Newport, Swansea and Cardiff supporters pull out their maps for the new season

Fans of Welsh football clubs in the English pyramid were rushing to their computers at 9am this morning as the fixtures for this season were released.

Newport and Cardiff diehards in particular would have been beaming to see a host of new names on the list after achieving respective promotions last season, while Swansea fanatics would have been anxious to discover who they could be playing so soon after potentially long mid-week trips in the Europa League.

Newport’s return to the Football League after an absence of a quarter of a century sees them given a home fixture first against Accrington Stanley as part of the Football League’s 125^th anniversary celebrations.

The League’s newest club (and newest ground) will host one of its founding members as part of the festivities, which gives Exiles fans the chance to welcome the club back in to the Football League with a vociferous backing.

Just three days later, they travel to Brighton in the Capital One Cup or League Cup first round, a competition many young fans won’t ever have seen them play in before. Parallels can be drawn between the two sides’ nomadic recent existence, and the County hierarchy may be dreaming of emulating Brighton’s climb up the divisions.

They then travel to Northampton and face Severnside rivals Bristol Rovers at home in what could be a tough opening month.

Boxing Day sees the Exiles travel to Wycombe before a game at Burton just three days later, while they close their campaign by going to York on April 26 before facing Rochdale at Rodney Parade on May 4.

Cardiff City will begin their first top flight campaign in over half a century with a trip to West Ham United, where Malky Mackay had his first game in charge two seasons ago in the Championship when Kenny Miller sent the travelling fans in to hysterics with a last minute winner.

They then face dethroned champions Manchester City in the Welsh capital on August 24, and welcome Roberto Martinez’s Everton to the Cardiff City Stadium on August 31, which will be big tests for both those club’s new managers.

Boxing Day sees Southampton come up to South Wales, while Cardiff’s end to the season is equally tough should they require results as they make the long trip to Newcastle on May 3 before Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea roll in to town for the season’s climax on May 11.

For Swansea the start couldn’t be more difficult, as they welcome Premier League champions Manchester United under new boss David Moyes to the Liberty, before travelling to take on a Gareth Bale-inspired Tottenham Hotspur in their second fixture.

The Swans face a difficult Christmas and New Year period where they take on Everton, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City, United and then Spurs in just under a month, but the end to the season looks a little easier with home games against Aston Villa and Southampton before going to Sunderland on the final day.

They will also learn their Europa League qualifying round opponents when UEFA make the draw on Monday.

Meanwhile, Wrexham are awaiting the release of the Conference fixtures on July 5 as they prepare for another season at that level after play-off final defeat to Newport at Wembley last month – their third successive play-off defeat.

All fixtures are of course subject to change when TV commitments, Cup runs and European commitments come in to consideration.

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Boulden and Harries secure Vagliano Trophy slots

Amy Boulden and Becky Harries will fight the continent for Great Britain & Ireland in the Vagliano Trophy at Chantilly this month.

Conwy’s Welsh Ladies’ Open Strokeplay winner Boulden and Harries, the two-time Welsh Ladies’ Amateur Closed champion from Haverfordwest, both earned their places against Europe with excellent performances this year.

It will be Harries’ first selection for a GB & Ireland team. The 25-year-old secured the Closed title at Nefyn last month with a tense 2&1 victory over Wrexham’s Chloe Williams in the final, while Boulden (19) topped the leaderboard at the Open Strokeplay at the Vale Resort, also last month, ahead of England’s Alex Peters, who also makes the team.

Amy Boulden has had a great start to 2013 - including winning

the Welsh Ladies' Open Strokeplay at the Vale Resort last month.

Both will be hoping to continue their good form in an event that will be a real test of their credentials to make the Curtis Cup squad to face America on their own soil in Missouri next year. Boulden, of course, was part of the GB & Ireland team who won back the famous old trophy at Nairn last year after the Americans had won every event since 1998.

Stephanie Meadow will as expected fly the Irish flag against Europe, while England’s Georgia Hall, who won the Ladies’ British Open Amateur at Machynys Peninsula last week, is also selected.

When the nine-player team was announced today it was obvious that the selectors, who met in Edinburgh on Monday, wanted a blend of youth and experience. The average age is just 19, although there are three players in their 20’s.

Great Britain and Ireland have lost the last three Vagliano contests and victorious Curtis Cup skipper Tegwen Matthews is anxious to halt the trend. They lost 15.5-8.5 at Porthcawl two years ago, however, they lead the overall series 15-11, with one match drawn.

