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| Photo courtesy of Fido Pics |
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.
Sunday, 19 April 2015
Football brings Cardiff communities together
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.
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| Yemeni players celebrate their victory |
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.
The objective of the CCCC’15 tournament is to encourage stronger relationships and build closer communities amongst key ethnic minority groups across the city.
Gareth Evans, Deputy to the Local Policing Inspector, 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.”
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.
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 30th 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.”
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.”
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 and key members of the South Wales Police.
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.”
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: www.facebook.com/cardiffcommunitycohesioncup.
And if you are a local business interested in helping fund the event, visit www.spacehive.com/cardiffcommunitycohesioncup
Glynneath capture Worthington Neath and District (H G Lewis) Cup
WORTHINGTON NEATH AND DISTRICT CUP FINAL
GLYNNEATH 53 BRITON FERRY 16
Report by Howard Evans
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.
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| Glynneath celebrate Cup success |
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.
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.
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.
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.”
 |
| Man of the Match Lewis Cox in action |
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.
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.
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.
Before the interval, Tennant kicked a penalty and converted an outstanding solo try by Cox for a 20-13 lead.
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.
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.
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.
This is the first of several competitions sponsored by Worthington in South Wales and the West of England.
Scorers.
Glynneath – Tries: S Tennant 2, L Cox 2, M C Davies, D Parks, M Llewellyn. Cons: S Tennant 6. Pens: S Tennant 2.
Briton Ferry – Try: J Davies. Con: J Davies. Pens: J Davies 3.
WORTHINGTON RUGBY UNION -EAST DISTRICT CUP FINAL
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, 14 April 2015
Gowerton clinch Two West title
GOWERTON RFC WINS SWALEC DIVISION 2 TITLE TO SECURE PROMOTION
Gowerton RFC has lifted the SSE SWALEC Division 2 West trophy at home, celebrating its place at the top of the league.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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WRU Board Member Brian Fowler, who presented the SSE SWALEC Division 2 West trophy, 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.”
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.
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.”
Wednesday, 8 April 2015
Swansea Beach Soccer festival 2015 is alive and kicking
Calling Swansea Beach Soccer Festival teams old and new!Calling all local Community Groups and Charities!
Registration is now open for the May 17th event, if you wish to register your team or community group.
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.
ARE YOU ...OR DO YOU KNOW A COMMUNITY SPIRITED:
* SOCCER TEAM - OF ANY ABILITY!?
* WALKING FOOTBALL TEAM - OF ADULTS & OVER 13'S?
* A LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUP OR CHARITY?
* A CHOIR OR BAND?
* A SINGER/DANCER/CIRCUS ACT/DANCE TROUPE/CARNIVAL PERFORMER?
* BEACH AND/OR OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP?
* LOVER OF SWANSEA BEACH AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES?
* A POTENTIAL OR EXISTING SPONSOR OR VOLUNTEER?
......or any number of the above?!?..........
THEN PLEASE LET THE SWANSEA BEACH SOCCER FESTIVAL ORGANISERS KNOW ABOUT YOU:
- on 07941981426
- email sbsf2015@outlook.com<mailto:sbsf2015@outlook.com>
www.swanseabeachsoccerfestival.uk<http://www.swanseabeachsoccerfestival.uk/>
EVENTBRITE PAGES:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/swansea-beach-soccer-festival-2015-sunday-may-17-tickets-16192539321
AND
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fundraising-racenight-friday-may-1st-15-for-sbsf-2015-tickets-16194094974?aff=es2
Registration is now open for the May 17th event, if you wish to register your team or community group.
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.
ARE YOU ...OR DO YOU KNOW A COMMUNITY SPIRITED:
* SOCCER TEAM - OF ANY ABILITY!?
* WALKING FOOTBALL TEAM - OF ADULTS & OVER 13'S?
* A LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUP OR CHARITY?
* A CHOIR OR BAND?
* A SINGER/DANCER/CIRCUS ACT/DANCE TROUPE/CARNIVAL PERFORMER?
* BEACH AND/OR OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP?
* LOVER OF SWANSEA BEACH AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES?
* A POTENTIAL OR EXISTING SPONSOR OR VOLUNTEER?
......or any number of the above?!?..........
THEN PLEASE LET THE SWANSEA BEACH SOCCER FESTIVAL ORGANISERS KNOW ABOUT YOU:
- on 07941981426
- email sbsf2015@outlook.com<mailto:sbsf2015@outlook.com>
www.swanseabeachsoccerfestival.uk<http://www.swanseabeachsoccerfestival.uk/>
EVENTBRITE PAGES:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/swansea-beach-soccer-festival-2015-sunday-may-17-tickets-16192539321
AND
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fundraising-racenight-friday-may-1st-15-for-sbsf-2015-tickets-16194094974?aff=es2
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
Perfect podium prepares Pryce for Portugal
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.
