Pontypridd v Newport

£2 Issue 162
The Official Matchday
Magazine of
Pontypridd Rugby
Principality Premiership
Pontypridd v Newport
Sunday 29th September 2013
Kick off: 2:30pm
Main Club Sponsor and Today’s Match Sponsor:
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PONTY RUGBY LTD.
The Clubhouse
Sardis Road
Pontypridd
Tel 01443 405006
Fax 01443 407087
Welcome
Email [email protected]
CHAIRMAN
Roger E. Davies
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Stephen Reardon
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jack Bayliss, Carol Waughinton,
Roger E. Davies, Guto Davies,
Theresa Davies, Peter Howells,
Alun Jones, Steve Reardon,
Perry Stephens, Chris Kingsbury,
Wayne Cullen, Martyn Morgan.
HEAD COACH
Dale Mcintosh
ASSISTANT COACH
Paul John
CONDITIONING COACH
Darren Bool
TEAM MANAGER
Richard Langmead
CLUB CAPTAIN
Chris Dicomidis
HON SURGEONS
D. Pemberton
S. Roy
S. James
D. Edwards
CLUB DOCTORS
Gareth Lloyd / Rod Lewis
HON DENTAL SURGEON
Lyndon Meehan
PHYSIOS
Chris Watts
SALES & MARKETING
Sales & Marketing Manager
Emma Rogers
[email protected]
MEDIA OFFICER/
PROGRAMME EDITOR
Guto Davies
[email protected]
WEB SITE MANAGER
Owen Williams • [email protected]
This afternoon we extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and
supporters of Newport RFC. Last season, honours were shared in the Principality
Building Society Premiership with the home team winning on both occasions. On
Sunday 28th October 2012, the Black and Ambers won 20-19 at Rodney Parade;
while on Friday 22nd February 2013, Pontypridd RFC won 32-24 at Sardis Road.
A week last Saturday, Pontypridd RFC travelled to Pandy Park to face Cross Keys
RFC. In a struggle to gain territorial advantage, much of the first half was played out
against the back-drop of a three-all draw; the stalemate was truly broken by bold
handling that resulted in our team sweeping the length of the field to secure a halftime lead of 3-13. Despite receiving two yellow cards, the second half revealed
further glimpses of incisive of play; this, coupled with a robust defence, proved too
much for a team that may well trouble other contenders on home soil.
The start of the 2013/14 rugby football season has been overshadowed by
speculation about the future of the Heineken Cup beyond the current campaign.
Some of the speculators claim that the ‘top’ English and French Clubs are poised to
establish their own competition, which would replace their involvement in what is
arguably the World’s premier club rugby tournament. If the demise of this
prestigious tournament is imminent, there could be consequences for those of us
lower down the ‘food chain’. For example, would the RFU Championship teams
continue to support the British and Irish Cup? Would the organising committee, the
RFU, continue to invite representatives from Wales to compete in the BIC? Would
Wales continue to be represented in the BIC by Welsh premiership clubs?
Or would some in Welsh rugby realise their aspiration to replace Welsh clubs with
Regional ‘A’ teams?
The answers to most of these questions may well be beyond the control of the
Welsh Premier Clubs, but one way in which we can surely answer the last question
is to perform to the best of our ability on the field. Consequently, we impart our
best wishes to Aberavon RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Llanelli RFC and not least to our own
players and coaches, as in a fortnight’s time they begin in earnest a campaign that
may well yet prove to be defining.
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, there’s more premier league action to
consider. Next week, Pontypridd RFC travels to Church Bank Fields to face
Llandovery RFC, while today we face Newport RFC live on S4C. The ‘Black and
Ambers’ arrive here on the back of disappointing early-season form, however, we
would do well to remember that Newport was the only team to, ‘lower our colours’
in the whole of last season’s Premiership.
For its part, Pontypridd RFC will be seeking to build upon its progress so far and will
be striving to defend vigorously; both its unbeaten home and its twenty-two match
unbeaten records.
The Friends of Pontypridd sponsor the ‘Golden Bob’ Man of the Match, while the
Match Sponsor is Egan Waste Services Ltd. We trust that all our guests will have an
enjoyable afternoon at Sardis Road.
Stephen Reardon Chief Executive Officer
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
3
Coaches Corner
With ten boys
graduating into
senior rugby at
the start of the
new season it
was a step into
the unknown
with 80% of the
Pontypridd squad going into their first year of youth
rugby, but with good numbers turning up and the boys
working hard in summer training the new pool of
players were starting to gel together nicely.
