Pontypridd v Llandovery

£2 Issue 171
The Official Matchday
Magazine of
Pontypridd Rugby
Principality Premiership
Pontypridd v Llandovery
Saturday 1st March 2014
Kick off: 2:30pm
Main Club Sponsor:
T h e
V o i c e
Match Sponsor:
o f
t h e
V a l l e y s
24/7 Emergency Call Out
tel: 01443 841833
07977 022003
Fax: 01443 842801
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 Waughington,
Roger E. Davies, Guto Davies,
Theresa Davies, Peter Howells,
Alun Jones, Steve Reardon,
Perry Stephens, Chris Kingsbury,
Wayne Cullen, Martyn Morgan.
HEAD COACH
Paul John
ASSISTANT COACH
Geraint Lewis
CONDITIONING COACH
Darren Bool
TEAM MANAGER
Richard Langmead
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]
On the feast day of our patron saint, St David, we extend a warm welcome to
the players, officials and supporters of Llandovery RFC. Last season,
Pontypridd RFC achieved the ‘double’ over the ‘Drovers’ in the Principality
Building Society Premiership winning 12-19 at Church Bank Fields’ on Friday
30th November 2012, and 21-11 at Sardis Road on Friday 1st February 2013.
In the penultimate match, Pontypridd RFC entertained Edinburgh Academical
Football Club in the last round of pool matches in this season’s British & Irish
Cup. Despite commencing the day as leaders of pool two, the club faced the
very realistic possibility of not qualifying for the knockout stages. In the most
competitive pool of all, not only did we need to secure a bonus point in our
match, but we had to rely on London Welsh RFC defeating London Scottish RFC
at Richmond Athletic Ground, whilst denying them a bonus point in the process.
The desired result from London seemed all the more implausible as ‘Scottish’
had already seen ‘Welsh’ off twice away from home this season. Failing to finish
top of pool two meant no hope of qualification as one of the two best runnersup, due to the superior positions of Bristol Rugby and Munster A in their
respective pools.
A constant stream of updates from the media assembled at Sardis Road added
to our impending condemnation as they confirmed a half time score of 18-8
from the Richmond Athletic Ground. Reflecting upon my assertion to Julie
Paterson, Head of Compliance at the WRU and Josh Lewsey, Head of Rugby at
the WRU, that it was the intention of Pontypridd RFC to win the British & Irish
Cup, I smiled wryly at the thought of Justin Burnell’s parting words at the
Kassam Stadium, ‘’Steve, we’ll beat London Scottish for Ponty’’. Little did I realise
that I and others would end the afternoon huddled around the WRU, GTFM and
BBC correspondents listening anxiously and willing ‘Welsh’ to hold on to their
miraculous second half revival with ‘Scottish’ pressing late for the try that
would that would give them passage at our expense. The response from our
terraces told its own story and our reward is a quarter-final place at the home
of inaugural BIC winners, Cornish Pirates, on Sunday 6th April 2014; kick off 200pm.
After condemning Cross Keys RFC to slip to fifth place last Saturday, Llandovery
RFC travels to Sardis Road in second position in the Principality Building Society
Premier League, with 50 points from fifteen matches. The last occasion upon
which Pontypridd RFC participated in the premier league was nine weeks ago
last Thursday; nonetheless, the club lies in third place with 47 points from
twelve matches. As the 27-27 draw at Church Bank Fields last October
illustrates, matches between the clubs continue to be highly competitive.
The Bush Inn sponsors the ‘Golden Bob’ Man of the Match, while the Match
Sponsor is Connective HR. 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
We are coming into
the crucial last
three months of
the season and still
have all to play for
with our hopes still
alive in three
competitions.
We are in a good position to go all out for honours as we
have key players coming back from injury at the right time
and a positive outlook within the squad. Our new forwards
coach Geraint Lewis has also now had time to settle in and
his ideas are coming to fruition on the field of play.
Credit must be given to injured players such as Dafydd
Lockyer, Gavin Dacey, Jake Thomas and Huw Dowden who
have all been putting in additional hours in the gym in a bid
to recover ahead of schedule. Others like Craig Locke, Chris
Phillips, Lloyd Williams and Owen Sheppeard have also been
joining me for Monday evening sessions to boost their
power levels, which should reap great benefits towards the
end of the season.
The last five weeks have been frustrating due to the freak
weather conditions, which not only denied us games to play
but also venues for training. We have been relying on players
to carry out their own conditioning work, and our rustiness
and frustration was evident in last Saturday’s cup tie against
Newport. It has been a bonus for us to be able to use the
astroturf training pitch at Porth County school where we
now hold regular Tuesday evening sessions.