She said: “I have a magic Vagliano 2013 team and look forward to the return of the match to the beautiful course at Chantilly, where GB & Ireland last won the trophy. My players and I will be trying very hard to do the same this time.”

The match, which features four foursomes and eight singles on each of two days, is being played on June 28 and 29 at Chantilly, 24 miles north of Paris.

Great Britain and Ireland Vagliano Trophy team: Amy Boulden (Conwy), Gabriella Cowley (Brocket Hall), Hayley Davis (Ferndown),Georgia Hall (Remedy Oak), Becky Harries (Haverfordwest), Stephanie Meadow (Royal Portrush), Alex Peters (Notts ladies), Amber Ratcliffe (Royal Cromer).

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Llanelli Warriors round off season in style

The Llanelli Warriors rounded off their season in style, clinching the Dai Spriggs Cup with a 17-12 win over New Dock Stars.

In their 200^th game since their formation seventeen seasons ago, the Warriors struck early on - flanker Gwilym Lewis crossing from a line-out move in their first foray into Dock territory.

Dock regrouped with some strong displays up front from Ian Jones, Aaron Horns and Andrew Rees which gave the hosts a physical edge, while some great play from Lee Rowlands saw New Dock crossing.

The game remained tight till late on when a scintillating run from Liam Carpenter set Luke Jenkins free, before Jonathan Yeomans also crossed moments later with Graham Mosser adding the easy conversion to clinch the silverware.

Straight after the game, the Warriors held their annual ‘Golden Bola’ awards night.  The guest of honour couldn’t have been more famous – linesman Lewi Jones on hand to give out a medal to all those who had played 3 matches and the individual awards.

Gareth Ladd- Most Improved Player 

With 14 matches, victories over their Swansea and English counterparts, and just two losses, there was much to celebrate.  Top try scorer again went to No8, Simon Jenkins, for the third year in succession.

Ryan Morgan- Players' Player 

Most Improved Player was Gareth Ladd, the wing making an impressive start to his rugby career. Jamie Evans was named Sportsman Of the Year in recognition of his off-field work, especially in giving up his time to help condition the team. 

Jamie Evans- Sportsman of the Year

With one wing already mentioned it was a night for the flyers, and testament to the Warriors' exciting brand of rugby Ryan Morgan was voted Players’ Player. Finally, the Golden Bola for Player Of the Year went to Graham Mosser. The wing was also named man of the match in the game earlier and has been steadily improving all season.

Graham Mosser-Player of the Year

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South Wales Cricket Association Weekend Round Up

Carmarthen Wanderers' incredible start in Division One of the Thomas Carroll SWCA continued, as the new boys leapt to second with their fourth win of the season dispatching Cowbridge by 94 runs in West Wales.

The Wanderers were put in and posted 166-7 in a reduced 44 overs. Daniel Jones was the best with the bat knocking 44, while Giles Thomas (40) and Owain Davies (38) also produced with the willow. Chris Willey was the most lethal with the ball in hand as he snared 5-34.

 Cowbridge in reply were no match for the hosts' assault, with Jones once again the star as he captured 3-3 from seven overs, including five maidens, while Leighton Walters, Ian Marsh and Owain Binding all bagged two wickets apiece.

 Meanwhile, Tata Steel got their title challenge back on track with a 100 win victory at a damp Clydach.

 The Port Talbot outfit were put in and posted 204-7 in a reduced 35 over match, thanks to a wonderful opening partnership from Owen Davies (93) and Phillip Taylor (55), as they posted 138 for the loss of the first wicket. Chris Donne was the most efficient in attack for the hosts, taking 4-36.

Clydach in response were just five balls from holding on for a draw but were skittled for 104. David Jones was destroyer in chief for the title contenders as he snared 5-31, while Michael and Matthew Jones claimed two wickets apiece.

Leaders Neath maintained their unbeaten start as they picked up a winning draw at Ynystawe.

The Gnoll outfit batted first and carded 174-7 in 45 overs, Keiran Thomas the top scorer knocking an impressive half century (50) while Gareth Davies chipped in with 35.

Ynystawe in reply never looked as though they were to threaten Neath’s total, but some dogged performances at the crease from Carl Roberts (28n/o), Sion Jones (24) and Sean Jenkins (18) ensured they avoided defeat.