Pre- Season saw the visit of Llandovery Youth who were
despatched comfortably in a friendly match with some
exciting rugby played and both forwards and backs to
the fore. With that performance in the bag hopes were
high going into our first competitive game against
Gilfach Goch away in the first round of the District
Cup, but those hopes short lived as the squad was
stripped bare of our college and Blues players, which
left us short of cover in the backline.
The boys that played gave everything they had but
went down to a well organised Gilfach side. With the
cup gone our attention turned to the league where first
up were Glamorgan Wanderers away - not usually a
happy hunting ground for Ponty Youth. However a
performance of enthusiasm and commitment saw us
run out as winners by 18pts to 25. Next up were
Rumney Youth at Sardis Road in another league game
where an action packed performance saw us through to
win comfortably by 24pts to 3.
We have made a good start to the season but are under
no illusions that the greater challenges are yet to come.
Myself and assistant coach Andy Price are really
pleased with the way that we have started and how the
squad is coming together but are always looking for
improvement by challenging the players in training and
in games.
On a memorable note for us it was good to see two
former Pontypridd Mini & Junior and Youth players
progress into the first team. Sam Edwards and Garyn
Smith both recently made their senior debuts in preseason friendlies and in the Premiership respectively well done boys. They have now put the marker down
for the other boys to follow.
Simon Bayliss Youth Coach
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
7
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Gallery
Pontypridd v Bridgend
18th September 2013
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
9
Guest Page
Over the past two or three weeks, it feels as though my
life has been taken over by what I have come to refer to
as the Heineken hokey-cokey.
In out, in out, shake it all about, you do the hokey-cokey
or you all go bust! Or something like that.
Barely a day has gone by without another twist or turn in
the saga, amid plans for an Anglo-French breakaway and a
mounting war of words.
So when I was asked to write an article for today's match
programme, I thought what else could I talk about other
than Europe?
But rather than re-visit all the political machinations or
address the doom-laden, cash-strapped future, I decided
it was time to cheer myself up.
So I thought I would look back on some of Pontypridd's
most memorable European adventures, most of which I
was along for the ride.
I was there to see them make their Heineken Cup debut
on November 22nd 1995, when they beat Diego
Dominguez's Milan 31-12 at Sardis Road.
With only three teams per group during that inaugural
year of the competition, Ponty were to have just one
more fixture, bowing out with an agonising 23-22 defeat
against Leinster at Lansdowne Road, despite the best
efforts of a young Lee Jarvis.
Little did we know back then just how big the tournament
would become or the headline-grabbing events that lay
ahead for the Valleys Commandos.
It was the following season that Ponty really started to
make their mark - and no-one more so than their current
head coach Dale McIntosh.
The Chief has contributed a immense amount to the club
over two decades, but for many his defining moment
came against Bath in a Heineken Cup clash at Sardis in
October 1996.
You could hear the thud from his exocet tackle on Andy
Robinson up in the press box at the back of the stand and
Robinson's ribs are probably still tingling today.
That never-to-be-forgotten hit came during a 19-6 victory
that really announced Ponty's arrival as serious players on
the European stage, with McIntosh's coaching partner Paul
John sniping away for the game's only try.
It was a win that meant they headed to the spa town of
Dax for their final group match, knowing a win would take
them through to the knock-out stages.
But that was to be the first of a series of cruel defeats on
French soil. I can still see wing Ugo Mola running in for
Dax's decisive try in a 22-18 win and I still have the folded
A4 team-sheet which reveals their side featured the likes
of Raphael Ibanez, Olivier Roumat, Fabien Pelous, Olivier
Magne and Richard Dourthe.
Of course it was back to France the following year for the
infamous Battle of Brive, which has gone down in
Heineken Cup folklore for events on and off the field.
But what is often forgotten is Ponty returned to the town
for a play-off a few weeks later.
There was a lot of tension surrounding that trip after
the events at the Le Bar Toulzac and the subsequent war
of words.
But with Brive starting strongly and moving into a lead,
there was a spirit of entente cordiale inside the stadium.
That was until Ponty staged a comeback. At a stroke, the
crowd turned and it's the one and only time I've been
pelted with bread rolls while covering a rugby match! The
locals must have picked up on the Welsh accent in the
press box.
That atmosphere was hostile in the extreme and one
wonders what might have happened had Brive not
ultimately won 25-20.
There were other great days to follow both in the
Heineken and the Challenge Cup.
In particular , there was the Parker Pen semi-final victory
over London Irish at Oxford's Kassam Stadium in April
2002 when Jon Bryant had the game of his life against
Brendan Venter.
But then, of course, the following year saw the regional
revolution and everything changed, but that's a story for
another column.
