Tylorstown looking to the future

Tylorstown have endured a rough couple of seasons, suffering relegation from Two East last term and struggling in Three South East this season.

The Rhondda side clinched only their second win of the season at the weekend when they saw off fellow strugglers Aberdare 12-0.

Despite Tylorstown’s recent hardships, Club Secretary Lionel Langford believes the foundations are in place for the club to emerge stronger from their recent lapse in form.

“We have a very young side which bodes well for the future but they have come up a bit short so far this season.

“No one at the club can fault their commitment but when you have players who are still eligible for youth packing down in your forwards, you’re always going to struggle against more experienced and physical teams,” added Langford.

However, with a very young squad and a thriving youth and junior section, Langford is optimistic for the next few seasons.

“It really is a question of patience for us- the club is thriving socially and we have good numbers, we just have to wait for the players to come through. A club’s success generally is quite cyclical so we’re just waiting for the next batch of players to mature.”

Langford is quick to point out that, despite suffering ten defeats in 12 starts, everyone at the club are proud of the players who are pulling on the Tylorstown shirt this season.

“We can’t fault their effort made by both the team and coaches. It isn’t easy being on the losing side week-in-week-out but the players have conducted themselves brilliantly and are an asset to the club.”

One concern Langford points out - a problem not just affecting Tylorstown but is endemic in Welsh rugby - is the lack of a 2^nd XV.

“We haven’t got enough boys to field a 2^nd team and from what I can gather, it is certainly the same case around Rhondda and it is worrying as you want those boys to feed into your first team squad.”

Tylorstown travel to Brecon after the two week break for the Six Nations and Langford believes it will be tough to complete the double over their rivals.

“In all honesty we were very lucky to win at home against them, but anything can happen in sport and I know the team will go out and give everything they have for the shirt.”