Elsewhere, Maesteg Celtic claimed their maiden victory seeing off relegation rivals Llangennech by 47 runs.

Celtic set a total of 167-4 in a rain reduced 39 overs. Tom Morgan smashed an unbeaten half century (53), while Ian Herbert (46) and Phil Poole (45) also posted solid figures.

 In reply, Llangennech could only muster 120 despite a determined unbeaten 42 from Atif Hameed, but potent bowling from Glen Lawner (5-27) and Paul Morris (3-11) saw the Llynfi Valley side home.

 In the day’s other fixture, Dafen hung on to avoid defeat at Gowerton.

In Division Two, Aberdare kept up their unbeaten start to move to second as they left it late to see off Gorseinon by two wickets.

Gorseinon batted first and knocked 146-7, James Williams the best with the bat with 49, while John Simmonds chipped in with 31. Michael Roberts and Geoff Derrick each bagged a brace of wickets.

The Cynon Valley side made steady progress in reply. Luke Garthwaite top scored on 32, Derrick produced another fine performance contributing 26 runs, while an unbeaten 24 from Dominic Jones saw the visitors win with the final delivery.

Meanwhile, Pontardawe are still desperately searching for their first victory after suffering a 60 run loss at Llanelli.

The West Walians were made to bat but set a useful target of 161, with Iwan Rees knocking a half century (53) and Vaughan Thomas contributing 34. Ponty’s Craig Richards and Sam Sherlock picked up three wickets apiece.

Some devastating bowling from Rob Hughes (4-37) and Rees (4-32) ensured that the visitors never came anywhere near troubling Llanelli’s total.

At the top of Division Three, Maesteg have cut Porthcawl’s advantage at the summit to 22 points after the Llynfi Valley side comfortably dispatched Drefach by four wickets.

 The Carmarthenshire side were skittled for 127, with John Davies starring in attack for the visitors as he captured 5-41.

Maesteg chased down the total in the 40^th over for the loss of six wickets, with Andrew King (38) and Geoff Watkins (24) producing the goods with the willow.

 Meanwhile, Merthyr Tydfil were no match for a Luke O’Connor inspired Margam outfit, going down by 37 runs as it becomes increasingly tight at the top of the table.

 Margam batted first and were dismissed in the 34^th over for 123, with O’Connor leading the way with a solid 37 while Rhodri Reynolds contributed 26. In attack, Ron Walton and Andrew Lewis bagged four wickets apiece.

 Merthyr fell well short of the total in response with O’Connor destroying the order as he snared 5-7, while Reynolds captured 5-43.

 Elsewhere, Cimla made it back to back wins with a thumping 159 run triumph over fellow strugglers Dyffryn, while leaders Porthcawl could only pick up a losing draw against Landore.

Finally, in the battle at the top of Division Four, it was Pwll that came out on top as they extended their lead at the summit with a six wicket win over Baglan, while Llantwit Major Cavaliers leapt to third with a clinical seven wickets victory over strugglers Llandarcy.

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Barry and Llanelli kicked in to touch

The Football Association of Wales have decided that two former heavy-weights of domestic football in Wales, Barry Town and Llanelli AFC, were to be denied membership to the Welsh Football League structure.

The FAW released the following statement that will condemn both sides to park leagues soccer next season.

"The FAW Council held their bimonthly meeting at Betws y Coed on Thursday, June 13th 2013. On the agenda was the application of both Barry Town United AFC and AFC Llanelli for full membership to the FAW for the 2013-14 season. The Council members considered a recommendation that both clubs should be admitted into the Welsh Football League. The FAW Council voted against this recommendation. Both Barry Town United AFC and AFC Llanelli have been instructed to apply for membership to their respective Area Associations.”

The council voted overwhelmingly to deny both Barry and Llanelli entry into the Welsh League by 21 votes to three, despite the domestic committee of the FAW recommending that both sides were to be placed at the lower echelons of the Welsh League system.

As is always the case in life, this was not a black and white scenario - Barry Town in my opinion are the unlucky ones in this instance. They were removed from the Welsh League towards the end of the season by their maverick ‘owner’ Stuart Lovering, but plans were in place to reform under the new name of Barry Town United.

Barry, who won the Welsh Premier League title seven times, had got the support of a 1,250 signature online petition, and yesterday supporters were stunned by the news.