Simon Thomas Rugby correspondent, Western Mail
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
11
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The View From Here
Regular readers will know that this column has a
fascination for the verbal acrobatics of former New
York Yankees baseball star Lawrence “Yogi” Berra.
Yogi’s 88 these days and still going strong, battering
the English language into submission.
Yogi is a man who has never been lost for words,
although they are not always the right words. So many
phrases were attributed to him that he produced a book
in 1998 to set the record straight. The title:- “I really
didn’t say everything I said.”
When I opened the paper on Sunday and saw the
current standings in the Principality Premiership, one of
Yogi’s best came to mind. The top four looked
remarkably familiar. Ponty, Carmarthen, Llandovery and
Llanelli. As Yogi really did say once “It’s like deja vu, all
over again.”
We could save the WRU a lot of time if we went
straight to the play offs from here. But, as the great man
said “It ain’t over until it’s over.” He might have added
“unless Glamorgan are involved.”
Deja vu is what our cricket county does best in Lords
finals. Played three, lost three, could have won three.
While many of you were at Pandy Park watching a useful
third win in a week, I was glued to the radio listening to
Glamorgan taking on Notts in the YB 40 over final.
With the daffodil boys well in charge of affairs, a catch
was dropped which turned the game around. Despite
the fact that it was only half way through the Notts
innings, a lot of old hands knew it was potentially the
end . When they batted , the daffs wilted, finishing
eighty runs short. Over in New Jersey, I’m sure I heard
Yogi muttering under his breath. He was one of the
greatest catchers baseball ever saw.
What’s encouraging about Ponty’s start to the season is
that despite some seriously tight situations in every
game, we have come through, there has been none of
that frustrating lapse of concentration at the end. We
all remember games last season where with the hard
work of winning done, a losing bonus point would be
coughed up late on. It’s promising.
Or to put it Yogi’s way “You give 100 percent in the first
half of the game, and if that isn’t enough in the second
half you give what’s left.”
We may need a bit of that character this afternoon and
it would nice to think that the television audience will
see a little of the magic which has made Sardis Road
such a tough place to come and play. My own particular
favourite to date was Rhys Shellard’s effort against
Bedwas. Anticipation , handling and pace combined to
score from half way. Sevens skills are not wasted skills.
Newport of course were the last team to beat us in this
competition. One of the great names of Welsh rugby
has had a difficult start to the new term. But we should
ignore that today. After all, the Dragons and Newport
County are both going well so why not the other
inhabitants of Rodney Parade?
The refurbished Parade is one of the best venues in
Welsh sport with top class teams playing in the city
centre a short walk from the station and in a setting
dripping with history. We oldies like it a lot.
If only the cricket pitch and the fabulous wooden
pavilion had survived. It was where, in the first season
of limited overs cricket in the early 1960s I saw Don
Shepperd hit a six into the coal stockpiles of the
Uskmouth Power Station. That’s how I remember it
anyway. It was also where I made my first 50 in a
schoolboy match .
What I never tell anyone is that it didn’t count because
it came in the second match of the day. First time
around we lost so quickly that there was time for
another match. At least that won’t be happening today.
It’s been a tough start, the players have responded , but
who is going to step up from the ranks and put their
hand up for regular selection. I wonder.
The last word goes to Mr Berra.”
You can observe a lot
by watching.”
Peter Johnson
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
15
Gair i Gall
“Gair i Gall” translates as a “word to the wise” and is a Welsh language feature in our matchday
magazine from time to time. Try to pick up a few words, get a feel for some of the expressions, ask
for some guidance from the nearest Welsh speaker… a little understanding goes a long way!
‘Rhywfaint yn
Gymraeg’
‘Popeth yn Gymraeg’ yw slogan poblogaidd yr
ymgyrchwyr iaith, ond wrth ymdrechu i roi lle priodol
i’r heniaith ym mywyd bob dydd Clwb Rygbi
Pontypridd, ‘Rhywfaint yn Gymraeg’ yw’r nod.
Mae rhoi lle amlycach i’r Gymraeg ym myd chwaraeon
yn bolisi gan y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol, ac yn un y mae
Undeb Rygbi Cymru wedi ymrwymo iddo - er nad oes
unrhyw dystiolaeth o hynny ar eu gwefan.
Mae Clwb Rygbi Pontypridd wedi gwneud y
penderfyniad swyddogol i fynd ati i roi proffil
ehangach i’r Gymraeg ac o dipyn i beth, i
“naturaleiddio” defnydd ir iaith o fewn y clwb. Gam
wrth gam y gellir gwneud hyn, trwy gyflwyno’r iaith yn
raddol fel bo cefnogwyr, swyddogion a hyd yn oed y
chwaraewyr yn dod i arfer fwy-fwy a’i defnydd.