The run in to the end of the season will be a huge test for
the squad, with a backlog of fixtures to get through and
every game in each competition being a crucial one. We will
put our trust in the young talent we have coming through, to
utilise the strength in depth of the squad and with all
players knowing that when selected they have to perform to
the maximum level.
All credit to Chris Dicomidis and Simon Humberstone, and
more recently Pat Palmer, who have stepped up to regional
level with the Blues and performed well. We hope to see
the former two back in action for Ponty before the season
ends. Also to all the youngsters who are currently involved
with Wales at under 20 and under 18 level and who are a
credit to our club.
Finally I would like to give a special mention to our head
coach Paul John. Johnsey’s passion for and commitment to
Pontypridd RFC is phenomenal. He recently made a big
decision to take up a full time coaching post with the Blues
but in doing so maintained his role with our club. He has
earned the total respect of everyone involved with the
squad and set an example to us all.
Darren Bool Conditioning Coach
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
7
www.cardiffsportsorthopaedics.co.uk
w
ww.cardiffsp
s ortsorthopaedicss.co.uk 08445 617152 e
[email protected]
[email protected]
Specialists in:
Sports Injuries Ligament Reconstruction
Shoulder Surgery Cartilage Regeneration Hip & Knee Surgery
Joint Replacement Foot & Ankle Surgery
Gallery
Pontypridd v Newport
22nd February 2014
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
9
Age Grade Rugby
Ponty U14s Back on Track
After a disappointing start
to the season, with a
playing record of won 2
and lost 6 from September
through to November,
Pontypridd under 14s are
striving hard to turn things
around after the turn of
the New Year.
The introduction of a new
coaching team, led by Tony
Hill and Neil Mogford, with
Clive Baynham taking over
as team manager, David
Slade as forwards coach and Tony Williams as backs
coach, had the desired effect of galvanizing the young
squad.
It was still difficult to build up any real momentum in
December and January with a number of fixtures
postponed due to the dismal weather conditions that hit
the country.
After a hard fought 20pts all draw at home to Treorchy
on Sunday 15th December, the under 14s did not play
again until 5th January, when an impressive 10pts to 37
victory was recorded away to Chepstow. That form was
carried on into the next weekend with a 19pts to 0 home
win over Rhiwbina.
Just as the squad were picking up momentum, there
followed another enforced break due to the weather,
with the next four fixtures called off.
As the under 14s returned to action on Sunday 16th
February they lost narrowly away to Pill Harriers by 12pts
to 17. Seven days later there was a sign of real
improvement as a comprehensive 45pts to 7 home win
over Newport High School Old Boys was registered.
Pontypridd under 14s are showing great commitment
with extra training sessions being held in the Elite Body
Conditioning gym in Cilfynydd. The collective spirit of
the squad was highlighted recently as over £1,000 was
raised in the ‘Ponty to Paris’ cyclathon staged at the local
Sainsbury’s store and organised by Lela Brewin.
Pontypridd under 14s can now look forward to a tour of
Cornwall on the last weekend in March, and defending
the Mike Rayer Trophy which was won last season against
Bedford Blues.
Head Coach Tony Hill commented on the progress being
made: “With several new players in our squad there have
been some hills to climb but step by step we are getting
there. With eager players prepared to listen, learn and
work hard we are becoming very competitive around the
park and at the set piece.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the
players, parents, guardians, brothers, sisters and
grandparents for their help in all fund raising activities.
“As a group of coaches we are totally committed to
making this age group successful and have many exciting
prospects coming through. I have no doubt that we can
continue the record of Pontypridd Mini & Juniors in
producing players that will grace Sardis Road in the not
too distant future.”
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
11
heart
We put our
into
Pontypridd RFC
Proud sponsors of the
Principality Premiership
www.principality.co.uk
Principality Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the
Prudential Regulation Authority, reference number 155998. Principality Building Society, Principality Buildings, Queen Street, Cardiff, CF10 1UA.
www.principality.co.uk
PPPA5 80/13-1
,+*)+('&*+
%+$#"!+' $)+'
"'+$(+'&*+
%+$(*"'$' ($%
$ $'+('$)'
$ ,+(&'$'&$**
$ +$,+
$ +''$'+'''"&$
*"'("$'+('
$ ,+')'"&$,"$#('
$*+$'+('
&'$&+''&$,*"&)+(!!
