and spectators and to provide role models for aspiring youngsters”.</span><span class="EOP SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{187}" paraid="1213633022" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{191}" paraid="1755214443" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">“We have to be more hands on” he says “in promoting the game at all levels and encouraging the local talent</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> through our own Club’s pathway so that local players can compete to play at their own local Clubs highest levels”</span><span class="EOP SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{193}" paraid="1883598194" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{201}" paraid="1742969008" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">The strategy developed by Bedwas relies heavily on forging strong partnerships with the games’ natural allies.</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> The WRU’s new emphasis on structured pathways for new players and the re establishment of a vigorous rugby tradition at school level, through the programme of schools rugby officers, provided an excellent opportunity. The Club itself has strong “community” credentials, an excellent and highly motivated coaching team at all levels and an open and progressive management culture, willing and able to respond to the new challenge. Finally, at </span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Bedwas</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">High School</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">, there was a further willing ally in the shape of Head teacher, Peter Ward, himself a former Premiership standard player who was anxious to re build Bedwas as “rugby school”</span><span class="EOP SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{203}" paraid="819339995" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{205}" paraid="1070149497" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">“This summer” says </span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Mark,” we</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> will be celebrating our</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> 125 year</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> anniversary</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">, but perhaps more importantly helping to put in place 3 key building blocks</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> which will help us to meet our ambition of securing our future by nurturing our local talent”.</span><span class="EOP SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{218}" paraid="2084906863" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{221}" paraid="1761525136" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">“With the help of WRU and school funding, a new School Rugby Officer will be appointed at Bedwas High charged with promoting rugby in school and strengthening the flow to Bedwas RFC, of players of all ages up to and including Under 18s”</span><span class="EOP SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{223}" paraid="425435660" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{226}" paraid="1695278112" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">“Secondly the very well respected and knowledgeable former Head of PE at Bedwas High, Mr Jimmy Stokes, will be joining the team at Bedwas with a mandate to support the development of coaching and playing at all Under 18 levels.”</span><span class="EOP SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{228}" paraid="416203922" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{238}" paraid="314666377" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">“Thirdly, the Club with the generous support of a regeneration grant from </span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Caerphilly</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">County</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> will be investing in a state of the art fitness suite at Bedwas High for the benefit of players, school and community.” Mark concludes</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> “ the physical demands of the modern game </span><span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">require higher standards of fitness and strength than ever before”</span><span class="EOP SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{240}" paraid="1371136644" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX220353685" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX220353685" paraeid="{9b12863a-f678-49da-83f3-14ed330c06b2}{243}" paraid="1435153637" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX220353685" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">“If we are to compete with the best, we must be as prepared as the best and these new developments will help to bring that about,”</span></div>
</div>
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-61853798188735415502015-05-01T11:08:00.001+02:002015-05-01T11:09:00.504+02:00Glamorgan Wanderers 2nds 43 St Joseph's (Cardiff) 2nds 20<span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Glamorgan Wanderers captured the Worthington East District Seconds Cup by defeating St Joseph's </strong><strong>43-20 in a spirited match at Taffs Well RFC.</strong> <br />
<br /><br />
</span><div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span lang="EN-GB">The Wanderers took full advantage of a strong wind and slight slope in the first half to build up a 29-3 lead scoring five tries in the process.</span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB">
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
It was one-way traffic as their powerful pack denied their opponents any good ball and No 8 Owain Thomas, lock Aaron Canter, prop Joe Russell, scrum half Rhys Griffiths and flanker Evan Phillips scored tries and centre Mike Hurley converted two against a Scott Taylor penalty. </div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
St Joseph's flanker Jason Cox then scored a solo try but the Wanderers added further tries by Lewis Wilkie and Rhys Force with Hurley converting both, though brave St Joseph's rallied and wing Will Rowlands and centre Aiden O'Dare touched down plus a conversion by Taylor.</div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
Wanderers skipper Liam Mackay received the cup from former Cardiff centre Steve Crandon, now an accounts manager with Molson Coors.</div>
</span><br />Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-11703405191511151862015-05-01T11:07:00.000+02:002015-05-01T11:07:17.066+02:00Merthyr face Bargoed in the Worthington Mid District Cup Final <br />
<span lang="EN-GB"></span><div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span lang="EN-GB"><strong>The WORTHINGTON Mid District Cup Final will be played between Merthyr and Bargoed at Sardis Road, Pontypridd on Wednesday, May 20 and promises to be one of the best-ever matches in this fine competition's history.</strong> </span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB">
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
In the semi-finals Merthyr defeated Nelson by 49-21 at Abercynon, while Bargoed beat Division One East champions Penallta by 31-0 at Caerphilly. </div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
The final will be more exciting following Merthyr's shock win at Bargoed in the Championship that was the only league loss of the season thus far by Bargoed, who have already won that title. </div>