Mae’r erthygl yma ‘Gair i Gall’ yn ymddangos o dro i dro
yn ein cylchgrawn, mae eitemau Cymraeg yn cael eu
gosod ar wefan y clwb, ac mae caneuon Cymraeg i’w
clywed yn achlysurol dros yr uchelseinydd adeg gemau.
Mae’r clwb hefyd yn cyfrannu’n rheolaidd i’r papur bro
Tafod Elai ac yn darlledu ar sioe wythnosol yr orsaf
radio leol GTFM - Yr Awr Fawr.
PONTY.NET
The official Pontypridd RFC website
www.facebook.com/pontypriddrfc
www.twitter.com/pontypriddrfc
Y ddilema sylfaenol i ddyfodol yr iaith, yn enwedig
mewn ardal fel cymoedd y de, yw ei gwneud yn iaith y
sgwrs naturiol o ddydd i ddydd. Mae addysg Gymraeg
wedi cymryd camau enfawr ymlaen dros y degawdau
diwethaf, ond mae’r iaith yn rhy aml yn cael ei gadael ar
iard yr ysgol neu gampws y coleg ac nemor byth i’w
chlywed ar y stryd, yn y caffi neu’r dafarn neu ar
derasau ein meysydd chawarae.
Mae’n enghraifft nodweddiadol o’r broblem hon fod
nifer o aelodau carfan Pontypridd yn medru’r Gymraeg,
ond nad yw’n iaith eu hymgom gan nad yw’n naturiol
iddi fod. Mae eu defnydd o’r iaith o leiaf yn cael ei
ehangu drwy wneud cyfweliadau di-ddiwedd gyda’r
gohebwyr radio a theledu!
Mae aelodau tim cyfryngau Pontypridd i gyd yn rhugl
yn y Gymraeg - swyddog y rhwydwaith ddigidol Owen
Williams a’r merched sy’n cyflwyno eitemau Ponty TV,
Carrie Toms a Ceris Davies - a’r bwriad yw manteisio ar
hynny a gwneud mwy o ddefnydd ymarferol o’r iaith yn
y dyfodol.
Rhoi’r iaith ar waith ym Mhontypridd, ac ennill tir yn
raddol bach, dyna yw’r nod!
Guto Davies
In this article Media
Officer Guto Davies
explains Pontypridd
RFC’s aim of gradually
promoting the Welsh
language in all aspects
of its work - in line
with Welsh Assembly
and WRU policy. To
give the language a
natural profile in
everyday life is the
key motive.
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
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Player Profile
Alex Webber
Rugby Matters
Rugby moment to remember:
Playing in the Hong Kong Sevens final
Full Name:
Alex Webber
Rugby moment to forget: A knee injury playing in Japan
AKA: ‘Webber’
Rugby opponent to respect: Dylan Jones (Ystrad Rhondda)
The Facts
Rugby is good because: I get to sidestep Rhys Shellard
Rugby is bad because: Playing in the cold weather
Birthplace:
Tylorstown
‘Before I Die’
Date of Birth: 24/03/92
One place to visit: New York
Height: 6ft 2 inch
One person to meet: David Beckham
One thing to do: Go on a Euro trip with the boys
Weight:
13st 3lb
Position: Winger
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w w w . p o n t y . n e t
23
Vital Statistics
Fixtures And Results – 2013-14 Season
2013
Date
7th September
14th September
18th September
21st September
29th September
5th October
12th October
19th October
26th October
30th October
2nd November
23rd November
29th November
3rd December
7th December
14th December
21st December
26th December
Opposition
Cardiff
Bedwas
Bridgend
Cross Keys
Newport
Llandovery
Edinburgh Academ’
London Welsh
Neath
Bridgend
Bedwas
Llanelli
Carmarthen
Cross Keys
London Scottish
London Scottish
Swansea
Cardiff
Venue
Home
Home
Home
Away
Home
Away
Away
Home
Away
Away
Away
Home
Away
Home
Home
Away
Home
Home
Competition
Result
B & I Cup
Won
Principality Prem Won
Principality Prem Won
Principality Prem Won
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
B & I Cup
B & I Cup
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
B & I Cup
B & I Cup
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
London Welsh
Edinburgh Academ’
Neath
Aberavon
Llandovery
Carmarthen
Swansea
Aberavon
Newport
Cardiff
Llanelli
Away
Home
Home
Away
Home
Home
Away
Home
Away
Away
Away
B & I Cup
B & I Cup
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
For
22
42
27
28
Agst
19
31
23
11
Tries
3
6
3
3
Cons
2
3
3
2
Pens
1
2
2
3
D/G
0
0
0
0
119
84
15
10
8
0
2014
11th January
18th January
8th February
22nd February
1st March
8th March
14th March
29th March
5th April
19th April
26th April
Total
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
24
4
4
0
0
P o w e r
|
P r i d e
|
P a s s i o n
Head to Head - Pontypridd v Newport
Played: 20 Matches
Pontypridd Newport
DRAWN
1
WON
9
10
POINTS
404
446
Last Five Meetings
Date
Home
22/02/2013 Pontypridd
28/10/2012
Newport
09/03/2012 Newport
15/10/2011 Pontypridd
20/11/2010 Pontypridd
Result
32-24
20-19
24-15
30-24
28-15
Away
Newport
Pontypridd
Pontypridd
Newport
Newport
Newport was the only team to beat Pontypridd in the Premiership last season, registering a narrow 20-19 win at Rodney parade.