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.
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.
In biblical terms, Pryce’s effort was similar to that of David when he met Goliath all those years ago.
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.
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.
Despite that lack of match practice in the DS 3, Pryce was on exceptional form in the horrendously wet and foggy conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Osian said: “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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“It’s now a case of counting the days until Portugal…”
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.
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.
In biblical terms, Pryce’s effort was similar to that of David when he met Goliath all those years ago.
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.
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.
Despite that lack of match practice in the DS 3, Pryce was on exceptional form in the horrendously wet and foggy conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Osian said: “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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“It’s now a case of counting the days until Portugal…”
MONMOUTHSHIRE AT LLANVAPLEY by Brian Lee
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.
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.
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.
However, Tudor was back in the saddle on Banned In Bhutan for the second division of the split open maiden race.
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.
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.
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.
Chesnut Annie, who was winning over the course for the sixth time, has now won 37 point-to-points and two hunter chases.
Fine Resolve's rider Rachel Leyshon took the first division of the maiden on Simon Jones's Stainless Steel .
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.
A nine-year-old bay mare by Bach, Kimora is trained by Matthew's older brother Marc.
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.
Ben rides out for Warren Greatrix at Lambourn and on this showing more wins will certainly be coming his way.
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!
Jonathan Tudor, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday, rode his first winner on his 18th birthday 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.
The highlight of his race riding career was winning the Times Hunter Chase at Towcester on his St Helen's Boy in 1998. Another highlight was when he set a personal season's best of ten wins which won him the Bill Jones Memorial Trophy for the leading rider in South Wales.
He was still on crutches the result of a race riding accident when he received the trophy from former Welsh point-to-point rider and dual winning Grand National rider Carl Llewellyn.
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.
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.
However, Tudor was back in the saddle on Banned In Bhutan for the second division of the split open maiden race.
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.
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.
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.
Chesnut Annie, who was winning over the course for the sixth time, has now won 37 point-to-points and two hunter chases.
Fine Resolve's rider Rachel Leyshon took the first division of the maiden on Simon Jones's Stainless Steel .
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.
A nine-year-old bay mare by Bach, Kimora is trained by Matthew's older brother Marc.
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.
Ben rides out for Warren Greatrix at Lambourn and on this showing more wins will certainly be coming his way.
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!
Jonathan Tudor, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday, rode his first winner on his 18th birthday 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.
The highlight of his race riding career was winning the Times Hunter Chase at Towcester on his St Helen's Boy in 1998. Another highlight was when he set a personal season's best of ten wins which won him the Bill Jones Memorial Trophy for the leading rider in South Wales.
He was still on crutches the result of a race riding accident when he received the trophy from former Welsh point-to-point rider and dual winning Grand National rider Carl Llewellyn.
Pocket Rocket gets Wales Call up
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.
Tynan 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.
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 Murray Donald & Caithness NETT Cup at the Scottish Under 16 Championships.
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.
“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.
Wales Team
Lucy Jones Wrexham GC
Rhian Barton Clays G C
Erin Toft Northop G C
Ffion Evans Newport Links GC
Carys Parker The Kendleshire
Ffion Tynan Minchinhampton GC
Tuesday, 10 March 2015
Point-to-Point season kicks off
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.
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.
Welsh champion rider John Mathias bagged a hat-trick with Champagne Benefit (members), Rosies Peacock (men's open) and Desertmore View (restricted).
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.
Desertmore View, who is trained by Marc Barber, could be aimed at the Dunraven Bowl Novices' Hunter Chase at Chepstow on April 24.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Winners
Members – Champagne Benefit – John Mathias
Confined – Patricktorn Boru – Evan David
Men’s Open – Rosie’s Peacock – John Mathias
Ladies’ Open – Lauberhorn – Anna Metekohy
Restricted – Desertmore View – John Mathias
Maiden 1st Division – Kim’s Quest – Darragh Skelly
Maiden 2nd Division – Fire Sale – Nick Williams
Contact Brian Lee Tel:02920736438
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.
Welsh champion rider John Mathias bagged a hat-trick with Champagne Benefit (members), Rosies Peacock (men's open) and Desertmore View (restricted).
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.
Desertmore View, who is trained by Marc Barber, could be aimed at the Dunraven Bowl Novices' Hunter Chase at Chepstow on April 24.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Winners
Members – Champagne Benefit – John Mathias
Confined – Patricktorn Boru – Evan David
Men’s Open – Rosie’s Peacock – John Mathias
Ladies’ Open – Lauberhorn – Anna Metekohy
Restricted – Desertmore View – John Mathias
Maiden 1st Division – Kim’s Quest – Darragh Skelly
Maiden 2nd Division – Fire Sale – Nick Williams
Contact Brian Lee Tel:02920736438
Rhiwbina coaches develop their own
Rhiwbina
RFC senior coaches Jared Lougher and Gareth Lintern recently delivered another
coach the coach masterclass with mini and junior team coaches and managers.