</span><br />Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-5212781871112369772015-05-01T10:50:00.003+02:002015-05-01T10:51:32.155+02:00Pembrokeshire goes “Off the Beaten Track” with new cycling CX Sportive<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB"></span></span><div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cyclists from throughout the UK<span lang="JA"><span lang="JA"> </span></span>will<span lang="JA"><span lang="JA"> </span></span>descend on Pembrokeshire this autumn<span lang="JA"><span lang="JA"> </span></span>for<span lang="JA"><span lang="JA"> </span></span>one of Wales’ most<span lang="JA"><span lang="JA"> </span></span>exciting<span lang="JA"><span lang="JA"> </span></span>cycling CX Sportive events.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Off The Beaten Track Pembrokeshire will provide top flight and cycling enthusiasts with an unrivalled route, scenery and challenges on its 40 miles in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on the 4th October 2015.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Organisers expect over 500 entries for the event which will be based at Bluestone National Park Resort, a luxury short break destination near Narberth, and will include a time trial a day earlier on 3rd October.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The route will take riders on and off road through the surrounding countryside already favoured by both enthusiast and pro-cyclists for its range of terrain and home to the Tour of Pembrokeshire which was staged in the county last month.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Off The Beaten Track Pembrokeshire is a true crossover sportive in every way," said event organiser, Peter Walker. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Riders will be heading down hard-packed surfaces one minute, hitting asphalt sections, some of which will be closed, the next and then diving off road to tackle hard climbs. It's a perfect CX Sportive event that will test all abilities."</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The 45 mile circular route will start and finish at Bluestone National Park Resort and circumnavigate Llys y Fran Reservoir.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A time trial will be held the day before to categorise riders for the main event. The TT will take place around Bluestone which is acting as the event HQ as well as offering accommodation to competitors, family and supporters over the weekend.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bluestone is no stranger to cycling events, having hosted several training camps for Olympic gold medal cyclist, Geraint Thomas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">County Council has already backed the event which has attracted sponsors including Brooks England, Sabbath Bicycles, Cyclist Magazine and Bluestone National Park Resort.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Pembrokeshire has already proved itself as a cycling destination for sporting events and for leisure, so it's great to be involved in Off The Beaten Track," said James McNamara, Leisure Services Manager at Bluestone.<span lang="JA"><span lang="JA"> </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span lang="JA"><span lang="JA" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"We're anticipating a lot of interest locally and from throughout the UK as events such as CX Sportives continue to grow in popularity. It'll attract a large number of visitors to the area, helping boost the local economy, while promoting the area as a superb destination for cycling and the great outdoors."</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He added: "We're perfectly positioned to host such an event in Pembrokeshire and particularly here at Bluestone with the facilities and accommodation we can offer competitors and their supporters.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"These include the Well Spa Retreat which is perfect for the pre and post event treatments, sauna and steam rooms and hydrotherapy pool, in addition to the restaurants, Blue Lagoon water park and Adventure Centre."</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Details and applications for the Off The Beaten Track CX Sportive can be found at<span lang="JA"><span lang="JA"> </span></span>www.offthebeatentrackpembrokeshire.co.uk. Information for competitors, family and friends about accommodation and facilities at Bluestone can be found at<span lang="JA"><span lang="JA"> </span></span>www.bluestonewales.com.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
Only those booked into Bluestone will have access to its all-weather facilities, including the Blue Lagoon water park, Adventure Centre, Well Spa Retreat, restaurants, pub and activities.</div>
</span></span></span><br />
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"></span><div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" dir="LTR">
<br /></div>
</span></span><br />
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-75090713989056298712015-04-26T18:44:00.000+02:002015-04-26T18:44:03.510+02:00Tregaron Three West C Champions <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWHR7vGu8KnQYzWVY2vDyD1BN9eBDFUTxnSs7GmbEzl6jFQaosCgJD0evj3el5vGyAT8xYYU0Bdmd3XZAK5a5QvpS3vLKRGYmJieWGgBQS6GmCBObZtp1n7n1ZlYzsHqg5ZgSrlMLljI/s1600/Tregaron+RFC+-+Presentation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWHR7vGu8KnQYzWVY2vDyD1BN9eBDFUTxnSs7GmbEzl6jFQaosCgJD0evj3el5vGyAT8xYYU0Bdmd3XZAK5a5QvpS3vLKRGYmJieWGgBQS6GmCBObZtp1n7n1ZlYzsHqg5ZgSrlMLljI/s1600/Tregaron+RFC+-+Presentation.jpg" height="186" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">Tregaron skipper Gethin Jones receives the SSE SWALEC Division 3 West C championship trophy from WRU Director Anthony John.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">"We are all absolutely delighted by the team's success and everyone is looking forward to playing in Division 2 West next season," said Tregaron secretary, Delyth Morgan.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-81995211100058835392015-04-25T10:55:00.002+02:002015-04-25T10:55:41.544+02:00WELSHMAN MORRIS IMPRESSES DURING CRUCIAL GP3 TEST IN BARCELONA<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
Status Grand Prix driver Seb Morris
sees himself as a “dark horse” ahead of the opening round of the GP3
Series season in Barcelona next month, following a consistently
competitive maiden outing at the Spanish track this week – where the Welshman notably topped the times on the first afternoon.</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
Getting
the latest chapter in his rapidly accelerating racing career off to an
impressive start, the Tag Heuer, Serge DeNimes and Oxford Vaughan brand
ambassador has enjoyed a series of strong tests during the last month or
so and continued in that vein during the final two day pre-season
outing.</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
Arriving at the Circuit de Catalunya on Wednesday, 22nd April, the 19-year-old from Marford
initially familiarised himself with the track before working on a good
balance with his car throughout the first morning. Seb then laid down a
strong marker in the afternoon by topping the timesheets.</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
Focusing
on qualifying performance in today’s first session, Seb ended the run
little more than 0.3 seconds shy of the top three as he continued to
rack-up important mileage ahead of his competitive debut on the FIA
Formula One World Championship support package just over a fortnight
from now.</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
Turning
attention to race set-up on the final afternoon, the MSA Team UK and
FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy member delivered
consistent pace during two full distance race simulations to conclude a
very productive pre-season in a positive frame of mind.</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
“It’s
been a good couple of days and it was obviously nice to be quickest
yesterday afternoon”, he reflected, “This morning we were only 0.3
seconds outside the top three in the qualifying simulations, so that’s
all positive, and then we didn’t go for times this afternoon as we
focused on two full race runs.</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
“I’m
fairly confident for the first race weekend, there’s no pressure on me –
I’m a bit of a dark horse really. I’ve still got a lot to learn with
the Pirelli tyres and the set-ups, but I’d like to try and break into
the top 10 in qualifying and then build from there. The atmosphere in
the team is good, everyone is working well together, so I can’t wait to
be back in Barcelona for the first race.”</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