However, Ponty got their revenge at Sardis Road in February, not only claiming a winning bonus point with a very late
Dan Godfrey try, but cruelly denying Newport both the win and the losing bonus point that they so richly deserved.
Principality Premiership Table
Pos
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Club
Pontypridd
Carmarthen Quins
Llandovery
Llanelli
Cardiff
Swansea
Aberavon
Cross Keys
Bridgend
Neath
Newport
Bedwas
Pl
3
3
2
3
2
2
2
2
3
2
2
2
W
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
D
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
The People’s Solicitors
L
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
3
2
2
2
PF
97
91
57
73
37
36
33
30
60
37
27
40
PA
65
51
27
56
23
40
33
41
115
51
47
69
Diff
32
40
30
17
14
-4
0
-11
-55
-14
-20
-29
TF
12
11
8
7
3
3
3
2
7
3
3
3
TA
6
3
4
5
2
3
4
4
15
5
6
8
Winner
of the RCTCBC
Business Club Award
for Excellence in
Marketing
2012
TB
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
LB Pts
0 13
0 13
0 9
1 9
1 5
1 5
0 4
0 4
1
1
1
1
1
1
0 0
Winner
of the R
CTCBC
Busines
Start Us Club Awar
d
p Busin
ess
of the Y
ea
2011 r
n Wills
n Probate
n Lasting Power of Attorneys
n Inheritance Advice
n Care Home Fees
[email protected]
www.fullstoplaw.com
Head Office in Pontyclun
☎ 0844 209 2343
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
25
Vital Statistics
Appearances for
the 2013-14 Season
The
Laundrette
19 Bridge Street
PONTYPRIDD
CF37 4PE
01443 858308
Keeping Ponty RFC Clean!
power of design
pride in ponty
passion for rugby
today’s programme designers
t: 01443 209731
e: [email protected]
w: www.seerdesign.co.uk
4 Waun Hir | PONTYPRIDD | CF38 1AX
26
Name
Started
Repl.
T
C
P
DGs
Luke
CROCKER
1
0
0
0
0
0
Total
0
Gavin
DACEY
2
1
3
0
0
0
15
Chris
DICOMIDIS
4
0
2
0
0
0
10
Huw
DOWDEN
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
Dai
FLANAGAN
2
0
0
6
4
0
24
Dan
GODFREY
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
Tom
HETHERINGTON
1
0
1
0
0
0
5
James
HOWE
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
Simon
HUMBERSTONE
2
2
1
4
4
0
25
Keiron
JENKINS
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
Owen
JENKINS
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lewis
JONES
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
Craig
LOCKE
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
Dafydd
LOCKYER
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mathew
NUTHALL
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
Wayne
O’CONNOR
2
1
1
0
0
0
5
Joel
RAIKES
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Rhys
SHELLARD
1
1
1
0
0
0
5
Owen
SHEPPEARD
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
Jordan
SIENIAWSKI
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Garyn
SMITH
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Aled
SUMMERHILL
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
Adam
THOMAS
1
1
1
0
0
0
5
Jake
THOMAS
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
Geraint
WALSH
2
0
1
0
0
0
5
Alex
WEBBER
2
0
3
0
0
0
15
Gary
WILLIAMS
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lee
WILLIAMS
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
Lloyd
WILLIAMS
1
3
0
0
0
0
0
Rhys
WILLIAMS
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart
WILLIAMS
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
Tom
WILLIAMS
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
Gareth
WYATT
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Tom
YOUNG
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Penalty
TRY
0
0
1
0
0
0
5
15
10
8
0
119
P o w e r
|
P r i d e
|
P a s s i o n
Ponty Past Times
Pontypridd 3 : 9 Romania
It was on 26th September 1979 that Pontypridd
hosted the national team of Romania as part of
its short tour of Wales.