“It appears the FAW have ignored the wishes of the local football community and this flies in the face of what the Association say they are about in involving local communities," said secretary David Cole.

Many will sympathise with the way Barry have been treated and realise that it is through no fault of the Supporters club that they were in this position and perhaps some common sense should have played a part. The Supporters club have run the team since 2008, raising money to do so and involving the community in enterprising initiatives, but their efforts were ultimately deemed to be worthless by the FAW council.

On the other hand, we look at Llanelli who only two years ago defeated Dynamo Tbilisi in Europe but were wound up at the High Court earlier in the year.

It is obvious the powers that be would find it difficult to condone a side that ran up huge debts to simply be allowed back into the Welsh League system - it would be a dangerous precedent to set.

However, South Wales is severely lacking in football clubs striving for Welsh Premier League status and to see the loss of two such clubs is a huge blow, as North Wales teams continue to dominate at domestic level.

While Barry look set to start all over again and play in the Cardiff and District League, Llanelli would have to apply to the Carmarthenshire League, although their supremo Bob Jeffrey says it is unlikely to happen.

“It is a dark day for Welsh football when two clubs with so much history are treated like this.”

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Warriors reach double century landmark at end of successful season

The Llanelli Warriors complete their season proper with their 200th fixture today, Friday 14th June, as they play New Dock Stars RFC for the Dai Spriggs Cup in a fixture rearranged from Boxing Day. The game closes the Warriors' season and will be followed by their presentation evening.

The 200th fixture will be marked by the unveiling of a new kit arranged by the WRU, produced by Under Armour and sponsored by Dyfed Steel.

The landmark game also gives the Warriors a chance to assess the state of the club and how far they have come. The team played just two matches in their inaugural season, but the match Friday will be their 13^th this term with two matches to come on tour, while they have also hosted a successful 7s and touch tournament. The Warriors' established fixture list also includes regular clashes with local clubs, as well as the Bumbles from Yorkshire and Gwlad in Cardiff.

The club has secured several pieces of silverware this term: The Dai Spriggs Shield (Swansea Gladiators), the Anniversary Cup (Cefneithin), the Origin Cup (Burry Port), the Charity Cup (Gwlad Rugby), and the H Bomb Cup (Bumble Bee Barbarians), as well as triumphing in the touch section of their own tournament.  

Captain Eric Horridge said of the presentation evening, “There will be no shortage of candidates for the various awards and I’m sure it’ll be a tight decision in every category. All we know for definite is that Simon Jenkins has retained the top try scorer’s title.”

Four of the matches helped raise money for charities and they were even able to raise two full sides for an exhibition match.

Back in 1995, the only other integrated team was the Swansea Gladiators, but the Warriors have supported the Bumbles in establishing themselves and are currently lending support to The Clan in Scotland, who the Warriors will meet in their 1st game at the end of the month in Kilmarnock. 

Player/Coach Gwilym Lewis shared some recollections of his time with the team, “Undoubtedly, the highlight was the 2005 tour to New Zealand following the Lions, perhaps the most ambitious sporting project undertaken involving learning difficulties. We managed 3 games unbeaten, we met the All Blacks and we were also featured on television out there.”

The club has always strived to raise its profile and that of the concept of integrated rugby. This has, over the years, seen them featured in Rugby World as well as Radio Wales and S4C. Their website was at one point the most popular Welsh club on the Pitchero network and they also have a notable presence on various social media outlets.

 “On the one hand we want to be just a normal rugby club, but on the other we feel a duty to publicise the concept of integrated rugby. Most sporting opportunities for people with learning difficulties are segregated – special Olympics and football competitions - where the emphasis is on it being a special competition for disabled participants. 

The Warriors team is mixed and they play the majority of their fixtures against non-disabled club teams. This means our players can earn real respect by taking on and sometimes beating ‘normal’ players,” added Lewis.

Whilst there is a core of long term players, the only original still playing is second row John Horwood. Team games are often said to be difficult for people with autism, but John has thrived with the Warriors and has even served a term as Captain. 

Despite being in his 50s, Horwood is still going strong and looking forward to another season at the grindstone.

Skipper Horridge commented: “John’s a great example to all the players, he never had an opportunity to play rugby before the Warriors but now he’s got 17 years of experience, and we still rely on his line-out work – he’s a vital part of the team. He has only missed 17 matches in all that time so he really is Mr. Reliable.”