Rounds
one and two of the GP3 Series season will take place over the weekend
9th/10th May at the Circuit de Catalunya. Following free practice on
Friday, 8th May, qualifying will take place at 08.45 (UK time) on
Saturday, 9th May, with round one of the season getting underway at
16.20 (UK time).</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
On
Sunday, 10th May, round two will begin at 08.25 (UK time) – both races
will be screened live on Sky Sports F1 with live timing at <a href="http://marc-orme.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=39d82f3c8fc78c72f4fbaf5ac&id=914040b7c3&e=ed4afa51ce" rel="nofollow" style="color: #6dc6dd; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">http://marc-orme.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=39d82f3c8fc78c72f4fbaf5ac&id=914040b7c3&e=ed4afa51ce</a></div>
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-36673925645580377262015-04-24T16:39:00.003+02:002015-04-24T16:39:51.280+02:00WORTHINGTON RUGBY UNION MID DISTRICT CUP<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Worthington Mid District
rugby final will be played at Sardis Road, Pontypridd on Wednesday, May 20.</span></b></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b>
</div>
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Merthyr have qualified after a
49-21 <span style="font-family: arial;">they dispatched</span> Nelson at Y Parc, Abercynon and
await the winners of the Bargoed<span style="font-family: arial;"> v </span>Penallta semi-final, which will be played on
Wednesday, April 29 at Virginia Park, Caerphilly.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Meanwhile, Caerphilly themselves
have qualified for the Worthington Mid District Bowl final at Abercwmboi on
Friday, May 15, after defeating Tylorstown in a thrilling encounter by 35-22.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In the Bowl final, the Cheesemen do
not yet know their opponents as the game between Brecon and Porth Harlequins
will be played at Abercwmboi on Thursday, April 30.</span></div>
</span>Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-84016575414583953482015-04-23T20:28:00.001+02:002015-04-23T20:28:57.976+02:00WEEKEND OF CHAMPIONS – FIVE TEAMS CROWNED WINNERS OF SWALEC LEAGUES <b>Five teams were celebrating being crowned champions in the SSE SWALEC
Rugby Leagues and were all presented with their trophies on Saturday 18
April. </b><br />
<br />
Despite losing at home to Penarth, Brecon RFC
were presented with their SSE SWALEC Division 2 East Central trophy
following the match. They clinched the title last weekend when then beat
Pontyclun 22-18 away from home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Hmc4SxqSGuNqHdeGdxrqJYilxJqWpowSyHt-gl9jPhmjXK4WHbvnYH3j-lFEKNFc7nbE_g_Y4beWJXlqok1mcSVntENWdU0AXpLrvA3HmJnenx4E84qoJNmlMXPRV1QITly5kEbvstM/s1600/CDF_180415_Brecon_v_Penarth_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Hmc4SxqSGuNqHdeGdxrqJYilxJqWpowSyHt-gl9jPhmjXK4WHbvnYH3j-lFEKNFc7nbE_g_Y4beWJXlqok1mcSVntENWdU0AXpLrvA3HmJnenx4E84qoJNmlMXPRV1QITly5kEbvstM/s1600/CDF_180415_Brecon_v_Penarth_05.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Undefeated Llanidloes
RFC have sealed promotion after winning the Division 3 North title. The
club took the spoils in a one-sided 97-8 victory against Holyhead RFC to
expand their lead at the top of the league to 12 points over their
nearest rivals Llangollen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hwHFhZICVgO1XfP4cplAzM6an7nUOOkVoPLmihw8-V3Lk6NWlTJabC4VMMvRL3bdngLir4BuN4Kps3QBR8qfY2k1G744io2FV8RryhCHkfphXJB28Nb-TlZACl9Y0nOUbTYmUFdEXXY/s1600/CDF_180415_LlanidloesLeague3North07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hwHFhZICVgO1XfP4cplAzM6an7nUOOkVoPLmihw8-V3Lk6NWlTJabC4VMMvRL3bdngLir4BuN4Kps3QBR8qfY2k1G744io2FV8RryhCHkfphXJB28Nb-TlZACl9Y0nOUbTYmUFdEXXY/s1600/CDF_180415_LlanidloesLeague3North07.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Former Pontypool player Chris
Macey led his hometown club Caerleon RFC to the SSE SWALEC Division 3
East A league in his first season back at the club as captain. The Gwent
team picked up another crowd-pleasing 72-6 victory, this time against
Rhymney RFC, in front of their home supporters.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7j6VADteqHnF5B4OM9fnv8-cexeozcVPsel4taa2ODyPeDax2BiQbE2C-zf7umFpl6mnDIDdqR0C-7yMQnqiMo0Rm9lWTMpI7AxFw-DGgKjuMVIv066qG8neJ0Q9wgmnTaqp9sfqzbrg/s1600/CDF_180415_Caerleon_v_Rhymney_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7j6VADteqHnF5B4OM9fnv8-cexeozcVPsel4taa2ODyPeDax2BiQbE2C-zf7umFpl6mnDIDdqR0C-7yMQnqiMo0Rm9lWTMpI7AxFw-DGgKjuMVIv066qG8neJ0Q9wgmnTaqp9sfqzbrg/s1600/CDF_180415_Caerleon_v_Rhymney_05.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Meanwhile,
Pontyberem RFC became champions of the SSE SWALEC Division 3 West A
trophy after a 65-3 victory against rock-bottom Cefneithin RFC.
Pontyberem won all but one of their 18 league games played this season
and secured an impressive 82 points.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbu8nfERnERNUn_uln97qArLFbnIRb867lsNdJ6CfvRtGxqvA8eIPyqZR9d8WyGyN-3uqPa1PhL8PWcYrEZD97wccjlB5anD09W1bYzTL3myC6jKxLKH8_7JQwOAvXo3TiZpfRpb3vO0A/s1600/CDF_180415_Pontyberem_v_Cefneithin_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbu8nfERnERNUn_uln97qArLFbnIRb867lsNdJ6CfvRtGxqvA8eIPyqZR9d8WyGyN-3uqPa1PhL8PWcYrEZD97wccjlB5anD09W1bYzTL3myC6jKxLKH8_7JQwOAvXo3TiZpfRpb3vO0A/s1600/CDF_180415_Pontyberem_v_Cefneithin_08.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Finally, Fishguard
& Goodwick RFC passed the 100 point mark against bottom club
Pembroke Dock Harlequins on the day they also lifted the SSE SWALEC
Division 3 West B trophy. Their league win was sealed in a rampant
108-16 victory.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OjBXH2cCtFKV4tvXghkTPQ6_J-d9Ris4ITgIX_XINnruO6DWcXZsAbQmS5rvjEPKMR2TJRuZYm6TP56fIGl2pD5CrSbjo3pUxXa9znYjWr4rYnHxwoDCA5Wa7IHzdimLKlqn4HwPsKk/s1600/CDF_180415_Fishguard_v_Pembroke_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OjBXH2cCtFKV4tvXghkTPQ6_J-d9Ris4ITgIX_XINnruO6DWcXZsAbQmS5rvjEPKMR2TJRuZYm6TP56fIGl2pD5CrSbjo3pUxXa9znYjWr4rYnHxwoDCA5Wa7IHzdimLKlqn4HwPsKk/s1600/CDF_180415_Fishguard_v_Pembroke_07.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
WRU Chairman Gareth Davies said:
“Congratulations to the five teams on a fantastic achievement. They have
all consistently played good quality rugby throughout the season,
losing very few games and definitely deserved to win. I wish them well
in their new division next season.” <br />
<br />
SSE SWALEC is the
national community partner of the Welsh Rugby Union and sponsors both
the SSE SWALEC Leagues and SSE SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions.<br />
<br />
Colin Banks, Acting Head of Sponsorship at SSE SWALEC, added:
“Our strong partnership with the WRU and its clubs goes back a number of
years and we’re very pleased to be doing more for grassroots rugby in
Wales through our sponsorship of the SSE SWALEC Leagues. It has been
another strong season for Welsh rugby as a whole and we have seen some
impressive performances at club level. Many congratulations to the new
champions on claiming their respective titles.” Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-62163855232820078152015-04-23T20:16:00.002+02:002015-04-23T20:20:44.139+02:00Ystrad clinch Silver Ball final spot <div class="rmMessages ClearBoth" id="ReadMessageScrollableSection" tabindex="-1">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Maesteg 13 Ystrad Rhondda 25</b><span style="color: black;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>(at the Talbot Athletic Ground, Aberavon)</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">
<div>
In an oustanding match that saw 80 minutes of first-class
action. Ystrad Rhondda survived second-half pressure by Maesteg to go
into the Silver Ball final against Penallta that will be played at
Aberavon on Saturday, May 23 (2.30pm).<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Both clubs must be applauded for the way they played and though
Ystrad Rhondda scored 4-1 on tries, the gulf was certainly not that
wide.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Powerful right wing Gerwyn Davies was the Ystrad danger-man, but