Ponty were reigning club champions and losing cup
finalists from the previous season, and barely six months
earlier had only narrowly and unluckily lost by 14pts to 16
to a strong Taranaki team captained by All Black legend
Graham Mourie.
The visitors conceded numerous penalties but Pontypridd
outside half Jeff Hazzard having an uncharacteristic offnight with the boot, converting only one of eight
attempts at goal.
Centre Constantin opened the scoring for Romania with a
penalty, which was cancelled out by Hazzard’s one
successful effort, sending the teams into the interval level
on 3pts apiece.
If Tom David and his team were thereby classed as
favourites to overcome the Romanian tourists, their hopes
were dashed as they went down to defeat by 3pts to 9.
Outside half Alexandru dropped a goal for the tourists
before full back Bucos kicked another penalty to seal the
victory by 3pts to 9.
The atrocious weather conditions were a significant factor
in the way the game panned out, but so was the
efficiency, discipline and the confidence of the
opposition.
Pontypridd:
Ponty’s attempts to spread the ball along their back line
were hampered by the driving rain, and stopped short by
the well organised Romanian defence, with their back row
effectively blocking the trademark charges of home
flanker Tom David.
Romania:
M. Bucos; M. Aldea; I. Zafiescu; I. Constantin; P. Motrescu;
D. Alexandru; M. Paraschiv; N. Cioarec; M. Munteanu;
C. Scarlat; I. Pintea; G. Dumitru (cpt); F. Murariu; P. Bors;
E. Stoica (rep: I. Bucan).
Referee: M. Bessan (France).
I. Walsh; A. Rose; J. Poole; C. Riley; K. Swain; J. Hazzard;
R. Dyer; J. Newland; D. Young; K. Salmon; R. Penberthy;
J. Luff; T.P. David (cpt); D. Shellard; D. Jones.
The 1979 tour raised Romania’s profile as an emerging
rugby nation, winning all four of their matches leading up
to an unofficial test against Wales on 6th October. In that
encounter, and up against an all but full strength Welsh XV
containing household names such as Ray Gravell, Terry
Holmes, Graham Price, Bob Norster and Derek Quinnell,
the Romanians went down to defeat by a solitary point
12pts to 13.
Romania tour of Wales 1979
Scores and results list Romania’s points tally first.
Opposing Team
Ebbw Vale
Pontypridd
North Wales
West Wales
Wales XV
For Against Date
Venue
12
0
Sept 22 Eugene Cross Park
9
3
Sept 26
Sardis Road
38
15
Sept 29
Colwyn Bay
15
11
Oct 2
Stradey Park
12
13
Oct 6 National Stadium
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
27
NEW home and
away official
jerseys
available NOW
www.rhino-teamwear.com
Club shop open match days | Mon, Wed & Fri: 09.00 - 11.00
The Opposition
NEWPORT RFC
Last Saturday Newport’s coaching team (including the
two Ponty stalwarts of old, Sven Cronk and Jon
Bryant) were left to rue a victory that slipped from
their grasp as they lost at home to Llanelli by 20-26.
The Newport club had been hoping to repeat the
achievement of the Dragons who set Rodney Parade
buzzing with a great win against the Scarlets the night
before, but in the club game Llanelli won with a try
scored in the last minute of play. Sven Cronk said
afterwards that if some areas of their play are worked
on this Newport team will have a good season, and
few would dispute that.
They have an experienced new captain in back-rower Lee
Beach, who honed his skills here with Pontypridd. They
have other numerous veterans like evergreen props Dai
Pattison and Gethin Robinson, locks Adam Frampton and
Adam Brown and flanker Sam Waldron, giving Newport
probably the most streetwise pack in the Premiership.
These are complemented by some fleet footed try
hungry backs like wingers Owen Broad and Elliot Frewen
(a star in Tonmawr’s brief stay in this division) and new
centre Tyler Morgan who scored a try last Saturday in his
first full start for the club. Over the last fortnight they’ve
also brought in some more new faces to the squad,
including prop James Greenfield who’s joined from
Pontypool, as has fly half Matt O’Brien, whose brother
Angus played against us last Saturday for Cross Keys.