#$+!($*!$$
$'
Unit B
Maritime Industrial Estate
Pontypridd
CF37 1NY
www.bemahairandbeauty.co.uk
Hair & Beauty Suppliers
Hair Extensions – Hair Micro Bonds – Spray Tanning – Hair Tools – The Edge Nails – Spray Tanning
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
13
W
NE
M
GY N
E
OP
01443 843 230
www.pacificfitness.co.uk
Whether your goals are weight loss, weight gain or just
toning, We offer a full array of equipment to cater
for all of your fitness needs from
some of the best
qualified Personal
Trainers in the
business.
Memberships
MON - FRI
6am - 10pm
SAT - SUN
8am - 4pm
£ 29.99
per month
(includes all classes)
via direct debit
No Contra
No
Contract
ct
No Joining
No
g Fee
No Cance
No
Cancelation
elation Fee
6000 sqft G
6000
GYM
Large Car Park
Large
Spin & Fitne
Spin
Fitness
ess Classes
Large Free
Large
e Weights Area
Functional Training
Functional
Monolift
Monolift
Power Rac
Power
Racks
cks
Olympic Be
Olympic
Benches
enches
JOIN US
Sports Nutr
Sports
Nutrition
rition
Unit 5, Taff Business Centre,Tonteg Road, Treforest Ind Estate, Pontypridd, CF37 5UA
The District
In this feature we give a profile of fellow member clubs of the Mid District Rugby Union
Tylorstown RFC
The picturesque community of Pendyrus
in the Rhondda Fach valley was
transformed when entrepreneur Alfred
Tylor began a coal mining operation in the
area in the mid nineteenth century. The
village that sprung up around the new pit
head was named after him – Tylorstown.
As in many other communities the length
and breadth of the valleys, men took to the
newly introduced game of rugby football
with vague references to fixtures being
staged from about 1895. It was not until
1903 that a club formally known as
Tylorstown RFC came into existence, with a
first report published in the Western Mail
of a game against Llwynypia RFC on 27th
February 1905.
Tylorstown in action
Tylorstown RFC gained membership of the
Welsh Rugby Union in 1937 but the club
Famous players who began their careers at Tylorstown
already enduring some major setbacks, closed down for
include Howard Norris and John Bevan who both went on
periods during both world wars and suffering the effects
to represent the British Lions, and Gordon Wells, Morgan
of the great depression in the years between those
Stoddard and Rhys Gill who were capped for Wales.
catastrophic events.
Norman Laing was another player who turned out for the
The club battled on and began to win trophies and to
produce players that progressed to represent Wales and
the British Lions.
Having threatened to achieve success through the 1960s
Tylorstown finally got some silverware into their trophy
cabinet as Mid District Rugby Union champions and
Coleman Cup winners in 1983.
Tigers and was capped by Scotland.
There were many who made the move from Penrhys Park
down the valley to Sardis Road to represent Pontypridd,
Stoddard being one, and likewise Lyn Howells, Nigel
Bezani, Gren Suchecki, Lee Beach and Gavin ‘Tinner’
Morris.
The club’s rise in profile coincided with the advent of
formal Welsh leagues, crowned as Division 6 champions
in 1996 and Division 3 south east champions in 2010.
The Tylorstown RFC Clubhouse, which was opened in
1964 on the hillside leading from the village to the
mountain top estate of Penrhys, became a popular social
venue serving the locality.
Turning out in amber and black hoops and aptly named
the Tylorstown Tigers, the club was gaining a fearsome
reputation and its home ground at Penrhys Park becoming
a venue where many opponents feared to tread.
The club’s senior team currently contests Division 3 south
east of the Welsh leagues, with women, youth, junior and
mini teams also being run in what is a true community
effort.
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
15
Player Profile
Owen Sheppeard
Rugby Matters
Rugby moment to remember: Playing Bristol in the BIC at Sardis Road
Full Name:
Owen Sheppeard
Rugby moment to forget: Losing 92-0 to New Zealand in the u20s World Cup
Rugby opponent to respect: Sam May
AKA: ‘Harvey/ Microphone Head
Rugby is good because: Great enjoyment if in the right environment
/ Bubbles / Sheppy’... etc
Rugby is bad because: Injuries
The Facts
‘Before I Die’
Birthplace: Pontypridd
One place to visit: Las Vegas
Date of Birth: 18/05/1992
One person to meet: Jordan Belfort
Height: 6ft 2in
One thing to do: Pass GCSE maths!
Weight: 17st 9lbs
Position: Back row
Owen Sheppeard
is sponsored by:
Pontypridd Post
Office
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
17
Personnel...