the experience of David Gratton at full back made him clearly the man
of the match.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Maesteg also had their runners with Lawrence Howley spraying out
the passes and Sam Griffiths running splendidly, first at centre, then
at wing, while both scrum halves - Jay Harris and Kieron John - were
lively.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Up front Maesteg's young Cameron O'Sullivan is certainly a find,
while Scott Hicks started at No 8 and then switched to centre
effectively and veteran replacements Rob Hill and Karl Hocking stood
out.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Ystrad also had a good, mobile pack with Nathan Hughes and Matthew Llewellyn excelling.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
A wonderful try in the seventh minute saw Davies score
and though Rhys Truelove missed the conversion and a penalty he did
convert Matthew Llewellyn's try for a 12-0 lead.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The wily Gratton scored the third try
after only 27 minutes but Maesteg clawed their way back and full back
Ed Howley struck two fine penalties before the interval when Ystrad
Rhondda led 17-6.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
A Truelove penalty opened the second half and amazingly it was an hour before Maesteg scored a try after several near misses.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The experienced Hocking made a run
and his wonderful pass opened the way for lock Mark Hillier-Rees to
streak away and Ed Howley converted.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
It looked as if Maesteg must pull
level but win Davies collected on halfway and raced away to
just make the corner for the try that settled the Ystrad Rhondda
victory.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Scorers.</div>
<div>
Ystrad Rhondda - Tries: G Davies 2, M Llewellyn, D Gratton. Con: R Truelove. Pen: R Truelove.</div>
<div>
Maesteg - Try: M Hillier-Rees. Con: E Howley. Pens: E Howley 2.</div>
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="c-ReadMessagePart ReadMsgContainer HasLayout ClearBoth HideShadows FullPart NoHistory Read RmIc" data-link="class{:~tag.getHeaderCssClass(IsConversationPart, IsRead, IsDraft, IsTrustedSender, Items.length)}" id="readMessagePartControl395f">
<div class="c-ReadMessagePartBody" data-link="class{getClass:IsBodyExpanded}">
<div class="readMsgBody">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="v-InboxFooterContainer">
</div>
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-8989379742718617262015-04-19T21:07:00.001+02:002015-04-19T21:07:34.171+02:00Rhiwbina's John Humphreys receives AWS Award<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n8oWwGNzwFESDbEchNWU0YVdHHh3ozZu3Fil25FKMmHigRxVMoJkI68WqCCbrWbntPuBPebwHiVcV5OsoJX7LHUlPAPWM-OaAbp3x2jUiHdPRggJuh1Qsvrdoe9icVprDzvxZYwyuAs/s1600/Scoop+gets+award+from+Laura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n8oWwGNzwFESDbEchNWU0YVdHHh3ozZu3Fil25FKMmHigRxVMoJkI68WqCCbrWbntPuBPebwHiVcV5OsoJX7LHUlPAPWM-OaAbp3x2jUiHdPRggJuh1Qsvrdoe9icVprDzvxZYwyuAs/s1600/Scoop+gets+award+from+Laura.jpg" height="314" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fidopics.co.uk/" target="_blank">Photo courtesy of Fido Pics </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I recently had the pleasure of presenting Rhiwbina's John Humphreys with the All Wales Sport Special Recognition Award, congratulations John! Next stop on the awards tour is Ystradgynlais this Saturday April 25.</div>
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-9794306719105725302015-04-19T20:50:00.001+02:002015-04-19T20:50:55.294+02:00Football brings Cardiff communities together<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.82666778564453px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Forget the Six Nations and the FA Cup final, the sporting event of the season is the Cardiff Cohesion Community Cup (CCCC’15), to be held at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on April 30 2015. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgss4qJE6Z6fqqvT3U-q-GENDLXfrGG3_T4m0ueLmXt140v9di_b0Z1hyphenhyphen8aQBWK0C-GMnTOizNoctlgWUrv4H-ul7w9emBmH9ikMA0xE_xR_fayA9p-TbygRA8G6asuX455nI7Wwx_d0jM/s1600/Players+from+the+Yemeni+team+celebrate+their+win.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgss4qJE6Z6fqqvT3U-q-GENDLXfrGG3_T4m0ueLmXt140v9di_b0Z1hyphenhyphen8aQBWK0C-GMnTOizNoctlgWUrv4H-ul7w9emBmH9ikMA0xE_xR_fayA9p-TbygRA8G6asuX455nI7Wwx_d0jM/s1600/Players+from+the+Yemeni+team+celebrate+their+win.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yemeni players celebrate their victory </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.82666778564453px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The community initiative, created by local community organisation, the Horn Development Association (HDA) and supported by South Wales Police, has brought together six Cardiff-based black and minority ethnic (BME) communities to battle it out in a series of football matches for the opportunity to play against a team of local community police officers and ex professional footballers.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">The objective of the CCCC’15 tournament is to encourage stronger relationships and build closer communities amongst key ethnic minority groups across the city. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">Gareth Evans, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Deputy to the Local Policing Inspector,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">South Wales Police said: “A sporting occasion such as this provides a great opportunity for us to interact with local BME communities and forge good relations with them. Furthermore it also serves to enhance the wider community cohesion by bringing together a number of differing nationalities who will compete on friendly terms on the field of play.”</span><i style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJPi5Zi7BPUTWtRCfe2ye46Y8cxbt1AJ1dFLM3nkThpS5b6oCBtXxQkLQPLOlq_NVlOdD-jux-TFXnm2T3OeSSV0ayWYNS4i3kZjpZA_M1y3dSFu6twZA4O7K35v4kdcZQpnZH4lY5Rs/s1600/The+Yemeni+community+team+crowned+winners+of+the+Cardiff+Community+Cohesion+Cup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJPi5Zi7BPUTWtRCfe2ye46Y8cxbt1AJ1dFLM3nkThpS5b6oCBtXxQkLQPLOlq_NVlOdD-jux-TFXnm2T3OeSSV0ayWYNS4i3kZjpZA_M1y3dSFu6twZA4O7K35v4kdcZQpnZH4lY5Rs/s1600/The+Yemeni+community+team+crowned+winners+of+the+Cardiff+Community+Cohesion+Cup.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">A number of local businesses and charities, including Brace’s Bread and Sported are working with the HDA and South Wales Police in supporting CCCC’15, with the goal of showing cultural clashes the red card. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">Scott Richardson, Brace’s Bread, said; “Brace’s Bread prides itself on working in the heart of the community, therefore this project is a match made in heaven. The Semi Finals were very exciting and we are anticipating that the final match on the 30<sup style="line-height: 17.355554580688477px;">th</sup> of April will be even more so. Each team has put their all into the tournament and we want the people of Cardiff to come along on the day and show their support.”</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">Richard Thomas, Wales Manager at Sport for Development charity, Sported, said: “What’s so fantastic about the Cardiff Community Cohesion Cup is that it celebrates the city’s diversity. Few things can break down social and cultural barriers as well as sport, so the fact that this competition will bring together young people of different nationalities is going to be brilliant to see. It’s a great initiative and one that Sported is proud to support.”</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">Teams from the Yemeni and Kurdish community competed in the Cohesion Cup finals on April 14 with Yemeni taking the title with a 6-1 win. They will now play in the super cup at the Millennium Stadium against a team of ex-professional footballers which include Lee Trundle, Derek Brazil, Lee Jarman, Damon Searle and Roger Gibbins</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">and key members of the South Wales Police.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">Mohamed Molibany of HDA, said: “As part of HDA’s everyday role, we offer support and create opportunities for people from BME groups across Cardiff to better their lives - this event is just one of these ways and the sense of community spirit amongst the players has been tremendous.”</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">To find out more about CCCC’15 and how to get free tickets to the final at the Millennium Stadium, like Cardiff Community Cohesion Cup on Facebook: </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/cardiffcommunitycohesioncup" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">www.facebook.com/cardiffcommunitycohesioncup</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">And if you are a local business interested in helping fund the event, visit </span><a href="http://www.spacehive.com/cardiffcommunitycohesioncup" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">www.spacehive.com/cardiffcommunitycohesioncup</span></a></div>