Pan ddaeth camerau S4C yma ddwetha, i ddarlledu gem
derfynol y tymor am bencampwriaeth y Principality
rhwng Ponty a Llanelli fe wnaethon ni’r sylw fod y Sianel
wedi colli cyfle trwy beidio dangos mwy o gemau rhwng
timau’r Uwch Adran gydol y tymor. Rhyw dair neu bedair
o gemau clwb gafodd eu dangos drwy’r tymor (gan
gynnwys gem derfynol Cwpan Swalec). Mae’r Sianel fel
petae hi’n gwneud iawn am hynny yn awr trwy ddarlledu
pedair gem o’r adran yma ar bedair penwythnos olynol.
Gobaith taer llawer o gefnogwyr y clybiau yw y bydd y
Sianel yn parhau gyda’r ymroddiad yma, gan fod y lefel
yma’n yngorffori gornestau caled rhwng yr hen glybiau
cymunedol yn ogystal a bod yn ffenest siop i fois ifainc
hynod o dalentog all fynd mlaen i wisgo crysau eu
rhanbarth (er nad ydyn ni ym Mhontypridd yn cyfri
hynny’n anrhydedd gyfuwch a gwisgo du a gwyn y clwb!)
neu mewn amal i achos, grys coch eu gwlad.
Gellid nodi fod y gem rhwng bois y Sosban a’r Valley
Commandos fis Mai dwetha wedi denu mwy o wylwyr i
S4C yr wythnos honno nag unrhyw raglen ag eithrio pum
pennod Pobol y Cwm. Hanner can mil o wylwyr yn ol y
ffigurau – a gobeithio y bydd gwylwyr y prynhawn ‘ma
hefyd yn cael mwynhau gem agored ac achlysur cyffrous.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
Fitted Kitchens
Truss & Cut Roofs
Decking
Fitted Bedrooms
Laminated Flooring
Solid Wood Flooring
Internal/External Doors
Stairs, Hand Rails & Spindles
Extension & Garage Conversions
Butt & Scribe Worktop Service
PVC Windows/Fascias & Guttering
29
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P o w e r
|
Solicitors • Cyfreithwyr
6 Central Buildings, Central Square, Trallwn, Pontypridd RCT CF37 4PN
Tel: 01443 403666 • Fax: 01443 680001 • Email: [email protected]
73 Hannah St., Porth, RCT, CF39 9PY
Tel: 01443 680000 • Fax: 01443 680001 • Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01443 403666 • Fax: 01443 403688
HUW JOHN, LLB(Hons) Tel: 07971 631292
SUZANNE HAMILTON, BA (Hons) Tel: 07903 230315
MARK DAVID LEYSHON, BA(Hons) Tel: 07899 741661
P r i d e
|
P a s s i o n
Focus on Youth
Ponty Youth start of season report
Pontypridd Youth, having assembled a new look squad
for the season to come, have got their Blues A League
campaign off to a positive start, and that after
suffering an early setback in the first round of the Taff
Rhondda District Cup.
This early momentum in the league was maintained as
the Youth then played a home tie against Rumney on
Saturday 21st September. Making their first appearance
of the season at Sardis Road, Ponty Youth posted an
emphatic win by 24pts to 3.
Having taken on board a number of last season’s under
16s squad, Ponty Youth played Llandovery in a home
friendly match on 24th August and registered a 31pts to
14 victory. Pre-season preparations were then hampered
by postponements before the Youth engaged in their
first competitive fixture, a District Cup tie away to
Gilfach Goch on 7th September.
Pontypridd Youth are this season delighted to be
sponsored by Rhino / Tusk Teamwear.
Commenting on the new kit deal, Ponty Rugby
Commercial Manager Emma Rogers said: “It is vital that
we offer our suppliers and sponsors the opportunity to
promote their brands from the youth level through to
the senior squad.
Pontypridd had beaten the same opponents in the
corresponding round the previous year, but this time
went down to a disappointing defeat by 33pts to 10 to
exit the competition.
“With the youth section providing a secure platform for
the club’s future, we are thrilled that kit sponsors Rhino
/ Tusk Teamwear have chosen to commit further to the
players and to the club.”
There was a need to regroup quickly as the Blues A
League campaign then commenced on the following
Saturday 14th September. Ponty’s first fixture was away
to one of the form teams of the previous season,
Glamorgan Wanderers.
Ponty Youth travelled to the Ely Memorial Ground in
Cardiff and came away with a very commendable victory
by 18pts to 25. This was, as expected, a hard fought
match with the result in the balance right to the end.