Horridge is also pleased that the 200^th fixture will be played at New Dock Stars, who have given the Warriors a base since Stradey Park closed.

“We are very grateful for their support, it’s thanks to clubs like New Dock and also Burry Port and Cefneithin that we have been able to grow and develop.  We are also indebted to various local companies who have sponsored us like Specsavers, Domino’s Pizza, Tinopolis and most recently, Dyfed Steel.”

The club has become an established part of the local rugby scene, almost taken for granted locally but continue to develop and grow.  Their trip to Scotland is hopefully the next step in taking the concept further with interest in the Warriors model of integration gaining interest in Ireland, Italy, France, Belgium and Spain. Friday night, though, will be about celebrating 200 matches and another successful season.

Playing record 2012-2013: Played 13, Won 9, Drawn 2, Lost 2.

Playing record overall: Played 199, Won 131, Drawn 14, Lost 54.

Over 400 players have represented the club.

The club played just 3 matches in their 1st two seasons but this season will play 16 games (including tour matches).

Scott Quinnell, Rupert Moon, Ian Boobyer, David Hodges and Nigel Owens have all refereed matches

The club has helped raise £1000s for charity, mainly Help For Heroes for which they hold a match annually. 

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Respect- what football can learn from rugby

Now that’s how you gain respect for referees. 

Football constantly casts an envious eye at rugby players' behaviour towards referees, wondering how officials escape relatively unmolested by players when making decisions they disagree with.

Well, Northampton Saints hooker Dylan Hartley’s swift and severe suspension, which cost him a dream place in the current Lions tour, should provide them with the answer they are looking for.

Hartley had been named in Warren Gatland's squad to take on Australia this summer. But that counted for nothing when he allegedly called referee Wayne Barnes a cheat.

Rugby's powers that be would not tolerate such behaviour against one of their referees. Lion in waiting or not, Hartley was banned for 11 weeks and is now watching the Lions tour from afar.

Meanwhile, the FA's Respect Campaign has over the past few years enlisted high profile players and dished out T-shirts left right and centre to try and get the message across - largely to no avail.

Professional footballers still seem to launch into phlegm-specked, foul-mouthed rants almost every time a ref places a whistle to their lips.

Administrators scratch their heads and furrow their brows as they “try to do everything in their power” to protect referees. Nonsense.

There is one simple solution, the same as there is for shirt-pulling and diving: Punish them properly. 
For years I have advocated a zero tolerance approach to dissent and foul language aimed at the referee on a football pitch. 

It’s simple: Send the offenders off and ban them. 

You can almost hear throats being cleared to yell the chorus of disapproval. 

“But if you do that, we’ll end up playing five-a-side!” cry the dissenters. 

Yes, of course, for the first couple of weeks there will be a flurry of red cards.

But then it will stop, or at least be reduced to a trickle. 

Footballers may not be the brightest, but their managers and club owners are . . . well, most of them. 

When they see their prized and extremely expensive centre forward sitting out a three-match ban for dissent, warnings will be issued, fines will be threatened and clubs will police their players.

Respect will be due. 

I remember hearing a story years ago about a referee who officiated on rugby and football matches. 

He was asked what was the main difference between reffing the two sports. "The rugby players call me 'Sir'," he replied.

If a system as strict as rugby’s is enforced, players will learn. Granted, perhaps not all of them, but then not all of them have learned their lessons in rugby – Hartley, for example, perhaps will never learn given his "previous" for various other misdemeanours.

In time, the vast majority will learn and they will set a far better example to younger players who look up to them. 

The knock-on effects will be felt throughout the game, right down to the park matches on Sunday mornings where unpaid volunteer refs also endure intolerable abuse.

It may be hugely unfortunate on a personal level for Hartley to miss out on the pinnacle of a professional rugby player's career.

However, for rugby itself, it is a huge credit to the sport that it is prepared to take this stance against a player who has disobeyed one of the sport’s golden rules.

If football is serious about instilling discipline into its players then it must follow rugby’s excellent example.

BY MOGZ

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Young Dragons ready for pool decider

Wales Under-20s have again made changes to their side ahead of their crunch Junior World Championships Pool C decider against Argentina tomorrow.

With two wins from two, against Samoa on June 5 and Scotland on June 9, they come up against an Argentina side also with two wins from two in a straight shoot-out to decide who automatically goes through to the semi-finals for the second successive year.