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-54394595949303754342015-04-19T20:42:00.000+02:002015-04-19T20:42:33.852+02:00Glynneath capture Worthington Neath and District (H G Lewis) Cup<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><b>WORTHINGTON NEATH AND DISTRICT CUP FINAL</b></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><b> </b></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><b>GLYNNEATH 53 BRITON FERRY 16</b></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><b>Report by Howard Evans</b></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"> </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">An outstanding game of rugby saw Glynneath pull clear in the final quarter to capture the Worthington Neath and District (H G Lewis) Cup for the fourth year in succession.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_EWUlzifMNJzlN8Eh_6nRO81WcotiqaDqIpU2BvdbaHqhYxt-oAboq8Xkl-muGTBfys98bQV5yS6oIbwlZRdpy0SVSnLxltCbzuTWOOGdGT9_KUKcVfz_FdfkyasFPA2o6OJumP2K3U/s1600/170415_DG_Briton_Ferry_v_Glynneath_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_EWUlzifMNJzlN8Eh_6nRO81WcotiqaDqIpU2BvdbaHqhYxt-oAboq8Xkl-muGTBfys98bQV5yS6oIbwlZRdpy0SVSnLxltCbzuTWOOGdGT9_KUKcVfz_FdfkyasFPA2o6OJumP2K3U/s1600/170415_DG_Briton_Ferry_v_Glynneath_08.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glynneath celebrate Cup success </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">It not only produced thrilling running and tackling by both Glynneath and their game opponents Briton Ferry, but saw two Glynneath players stand out as future stars.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">Scrum half Shaun Tennant scored 28 points and 20-years-old centre Lewis Cox ran in two outstanding tries, while Ferry’s Jonathan Davies, playing on his home pitch, scored all his side’s 16 points.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">Cox, a flanker, but playing in the centre, looks to have the makings of a splendid player and was given the Man of the Match award. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">He said: “I have only just returned to rugby after having being in the Ospreys under-16s but then giving the game up. I really am a forward but I enjoyed myself in the backs today.”</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AVr6z2RffvXKquzDfSLcxoR1RS6B9cwPHbwyjxicSpN-Ts8GpGKdi8zLI7c8Xj-sc6tcMU00zad-MzDqP60GCjX4wrKgFr9YpxwPk3lDu_fZFZUTU9mO5MEHScx0Hm5dKsbx4ET_aYU/s1600/170415_DG_Briton_Ferry_v_Glynneath_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AVr6z2RffvXKquzDfSLcxoR1RS6B9cwPHbwyjxicSpN-Ts8GpGKdi8zLI7c8Xj-sc6tcMU00zad-MzDqP60GCjX4wrKgFr9YpxwPk3lDu_fZFZUTU9mO5MEHScx0Hm5dKsbx4ET_aYU/s1600/170415_DG_Briton_Ferry_v_Glynneath_06.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.933332443237305px; text-align: start;">Man of the Match Lewis Cox in action</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">The game was full of strong running, rucking and tackling with referee Harvey Smith (Neath) splendid in the way he held control, while Briton Ferry never gave in, despite suffering several injuries, though the power of the Glynneath pack finally told.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">Tennant showed his fine kicking prowess as early as the second minute with a huge penalty, but Davies levelled before a mighty Glynneath drive saw fly half Matthew Llewellyn score and Tennant convert.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">Back came Ferry as Davies intercepted and ran in for a try that he goaled and then added a penalty as the home side led 13-10.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">Before the interval, Tennant kicked a penalty and converted an outstanding solo try by Cox for a 20-13 lead.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">Despite Glynneath winning the second half by 33-3, it was not totally one-sided with lock Bobby Jones and No 8 Matthew C.Davies in fine form for the winners and No 8 Chris Burgess and prop Adam Robinson standing out for Ferry.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">Tries followed by Davies, Tennant , lively centre Dylan Parks, Tennant again and Cox, with the latter having another disallowed. Tennant converted four with Jonathan Davies placing a penalty for Briton Ferry.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">Tina Tew, escorted by Wales District officials, presented the cup to the hard-working Glynneath captain, flanker Matthew Davies (not the try-scorer), who had just failed to get on the scoreboard himself.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">This is the first of several competitions sponsored by Worthington in South Wales and the West of England.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">Scorers.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">Glynneath – Tries: S Tennant 2, L Cox 2, M C Davies, D Parks, M Llewellyn. Cons: S Tennant 6. Pens: S Tennant 2. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">Briton Ferry – Try: J Davies. Con: J Davies. Pens: J Davies 3.</span></div>
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-45096624869012339582015-04-19T20:35:00.002+02:002015-04-19T20:35:59.895+02:00WORTHINGTON RUGBY UNION -EAST DISTRICT CUP FINAL <div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><b>The Worthington East District rugby final will be played between Dinas Powys and St Peter’s at the Glamorgan Wanderers ground on Wednesday, May 6.</b></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">Dinas Powys gained a hard-earned 18-6 win over Pontyclun in one semi-final as Nathan Williams (2) and James Wiltshire scored tries and Gavin Cooper kicked a penalty against two early penalties from Pontyclun. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">St Peter’s ran clear against Barry in nthe other semi-final though Danny Ryan touched down for Barry and Einan Scott kicked three penalty goals.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;">The ‘Rocks’, coached by former Wales back Mark Ring and skippered by former Cardiff lock Kris Barry, will now come up against Dinas Powys coach John Dunleavy, who is a former St Peter’s player.</span></div>
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-38772730427810378482015-04-14T09:44:00.003+02:002015-04-14T09:53:57.304+02:00Gowerton clinch Two West title <div align="center" class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt 35.45pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #84bc27; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt; line-height: 115%; text-transform: uppercase;">GOWERTON RFC WINS SWALEC DIVISION 2 TITLE TO SECURE PROMOTION</span></b></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Gowerton RFC has lifted the SSE SWALEC Division<b> </b>2 West trophy at home, celebrating its place at the top of the league.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Gowerton league win was sealed on Saturday 11 April in a 9-7 victory
against Penlan RFC, sealing the club’s third promotion in three years.