RED Travel Services Ltd
Roger E. Davies
RED Travel Services Ltd
T: 01443 491302
M: 07966 475785
[email protected]
www.redgrouptravel.co.uk
• Top Quality Travel Packages at extremely competitive prices - Only dealing with Top Quality
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w w w . p o n t y . n e t
31
@Elite_BC
Elite Body Conditioning
www.elitebc.co.uk
Contact: 07826 851470 / 07854 660867
[email protected]
In association
with Pontypridd RFC
Unit 38, Albion Industrial Estate, Cilfynydd, Pontypridd, CF37 4NX
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
33
Noticeboard
Match Sponsors
Today’s
Mascot
Our mascot for this
afternoon’s game against
Newport is six year old
Lexie Walsh from Pontypridd.
Lexie attends Heol y Celyn
school and is the niece of
Ponty full back Geraint Walsh,
who is also of course her
favourite player.
Our match sponsor for this afternoon’s match against Newport is Egan Waste
Services Ltd. The company has been a loyal and steadfast partner of our club
over the past ten seasons, a contribution that has been greatly appreciated.
We trust that the representatives and guests of Egan Waste Services will have
an enjoyable visit to Sardis Road today.
Golden Bob Award
The “Golden Bob” award for today’s
match against Newport is nominated by
sponsors The Friends of Pontypridd.
The Man of the Match for the last home
game against Bridgend was try scoring
flanker Tom Hetherington. He was
presented with his grogg trophy by
sponsors Mr & Mrs S and C Jones.
BIC AWAY
TRIPS
The Pontypridd
Supporters’ Club are
organizing trips to all
away British & Irish Cup
matches, which are
already selling out fast. A two night stay for the Edinburgh
match on 12th October, and a one night stay for the London
Scottish match on 14th December have been organized, as
well as day trips to the London Scottish game and to the
London Welsh game on 11th January 2014.
For more information log on to the club website
www.ponty.net, see Chris Kingsbury or call Phil Lycett on:
01443662561.
SIX NATIONS
tickets on sale
Tickets for Wales’ 2014 Six Nations
matches are now available on sale from
Pontypridd RFC. Members and supporters
can make their applications by e-mailing:
[email protected] or by calling Wayne
Cullen on: 07828672385.
Wales will play three home fixtures,
against Italy, France and Scotland, and two
away fixtures against Ireland and England.
Tickets go on sale varying in price from £25
to £80, with a limited number only
available for the away fixtures.
34
P o w e r
Follow Ponty and see the world!
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P r i d e
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P a s s i o n
Bucket Collection
Please give generously...
Today’s bucket collection will raise funds for the Pontypridd RFC Mini & Junior
section. The future generations of Ponty players are in good hands as the squads
aged from under sevens to under fifteens continue to prosper. The running of
this section from week to week requires funding. Please give generously to this
afternoon’s collection as an investment in the future of our club.
Club Shop
Pop into the Club Shop to browse and buy - a wide
variety of replica kit, training gear, gifts and
accessories are available, with discount prices on
many clearance items.
Ponty supporters have the option of enjoying some
retail therapy in store at the
Club Shop or buying on-line
from the comfort of their
own home.
You can now shop
on-line by logging on
to:
www.ponty.net/e-shop
Craig Gallivan
Friday 4th October
One of the leading up and coming talents in Wales,
Craig Gallivan, will be appearing live at Pontypridd
RFC on Friday 4th October 2013.
A star of the hit TV show Stella, Craig is also a top
vocalist and has earned rave reviews for his stage act.
Tickets are now on sale from the club priced at £10.
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
35
Pontypridd RFC
Newport RFC
Adam Thomas
Alex Webber
Gavin Dacey
Dafydd Lockyer
Gareth Wyatt
Simon Humberstone
Lloyd Williams
James Howe
Huw Dowden
Keiron Jenkins
Lee Williams
Chris Dicomidis - cpt
Luke Crocker
Thomas Young
Dan Godfrey
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Geraint O’Driscoll
Elliot Frewen
Dan Robinson
Tyler Morgan
Tom James
Matt O’Brien
Andrew Quick
Dai Pattison
Dale Rogers
Alex Jeffries
Adam Brown
Adam Frampton
Sam Waldron
Craig Attwell
Lee Beach - cpt
Replacements
Subs: 16.Tom Williams.
17.Dai Flanagan.
18.Gary Williams.
19.Rhys Williams.
20.Tom Hetherington.
21.Jordan Sieniawski. 22.Lewis
Jones. 23.Stuart Williams
Subs: 16.Jamie Jeune.
17.Gethin Robinson.
18.Nathan Williams.
19.Brendan Lampitt.
20.James Leadbeater.
21.Ethan Davies. 22.Dom
Franchi. 23.Dafydd Rosser.
Match Officials
Referee: Wayne Davies | Touch Judges: Sean Brickell • Matthew Thomas
O l é ,
O l é ,
O l é ,
O l é . . .