There are seven personnel changes and two positional. Dragons full back Hallam Amos returns to the starting line-up along with his regional team mate Jack Dixon and Pontypridd wing Owen Jenkins.

In the front row, Gareth Thomas starts at loosehead with Ethan Lewis in at hooker. Carwyn Jones returns to partner Rhodri Hughes at lock, while Dragons No8 Ieuan Jones returns with Sion Bennett and captain Ellis Jenkins switching to the blind and openside flanks respectively.

Head coach Danny Wilson said of the changes: “Selection is getting more difficult with each game, which is a good thing.

“There are some players who are unlucky to miss out on a starting place but this team is the one we think is best suited to this opposition. We will certainly be counting on the efforts of the whole squad tomorrow from 1 to 23.

“Argentina are an excellent team this year. They are very powerful and have a deadly weapon in their outside half who will penalise the slightest error. It’s going to take one of our best performances of the whole season to come away with a win but we’re confident we can do that if we play well.”

After their 42-3 trouncing of Samoa in game one, Wales picked up a five-point, 26-21 triumph over Scotland on matchday two, which was a much closer affair.

In the end, tries from Aaron Warren and Scarlets’ Steffan Hughes, both converted by Ospreys and Swansea prospect Sam Davies, who added three penalties and a drop goal, were enough to see off Wales’ Celtic cousins.

Argentina thumped Scotland 44-13 on June 5 and beat Samoa 28-16 on June 9 to set this final game up nicely.

After both made it to the semis in South Africa last year, Wales were defeated by New Zealand having become the first ever nation to beat the Baby Blacks in the pool stages, while Argentina lost to the hosts and eventual champions in the final four. Wales then beat Argentina 25-17 in the third placed play-off.

Wales team to face Argentina: Hallam Amos (Dragons/Newport); Owen Jenkins (Blues/Pontypridd), Steffan Hughes (Scarlets/Llanelli), Jack Dixon (Dragons), Ashley Evans (Ospreys/Bridgend); Sam Davies (Ospreys/Swansea), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets/Llandovery); Gareth Thomas (Scarlets/Carmarthen Quins), Ethan Lewis (Blues/Cardiff), Nicky Thomas (Ospreys/Swansea), Carwyn Jones (Scarlets/Carmarthen), Rhodri Hughes (Ospreys/Swansea), Sion Bennett (Scarlets/Carmarthen), Ellis Jenkins (captain, Blues/Cardiff), Ieuan Jones (Dragons/Newport).

Replacements: Elliot Dee (Dragons/Bedwas), Thomas Davies (Blues/Cardiff), Dan Suter (Ospreys/Bridgend), Jack Jones (Ospreys/Rovigo), James Benjamin (Dragons/Bedwas), Joshua Davies (Dragons/Bedwas), Jordan Williams (Scarlets/Llanelli), Harri Evans (North Wales/RGC).

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Colwyn Bay earn the respect of their peers

Blue Square Bet North side Colwyn Bay have been rewarded by their fellow clubs for the welcome offered to opposition sides throughout last season.

The club picked up the ‘Respect’ Team of the Year award at the league’s annual bash held at Newport’s Celtic Manor Resort for their relationships with officials, opposition clubs and their community, the welcome offered on match days and the behaviour of their supporters at away grounds. It was voted for by their fellow clubs.

It continues a magical couple of months for the club who on the field secured their status in the division for another season with a miraculous ‘Great Escape’ that saw them win their final six games.

Chairman Bob Paton expressed his surprise at The Seagulls getting such recognition, saying: “It came as quite a shock when the award was announced as we are not used to winning things!

“When the significance of the award was explained it meant a lot to us. It seems people have been impressed with the reception and welcome they received at the Red Lion Foods Stadium last season.

“We pride ourselves on being a family club at Colwyn Bay. The club would not have won this award without the efforts of our officials, staff and volunteers who work hard to ensure matchdays run smoothly. I would like to thank them for their continued support.”

On the pitch, things are also progressing nicely towards the new season. Of those who participated in the ‘Great Escape’, 11 have signed on for the new campaign. Chris Sanna, Danny Taylor, Danny Meadowcroft, Tom Smyth, Mike Lea, Gaz Evans, John McKenna, Jamie Crowther, Rob Hopley, Paul Ennis and James Ellison will all turn out again next term.

