News

To all our members

I thought at this festive time of the year which sees us almost half way through the playing season, I would send out a short note to say thank you to all those who have played their part in the activities of the club whether it be on the pitch as players and coaches, as supporters of the teams or simply those who enjoy a pint and a chat with their friends in the clubhouse. Everyone’s contribution and continued involvement is heartening to see.

We are already almost halfway through our centenary season. Looking back at the great success of the opening dinner with special guests Sir Gareth Edwards and Gerald Davies,  compèred by the magnificent Phil Steele I am reminded about how much pleasure has been had by so many over those years, long may it continue.  In particular I would like to take this opportunity to thank Laura Davies  for all her efforts in making that dinner so successful.

I know that the recognition given to those players who have played  150, 200 or 300 times for the club was very much appreciated by the individuals who received their well-deserved caps. It is unlikely however that we will ever see players being rewarded for playing 300 times or more for the club in the future due to the many changes that have taken place in society and within rugby but I’m sure the appreciation that goes with showing loyalty to the club and your teammates will always be recognised and treated with great respect by this club.

On the field of play, the men’s first team have shown true determination and proven to be very competitive in their matches, despite being in the position of struggling to field a front row on a number of occasions. In particular a lot of hard work has gone into the season by team manager, James Williams, Captain and new parent Jonathan Crimp and coach Jake Thomas, all of whom continue to play a significant part both on and off the pitch.

The women’s team have gone from strength to strength and have significantly increased both the number of players and the quality of players this season. With potential success in their cup tournament they are hopeful it will lead to a final at the Millennium Stadium in the New Year.
Many people have played a part in this success, but my particular thanks go to coaches, Kim Jones and Andy Clifton and Captain Jess Wallington.

The youth started their third season this year with a new team manager, Jon Lewis and two new coaches in James Greenfield and Fabio Wayman, what a valuable addition all three have been. They have been ably supported by a number of parents and great commitment from a very strong and talented squad adeptly lead by Harry Davis . These boys and those in the year above and below them are the future of the club.  Having watched a number of their matches I can confidently say they have great rugby playing futures ahead of them.

The mini and junior section has over 300 children playing or training most Sundays and the commitment of all the coaches, players and parents has to be seen to be believed. All of the players and coaches deserve recognition, but in particular I would like to take this opportunity to firstly thank Hedd  as Chairman of the Mini and Juniors, for her devotion and commitment to the role and secondly to all those invaluable volunteers who work in the kitchen on Sundays catering for the many players and parents from both our teams and the opposition. The club owes you all our heartfelt thanks and appreciation.

Similarly the efforts of Jaimie, Mark and  all the bar staff alongside our match day caterer Helen have been outstanding this year. Thank you all and keep up the good work.

There are many other people who play important roles as volunteers for this Club but if I could take this opportunity to personally thank two people, Mel Jones, Chairman of the Social Committee and recently retired Terry Keegan, formerly Secretary of the Social Committee.  Their efforts over many, many years have been considerable and their application to making the club a success should never be under estimated.

Although I don’t have the opportunity to thank each and everyone of our volunteers by name I would like to say your efforts are appreciated and I on behalf of the club wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Finally,  I started this message mentioning the Centenary season and I end it reminding you all there is plenty more to come in the new year including a festival of rugby over the Easter weekend and our Centenary season ending in June with a club dinner dance in the Coal  Exchange in Cardiff.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all our members

Stephen Clarke
Chairman