The team has risen through the ranks of the SWALEC League from Division 5
after another successful season. The match was hard fought with
Gowerton notching up three penalties against a penalty try to Penlan who
missed two further penalties. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The
club has now carried off the title with 93 points to date, making them
unreachable by Llanelli Wanderers who remain second in the table.
Gowerton has won all but one of their league games played this season so
far. With two matches remaining, they are currently unbeaten at home
for three years. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Gowerton
Club Captain, Tom Gronow, aged 34, said: “A lot of hard work has gone
in to making this season a success. The boys and the club have done
themselves proud. We were in the bottom league for years and now we’re
doing so well, I’m very proud of the boys and everyone behind the
scenes. The support from the village has been fantastic. Lots of former
players and people in the community turned up to watch us – including my
father John who was captain back in 1972 so he was really happy for us
too. We’re looking forward to the future. We take every match as it
comes and our quietly confident that we’ll do okay but we do our talking
on the field.”</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">But
it hasn’t been all plain sailing for the club, who were forced to
replace outside half Robert John after he damaged his anterior cruciate
ligament halfway through the season. Luckily, the team were able to
replace him with two younger players who stepped up from the youth side
and helped bring the side to victory. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Gowerton
Club Secretary Richard Jenkins said: “We have three sets of brothers
all playing for us including Craig and Rhys Thomas, Ben and Jonny Rees
and twins Robert and Gareth John - so we’re definitely a close-knit
club. The majority of the current team have progressed from the youth
division which goes to show that the club structure is working for us.”</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The
club’s success has been attributed to its strong youth section which is
made of up 200 players including an U7s side. The U15s and U16s will
both compete in the Ospreys Cup Final later this month. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqI4nN_3rrV-i0AaUzfTizXh4x2LG9sAO6J9D0QazFgmLK3U90NJB_VQ7y2MKEePtKcCGakq5_Z0n7gRS9CiilJ2-fL5b68-rfYV-f-wKmY7f2qX2T3kbLaEbzayv4BdwM3ebaeaGatJA/s1600/Gowerton+-+SSE+SWALEC+Division+2+West+trophy+winners+(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqI4nN_3rrV-i0AaUzfTizXh4x2LG9sAO6J9D0QazFgmLK3U90NJB_VQ7y2MKEePtKcCGakq5_Z0n7gRS9CiilJ2-fL5b68-rfYV-f-wKmY7f2qX2T3kbLaEbzayv4BdwM3ebaeaGatJA/s1600/Gowerton+-+SSE+SWALEC+Division+2+West+trophy+winners+(9).jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKW8xZiMffu_m4y8gh_9RZLOYwoBH8ZrKG6-eo_kZqUgc0EcYxlVrNJjODgakkOUdI2WpZJdiNLgZ45r-eh9vlDdESbyvM4DTkK6qkL-HE_pN_wTaKOZYZYUx0VW0k4nvakpKqL6K0UM/s1600/Gowerton+-+SSE+SWALEC+Division+2+West+trophy+winners+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKW8xZiMffu_m4y8gh_9RZLOYwoBH8ZrKG6-eo_kZqUgc0EcYxlVrNJjODgakkOUdI2WpZJdiNLgZ45r-eh9vlDdESbyvM4DTkK6qkL-HE_pN_wTaKOZYZYUx0VW0k4nvakpKqL6K0UM/s1600/Gowerton+-+SSE+SWALEC+Division+2+West+trophy+winners+(4).jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">WRU Board Member Brian Fowler, </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">who presented the SSE SWALEC Division<b> </b>2 West trophy, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">said:
“Gowerton has done fantastically well this season. They have a strong
youth side that has come through over the past two to three years and
it’s great to see the club being promoted yet again. A well-deserved
promotion which is the culmination of the efforts put in by all the
players this season.”</span><span style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">SSE
SWALEC is the national community partner of the Welsh Rugby Union and
sponsors both the SSE SWALEC Leagues and SSE SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl
competitions. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Colin
Banks, Acting Head of Sponsorship at SSE SWALEC, added: “Our strong
partnership with the WRU and its clubs goes back a number of years and
we’re very pleased to be doing more for grassroots rugby in Wales
through our sponsorship of the SSE SWALEC Leagues. It has been another
strong season for Welsh rugby as a whole and we have seen some
impressive performances at club level. Many congratulations to Gowerton
on claiming the title.”</span></div>
<b><span style="color: #84bc27; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 0.3pt; line-height: 115%; text-transform: uppercase;"></span></b>Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-15022977363162358142015-04-08T12:45:00.000+02:002015-04-08T12:45:01.265+02:00Swansea Beach Soccer festival 2015 is alive and kicking<span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Calling Swansea Beach Soccer Festival teams old and new!Calling all local Community Groups and Charities!</strong><br />
<br />Registration is now open for the May 17th event, if you wish to register your team or community group.<br />
Get involved in any - or many shapes or forms, at this not-for-profit community Festival on Swansea Beach, Sunday May 17th - or in the pre-festival Race Night in Swansea Yacht and Sub-Aqua Club on Friday May 1st.<br />
<br />
ARE YOU ...OR DO YOU KNOW A COMMUNITY SPIRITED:<br />
<br />* SOCCER TEAM - OF ANY ABILITY!?<br />
<br />
* WALKING FOOTBALL TEAM - OF ADULTS & OVER 13'S?<br />
<br />
* A LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUP OR CHARITY?<br />
<br />
* A CHOIR OR BAND?<br />
<br />
* A SINGER/DANCER/CIRCUS ACT/DANCE TROUPE/CARNIVAL PERFORMER?<br />
<br />
* BEACH AND/OR OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP?<br />
<br />
* LOVER OF SWANSEA BEACH AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES?<br />
<br />
* A POTENTIAL OR EXISTING SPONSOR OR VOLUNTEER?<br />
<br />
......or any number of the above?!?..........<br />
<br />
THEN PLEASE LET THE SWANSEA BEACH SOCCER FESTIVAL ORGANISERS KNOW ABOUT YOU:<br />
<br />
- on 07941981426<br />
<br />
- email <a href="mailto:sbsf2015@outlook.com"><span lang="EN-GB">sbsf2015@outlook.com</span></a><span lang="EN-GB"><</span><a href="mailto:sbsf2015@outlook.com"><span lang="EN-GB">mailto:sbsf2015@outlook.com</span></a><span lang="EN-GB">><br />
<br />
</span><a href="http://www.swanseabeachsoccerfestival.uk/"><span lang="EN-GB">www.swanseabeachsoccerfestival.uk</span></a><span lang="EN-GB"><</span><a href="http://www.swanseabeachsoccerfestival.uk/"><span lang="EN-GB">http://www.swanseabeachsoccerfestival.uk/</span></a><span lang="EN-GB">><br />
<br />
EVENTBRITE PAGES:<br />
<br />
</span><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/swansea-beach-soccer-festival-2015-sunday-may-17-tickets-16192539321"><span lang="EN-GB">https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/swansea-beach-soccer-festival-2015-sunday-may-17-tickets-16192539321</span></a><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
AND<br />
</span><a href="http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fundraising-racenight-friday-may-1st-15-for-sbsf-2015-tickets-16194094974?aff=es2"><span lang="EN-GB">http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fundraising-racenight-friday-may-1st-15-for-sbsf-2015-tickets-16194094974?aff=es2</span></a><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
<br />
<br />