Sinclair also has verbal agreements with three new players he expects to sign on when pre-season training starts in a few weeks’ time.

Goalkeeper Josh Ollerenshaw (22), released by Oldham this summer, is expected to provide competition for Sanna between the sticks, while Rhyl-born striker Luke Wandless (18), also at Oldham with Ollerenshaw, should also be joining the club.

The third is former Everton wide midfielder Steve Connor (24), who spent last term with Conwy Borough and helped them win the Cymru Alliance League Cup. While at Everton, he won four England Under-17 caps, while he has subsequently turned out for TNS, Bangor City and Airbus UK Broughton in the Welsh Premier League.

Sinclair has also been building on his own experience by studying for his UEFA ‘B’ license in Cardiff as he continues his journey in to full-time management.

He wants a squad of around 18 players for the new campaign, meaning up to seven signings in total, including the three named above, could be coming in before the big kick off.

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Scorpions skipper believes positive times to return to the club

South Wales Scorpions skipper Joe Burke believes that the positive times will return to the club following their outstanding second half performance on Sunday at Gloucestershire All Golds where they won 46-18.

The club have recently lost a few players but have made some positive new signings with all three debutants on Sunday putting in hard working performances.

And with Billy Sheen due to arrive from North Wales this week, Burke believes that he could be the final link in what is a new fresh outlook for the side.

“We all sat down last week as a team so we could through a bit of feedback and discuss what we need to do to get ourselves back on track,” Burke said. “We’ve had some poor results recently especially in the second halves of matches so we knew that we needed to change the attitude within the club and the attitude with the boys.

“Yes it is hard with people leaving and new people coming in as we need to get systems in place and some consistency each week. But it’s testament to the boys to show the spirit we’ve got and to stick together and go through the hard times. We showed that we could benefit from this with our win at Gloucester last Sunday and now with Billy Sheen coming in too we’re looking at getting a consistent half-back pairing and we can build from there.”

The Scorpions will be back at The Gnoll this Sunday for the first time in seven weeks when they take on Oldham Roughyeds (kick-off 3pm) and after two wins and two defeats since they were last in Neath, Burke says that the players can’t wait to get back onto home turf.

“Everyone’s looking forward to coming home to The Gnoll,” he said. “There have been some long trips over the last seven weeks.

“Now we’re back, we want to get some good results for the home fans. Everyone gives 100% at training at that did show last Sunday. Sometimes we do drop off the pace a bit, it happens, but the positive times are ahead for us. I’m just asking fans to come along this Sunday and cheer us on as hopefully this win against Gloucester will kick start a good run of home wins.”

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Welsh Rowers named in Eton Dorney World Cup Squad

Welsh rowers Chris Bartley and Victoria Thornley have been named as part of the biggest GB Rowing Team of all-time for a World Cup to race at Eton Dorney from June 21-23.

It will be the most important event the Great British rowing team have participated in since the London 2012 Olympics, where they picked up four gold medals, two silvers and three bronzes.

Wrexham-born Bartley will stroke the lightweight men’s four, after winning Olympic silver in the same event in London last year.

The 29-year-old, a former World champion in the discipline, raced in the opening World Cup of the season in Sydney where he won a solid silver medal.

The four-man crew at Eton Dorney will also include Olympic reserve and 2012 trials winner Adam Freeman-Pask, alongside two former World U23 champions Will Fletcher and Jonno Clegg.

Victoria Thornley, meanwhile, will go it alone in the women’s single sculls after coming third in this year’s national trials.

The 25-year-old doubled up at the Sydney World Cup, where she finished fourth in both the women’s double scull and the women’s eight.

She previously won bronze with the eight at the 2011 World Championships.

In total, 81 rowers will compete for Great Britain across 29 boats, with the dual aim of winning medals whilst also offering top-level racing experience to emerging talents.

Performance Director Sir David Tanner CBE is optimistic that the team will be able to take full advantage of competing in front of a home crowd.

“We will have a big crowd at Eton Dorney on all three days and it will be a good opportunity to give our emerging and U23 crews the chance to taste the intensity of World Cup racing alongside our more established and experienced stars”, said Tanner.

“We do not expect to repeat the heights of our medal haul from 2012 – after all this is a transitional year with some top rowers taking a break or having retired – but I am sure we will give the home crowd some exciting racing and something to cheer for,” he added.