The Squirrels through the two senior coaches have put in place a coach development plan to support and develop all coaches at all age groups throughout the club to reach their potential.
The two senior coaches have followed on from their theory workshop on Long Term Athlete Development(LTAD) that was delivered in October, with a practical session which 17 coaches from across the club attended in February at Cadelyn Park.
This time the session was of a practical nature involving the Rhiwbina Under16's squad . The session reinforced the LTAD and physical literacy principles of development, where all coaches were given a live demonstration of coaching sessions suitable to all age groups.
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| Rhiwbina's Coaches at Masterclass event |
The Squirrels through the two senior coaches have put in place a coach development plan to support and develop all coaches at all age groups throughout the club to reach their potential.
The two senior coaches have followed on from their theory workshop on Long Term Athlete Development(LTAD) that was delivered in October, with a practical session which 17 coaches from across the club attended in February at Cadelyn Park.
This time the session was of a practical nature involving the Rhiwbina Under16's squad . The session reinforced the LTAD and physical literacy principles of development, where all coaches were given a live demonstration of coaching sessions suitable to all age groups.
These
masterclasses are part of the long term development plan of Rhiwbina RFC to
ensure that we have high and consistent levels of caching and player support,
ensuring players reach their potential, enjoy the game and develop through the
ranks to senior rugby.
Thursday, 5 March 2015
BRECON AND TALYBONT HUNT STEEPLECHASES
With the first of the two Curre & Llangibby
point-to-point fixtures abandoned last weekend, this Saturday will see the
start of the South Wales and Monmouthshire season with the Brecon &
Talybont fixture at picturesque Llanfrynach.
Racing gets under way at 1.p.m. with the members'
racewhich should go to Champagne
Benefit. Two prolificpoint-to-pointers expected to face the starter during the
afternoon are David Llewellyn's Rosies Peacock and Beth Roberts's Chesnut Annie.
Rosies Peacock has been entered for the men's open race
in which there are ten entries and the winning horse here will qualify for the
£7,500 Bonhams Mens Open Point-To-Point
Championship Final Hunter Chase to be held at Cheltenham on April 29th.
The grey Silver Story and Tiger Rag are two others to consider. The riders of the
first three past the post in the ladies' open race will score points for the
Aga Lady Riders Total Control Championship and this race could be a duel
between Chesnut Annie and Roger Willcox's
Lauberhorn a five times winner last season.
Get It On, a winner under Rules at Chepstow and Ffos Las
when trained by Evan Williams, is an interesting entry.
There are 15 entries for the confined and the best of
these appear to be Lauberhorn's stable companion Patricktom Boru, The Old
Pretender and Golan Way.
The maiden race has been divided and the ones to watch in division one are
Earth Tremor, Kim's Quest and North George while in division two Millys Delight, Ballet Marbless and
Castleorace look the pick.
WELSH
POINT-TO-POINT MEETINGS 2015
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Sun 22 February
Curre & Llangibby, HOWICK – Abandoned course
waterlogged
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Sun 26 April
Tivyside & Carmarthenshire, LYDSTEP
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Sat 7 March
Brecon & Talybont, LLANFRYNACH
Sir W.W. Wynn’s, BANGOR-ON-DEE
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Sat 2 May
Tredegar Farmers, LOWER MACHEN
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Sun 15 March
Curre & Llangibby, HOWICK
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Sun 3 May
Radnor & West Hereford, COLD HARBOUR
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Sun 22 March
North Ledbury, HEREFORD RACECOURSE*
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Mon 4 May
Banwen Miners, LLWYN FARM
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Sat 28 March
Glamorgan, YSTRADOWEN
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Sat 16 May
Gelligaer Farmers, LOWER MACHEN
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Sun 29 March
Flint & Denbigh, BANGOR-ON-DEE
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Sun 17 May
Golden Valley, BREDWARDINE, Hay-on-Wye* on the Borders
and worth going for the course and scenery alone.
|
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Sat 4 April
Monmouthshire, LLANVAPLEY
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Sun 24 May
West Wales Area Club, LYDSTEP
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Mon 6 April
South Pembrokeshire, LYDSTEP
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Sun 31 May
North Hereford, HEREFORD RACECOURSE*
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Sat 11 April
Ystrad Taf Fechan, YSTRADOWEN
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Sat 6 June
Pembrokeshire, TRECOED
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Sat 18 April
Llangeinor, DUNRAVEN STUD
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*outside Wales
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