</span></span>Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-53750328471208440072015-04-07T21:47:00.002+02:002015-04-07T21:47:57.971+02:00 Perfect podium prepares Pryce for Portugal <b><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">Welsh rally star Osian Pryce is ready to take on the world following a stunning podium finish at Rally North Wales – despite some of the worst and wettest conditions in the event’s history.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span></b><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">The 22-year-old Citroen DS 3 R3T driver was competing on the Welsh event in preparation for next month’s Rally of Portugal, where he begins his rookie year in WRC3.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">Despite running in conditions which played firmly into the hands of his four-wheel drive rivals, Pryce and co-driver Dale Furniss stunned their opposition in the mid-Wales forests last weekend. They were only beaten by more powerful, four-wheel drive machinery – and only missed out on second place by two seconds.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">In biblical terms, Pryce’s effort was similar to that of David when he met Goliath all those years ago.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">Pryce arrived at the start of the six-stage event on the back of a shortened test at Sweet Lamb last week. A transmission glitch halted the car after just a handful of runs around the stage.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">Pryce’s last rally outing came with a heroic effort on November’s Wales Rally GB, where he ran second in WRC2 for much of his debut in world’s rallying’s second tier. His last outing in the DS 3 was on the Isle of Man in September; his last time in the car on gravel was the Scottish Rally almost 10 months ago.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">Despite that lack of match practice in the DS 3, Pryce was on exceptional form in the horrendously wet and foggy conditions.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">His time through the opening test was spoiled when he was limited to just 40mph for the final two miles after a turbo pipe came loose.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">From then on, Pryce was flying, setting second fastest time through the Big Ray stage and third quickest in Dyfi Main which followed. The multiple British Rally Championship event winner was just seven seconds slower than the fastest four-wheel drive car in SS2 and an incredible five down in SS3.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">Pryce spent the day working with Autosport Technology – the team running the DS 3 this season – to fine-tune settings for his next event, the Rally of Portugal.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">Much as he wanted to win, the best gaugue of Pryce’s true pace was against the next best DS 3 R3T… he won that battle by three minutes.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">The Rally of Portugal represents the next big step in Osian’s career as he steps up from domestic competition to take on the world in the WRC3 series.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><strong style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;">Osian said:</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> “There were some quality four-wheel drive cars on the entry list, so winning Rally North Wales was pretty much impossible. Looking at the onboard from stage one, we dropped 25 seconds when the pipe came off, so that cost us second place. Much as it would have been nice to win, the priority was to get back into the groove driving the DS 3 R3T. We drove a Ford Fiesta R5 on Rally GB and that’s quite a different car to the Citroen.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">“Even though we didn’t have much time in the car at the pre-event test, it was enough for me to feel comfortable with it. And, as soon as the event itself started, it was like we’d never been away. The car ran perfectly throughout the rally and Dale and I were really happy with the way everything went. Except for the weather, which was unbelievable. The wipers couldn’t clear the screen quick enough, it just didn’t stop all day.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">“I was really happy with the times through the Dyfi stage, given the amount of water around the place. We were within five seconds of fastest – and we’d have given at least two of those away on the startline. Once we were up and running in Dyfi, we were flat out everywhere.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">“The DS 3 has undergone a significant evolution since we were last in it on the Isle of Man and it was great to have this chance to find out what the car can do with the improvements to the engine.</span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br style="color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: tahoma, verdana, segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">“It’s now a case of counting the days until Portugal…”</span>Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-37886378036863763862015-04-07T21:42:00.001+02:002015-04-07T21:42:17.372+02:00 MONMOUTHSHIRE AT LLANVAPLEY by Brian Lee<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Merthyr Mawr's Jonathan Tudor was able to boast that he rode several hat-tricks as a rider. And now, after last Saturday's Monmouthshire Hunt Point-To-Point Steeplechases at Llanvapley, he can boast that he has had a hat-trick as a trainer. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The first leg of Jonathan's treble was initiated when Repeat Business, the odds-on favourite, landed the men's open race by ten lengths from Knockgraffon King. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Owner Jeff Bird was holidaying in Cyprus so Jonathan gave him a running commentary of the final circuit on his mobile phone. Good job he didn't give him a full commentary as winning rider James Tudor, Jonathan's cousin said: "He missed every fence apart from the last two and those he flew.'' Hector Worsley rode Jonathan's next winner Always A Chance which proved too speedy for Driftwood Haze in the restricted race. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">However, Tudor was back in the saddle on Banned In Bhutan for the second division of the split open maiden race. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">An early faller in its previous race, this syndicate horse bought from National Hunt jockey Paul Moloney, won by six lengths from the pacemaking Earth Tremor who was finishing in the runner-up's spot for the fourth time on the trot. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The biggest cheers of the day were for Beth Roberts's 14-year-old Chesnut Annie who, partnered by Carmarthen's Emma Mosley, won the ladies' open race. Chesnut Annie, a 7-1 chance, who tried to break away from the field was overtaken by the odds-on favourite Lauberhorn and Fine Resolve in the closing stages.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">But by the time the last fence was reached, she had got back in the race and was about half-a-length behind the fast finishing odds-on favourite Lauberhorn who came down leaving Chesnut Annie to score by a length from Fine Resolve. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Chesnut Annie, who was winning over the course for the sixth time, has now won 37 point-to-points and two hunter chases. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Fine Resolve's rider Rachel Leyshon took the first division of the maiden on Simon Jones's Stainless Steel . </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Simon, who hails from Maesteg, runs a pet cemetery in the area. Matthew Barber, riding his father Gary's Kimora, the 5-1 outsider of four, took the opening intermediate race. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">A nine-year-old bay mare by Bach, Kimora is trained by Matthew's older brother Marc.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Ben Hicks, aged 20, will always remember his first ride in Wales as he chalked-up his first winner in just four rides when landing the young horse open maiden race on Triple Brandy which got home by half-a-length from the pacemaking Sahara Haze. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Ben rides out for Warren Greatrix at Lambourn and on this showing more wins will certainly be coming his way. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Leaving lovely Llanvapley , I wasn't wondering whether Chesnut Annie will go on to record her 40th victory before the season comes to an end. No, I was wondering who could it have been who had left a plate of sandwiches in one of the two portable toilets situated near the sponsors' tent! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Jonathan Tudor, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday, rode his first winner on his 18th birthday </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">on his own horse Bright Hope at the South Pembrokeshire meeting in 1983. Jonathan, who played hooker for Cowbridge Seconds rugby team, chalked up more than 70 winners between-the flags the last of them being Ollardale at the Golden Valley in 1999. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The highlight of his race riding career was winning the Times </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Hunter Chase at Towcester on his St Helen's Boy in 1998. Another highlight was when he set a personal </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">season's best of ten wins which won him the Bill Jones Memorial Trophy for the leading rider in South </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Wales. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">He was still on crutches the result of a race riding accident when he received the trophy from </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">former Welsh point-to-point rider and dual winning Grand National rider Carl Llewellyn. </span>Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-39999463275585060782015-04-07T21:34:00.000+02:002015-04-07T21:34:21.479+02:00Pocket Rocket gets Wales Call up<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;"><b>Ffion Tynan will become the youngest ever female golfer to pick to play for Wales, when the 12-year old travels to Scotland to take part in the Scottish u16 Girls Championships.</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPn8i5fdQ7xUokCUMMSXlaRCsbpC9Fdi0I58kFL5jKG8onf0ojT_L41h0WEyD03Oo-48sEwccZChaks0jg6IRZRyK65HNFGYQs_vegtoEEpd3v0OR6oPY1oIbjOGAQpS0bbajTsnPTraU/s1600/IMG_7358-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPn8i5fdQ7xUokCUMMSXlaRCsbpC9Fdi0I58kFL5jKG8onf0ojT_L41h0WEyD03Oo-48sEwccZChaks0jg6IRZRyK65HNFGYQs_vegtoEEpd3v0OR6oPY1oIbjOGAQpS0bbajTsnPTraU/s1600/IMG_7358-2.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Tynan</span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;"> will join a six strong team to travel to Strathmore Golf Club April 8-10 to take part in a 36 hole competition which will feature a field of 102 talented golfers from all over Europe. </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">The YPANT School student who plays off a handicap of 8 is no stranger to Scotland and has enjoyed some of biggest successes since taking up the game just four years ago. In 2013 she won the US Kids Girls u10 European Championships, and last year she took the </span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 19.8799991607666px;">Murray Donald & Caithness NETT Cup</span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;"> </span>at the Scottish Under 16 Championships.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">In her short Golfing career the Pocket Rocket has won more than 45 Trophies and has been fortunate to play Golf all of the World, but she is really excited to play for Wales.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">“I’m really excited and proud to be picked to play for Wales for the first time and really looking forward to be travelling with the Team to Scotland and hopefully we will all do well,” said Ffion Tynan.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Wales</span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;"> Team </span></span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Lucy Jones Wrexham GC </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Rhian Barton Clays G C</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Erin</span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;"> Toft Northop G C</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Ffion Evans Newport Links GC</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Carys</span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;"> Parker The Kendleshire</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Ffion Tynan Minchinhampton GC</span></span></div>
</div>
Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352866459772972139.post-56309921858436952282015-03-10T21:46:00.001+01:002015-03-10T21:46:34.198+01:00Point-to-Point season kicks off<b>The South Wales and Monmouthshire point-to-point season got underway
last Saturday with the Brecon & Talybont fixture at sunny
Llanfrynach and one person who was there to welcome it in was Joanna
Morgan-probably the most famous horsewoman in the world.</b><br />
<br />
Morgan, who
used to ride in Welsh point-to-points before leaving her native Wales in
1974 to work for Irish trainer Seamus Mc Grath, has ridden and
trained winners all over the world and was the first of her sex to ride
at Royal Ascot where she saddled Roca Tumu to win the 2013 Brittannia
Handicap.<br />
<br />
Welsh champion rider John Mathias bagged a
hat-trick with Champagne Benefit (members), Rosies Peacock (men's open)
and Desertmore View (restricted).<br />
<br />
Champagne Benefit, who is by
Beneficial, made it three wins in a row when finishing alone after sole
rival Kerry Mganga had been pulled-up, the prolific Rosies Peacock held
on by a length to beat Tiger Rag, partnered by Richard Patrick, and
Rachel Hooton's Desertmore View, who made all to clock the day's fastest
time, had 12 lengths to spare over the favourite Minellacelebration.<br />
<br />
Desertmore View, who is trained by Marc Barber, could be aimed at the Dunraven Bowl Novices' Hunter Chase at Chepstow on April 24.<br />
<br />
Bridgend
builder Roger Willcox had plenty to smile about. Patricktom Boru,
which he owns in partnership with his friend Bill Corrigan, won the
confined under Evan David and his Lauberhorn, a five times winner last
season, took the ladies' open with regular pilot Anna Metekohy in the
saddle.<br />
<br />
<br />
Patricktom Boru, given a good ride by his rider,
won by two lengths from Medicinal Compound after the odds-on Harpsy
Cord (John Mathias) the early leader had taken a dislike to the open
ditch on both circuits. A mistake three from home by Chesnut Annie
didn't help her chances in the ladies' open race.<br />
<br />
And at one time, when
leading four fences from the finish, it looked like Highly Unlikely
would go on to win. But by the time the last fence was reached
Lauberhorn was back in the lead and went on to score by five lengths.<br />
<br />
<br />
Chesnut Annie's owner/trainer Beth Roberts had some consolation when
taking the first division of the open maiden with her seven-year-old bay
mare Kims Quest who, ridden by Darragh Skelly, won by ten lengths from
the favourite Milaneen.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ogmore's Nick Williams landed the
second division on Chris Williams's Fire Sale who came home four
lengths in front of Tunnel Vision. Fire Sale is trained by former rider
Dean Coleman at Amroth in Pembrokeshire.<br />
<br />
<b>Winners </b><br />
Members – Champagne Benefit – John Mathias <br />
Confined – Patricktorn Boru – Evan David <br />
Men’s Open – Rosie’s Peacock – John Mathias <br />
Ladies’ Open – Lauberhorn – Anna Metekohy <br />
Restricted – Desertmore View – John Mathias <br />
Maiden 1st Division – Kim’s Quest – Darragh Skelly <br />
Maiden 2nd Division – Fire Sale – Nick Williams <br />
<br />
Contact Brian Lee Tel:02920736438 Laura Murtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580349163041672401noreply@blogger.com0