A lot of attention is sure to be given to the men’s eight, which features the country’s top male sweep-rowers, including the Olympic men’s four champions Andrew Triggs Hodge, Pete Reed and Alex Gregory.  

This trio all raced at Eton Dorney back in 2005.  Reed and Hodge were in the winning GB four and Gregory was in a quad.  This year GB has raced an eight at the Sydney World Cup and at Essen International Regatta winning on both occasions.

Tom Ransley, Dan Ritchie, Will Satch, Mohamed Sbihi and cox Phelan Hill, all Olympic or World medallists, and Oliver Cook complete the big boat line-up for this event.

Helen Glover, who famously won Great Britain’s first gold medal of the London 2012 Games alongside Heather Stanning in the women’s pair, will rekindle her partnership with Polly Swann as Stanning has returned to the British Army for a year.

The new partnership won gold at earlier this year in Sydney, and Glover is now looking forward to racing again on home waters.

“It’s really exciting. I haven’t been back since, so the last time I got out of my boat there I had just become Olympic champion,” she said

“Going back, I’ve got to make sure that the event doesn’t get on top of me.

“It’s a great opportunity and I’ve got friends who didn’t get tickets last year who are coming to watch

“It’s a good way to signify a new chapter after the Olympics,” she added.

Chris Bartley’s former crew-mates, Richard and Peter Chambers brothers, will pair up together in the lightweight men’s double for their return to Eton Dorney.

At the same venue last year, they claimed a silver medal in the lightweight men’s four, missing out on gold by less than a second.

Also heading back to the Olympic venue is Alan Campbell; who returns in the single scull determined to improve on the bronze medal he picked up in London.

“My goal is Rio. Steve Redgrave had five Olympic Games. I've done three and each one has been better than the one before,” Campbell said.

“I'm still trying to improve all the time and I want my career to be defined as one of constant improvement.”

Olympic medallist Frances Houghton and Vicky Meyer-Laker were bronze medallists in Sydney. They form GB women’s double for Eton Dorney.

There will be returning Olympians Katie Greves, Louisa Reeve and Beth Rodford in the women’s eight.

A host of new names will get a run-out in the women’s boats, too.  They include Katherine Douglas, Caragh McMurtry, Brianna Stubbs and Eleanor Piggott – the latter two U23s in the second lightweight women’s double after their eye-catching trials performances.

The GB coaches will also want to see the performances under racing conditions of newcomers Mark Aldred, Sam Scrimgeour, Jamie Kirkwood, Matthew Bedford and Wilf Kimberley in the lightweight events.

Para-rowing will also feature at this month’s event, in which Great Britain will field a full squad.

2008 Paralympic Champion and four-times World Champion Tom Aggar has been selected to race the arms and shoulders single scull (ASM1x), as has Andrew Houghton his perennial training partner and domestic rival.  

GB are the reigning legs, trunk and arms mixed coxed four (LTA4+) Paralympic Champions but this crew is still in its formative stage.  Pamela Relph and Naomi Riches are the returning gold medallists from the 2012 crew.

Work is being done to rebuild the crew around them and they are joined at Eton Dorney by raw recruits James Fox and Oliver Hester, in a crew coxed by Oliver James.

Fox says he is looking forward to making his World Cup debut:

“We've got a lot of new blood in the boat, including me, and I'm really enjoying it. I've been rowing since I was 11 but this is a new class for me,” Fox said.

“There's a lot of experience in the boat with Naomi having done 2 Games and Pam 1. It'll be exciting for them to go back. There's a lot of banter too but Ollie (James) the cox gets us all into shape.”

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Crocker a new recruit for Pontypridd

Pontypridd RFC have added Luke Crocker to their senior squad the flanker joins the Premiership champions from neighbouring club Beddau.

An abrasive back rower, Crocker was nominated Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year for Beddau last season, being a key performer for the club in its Championship campaign and in winning the Mid District Cup at Sardis Road.

Cardiff born and a product of the Canton club, Luke Crocker is aged twenty-three and stands at 6ft 2in. Having gained experience in playing across the back row, Crocker comes to Pontypridd as a recognised blind side flanker.

In announcing the new signing, Pontypridd team manager Richard Langmead commented:

"Luke is a big, aggressive back row player who has made his mark in the Championship and has the potential to make the step up to Premiership level. We are delighted to have him on board, and look forward to see him develop that potential to the full with Pontypridd."

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