Sponsored
by
Village
People
BELCHER Liam
Sponsored
by
Mr & Mrs S
& C Jones
CASHIN James
Sponsored
by
Ann’s Gang
DACEY Gavin
Sponsored
by
Southward
Business
Computing
Ltd
Sponsored
by
The Loyal
Gang /
The Bush
Babies
JENKINS Keiron
JENKINS Owen
18
HOWE James
|
Sponsored
by
Mr & Mrs
S & C Jones
JAMES Gareth
Sponsored
by
Howards
Birthday
Present
& Alun
Morgan
Sponsored
by
BEMA
Engineering
P o w e r
FLANAGAN Dai
LOCKE Craig
NUTHALL Matthew
Sponsored
by
Mark &
Cheryl Bar
Managers
Sponsored
by
McBragger
Sponsored
by
media@
ponty.net
Sponsored
by
GMB Union
CROCKER Luke
EVANS Jarrod
HETHERINGTON Tom
Sponsored
by
Gaynor &
Ralph
Jones
Sponsored
by
Mr & Mrs
G & G Flye
/ Kathryn
Morgan
Sponsored
by
Ian Young
/ Steve &
Ann
Sponsored
by
Terry &
Ann /
GMB
Union
MORRIS Aled
CLAYTON Chris
DOWDEN Huw
GODFREY Dan
Sponsored
by
The Get It
In Gang
Sponsored
by
World of
Groggs
LOCKYER Dafydd
Sponsored
by
Mr & Mrs
G & G Flye
O’CONNOR Wayne
P r i d e
|
Sponsored
by
Mr & Mrs
S & C Jones
/ Hold The
Line Gang
PALMER Pat
P a s s i o n
Sponsored
by
Ken & John
PHILLIPS Chris
Sponsored
by
The Office
Girls
SMITH Garyn
Sponsored
by
PPE Ltd
SHELLARD Rhys
THYER Bradley
Sponsored
by
Hold The
Line Gang
WILLIAMS Lee
Sponsored
by
Friends of
Sue Price
& David
Jones
WILLIAMS Tom
SHEPPEARD Owen
Sponsored
by
Connective
Business
Solutions
SUMMERHILL Aled
Sponsored
by
Dennis
Pounder
Travel
Sponsored
by
Pontypridd
Post Office
Sponsored
by
Mr & Mrs
S & C Jones
/ John
Allen
WILLIAMS Lewis
Sponsored
by
Mr & Mrs
G & G Flye
WYATT Gareth
SIENIAWSKI Jordan
Sponsored
by
Colin
Humphreys
THOMAS Adam
Sponsored
by
Grayson
Mills /
Layton
Family
WALSH Geraint
Sponsored
by
O’Brien &
Gittins /
The Bush
Inn
Llantwit
Fardre
Sponsored
by
Friend of
Pontypridd
WEBBER Alex
Sponsored
by
Grayson
Mills
THOMAS Jake
Sponsored
by
K.C.C.S.
WILLIAMS Gary
Sponsored
by
Southward
Business
Computing
Ltd
WILLIAMS Lloyd
Sponsored
by
Mr & Mrs
S & C Jones
WILLIAMS Owen
No 1
1980 - 2013
WILLIAMS Stuart
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
19
Wales premier coach company
is proud to sponsor Wales’
premier rugby team
Winner “Welsh Coach of the Year”
Wales Team Coach
“Edwards” your local, award winning, family run coach and bus operator since 1925.
Whether booking a Coach Holiday, Disneyland Paris, River or Ocean Cruise,
Worldwide Holiday, London by train or a daytrip,
or simply hiring a coach, then give us a try.
Help us to Help Ponty!
Fancy a break in Cornwall?, then try our new
hotel, owned and operated by Edwards
The Portbyhan Hotel
Looe
Situated right on the quayside. Book
directly with the hotel on 01503 262071
and make your own way, or join one of our
coach holidays with local pick-ups.
Take a look - www.portbyhan.com
6 Nations Rugby
Tours 2014
Ireland
£229
England
£109
from
choice of 3 star and 4 star hotels,
Waterford, Wexford, Bray or
Dublin - 6th Feb - 4 day tours.
from
staying at the 4 star Hilton London
Metropole, transfers to Twickenham on
Sunday, 8th March, 2 day tour.
(Match tickets not provided)
Edwards Travel Shops are in: - Merthyr, Blackwood, Cardiff, Swansea and Llantwit Fardre.
Simply the best way to get away!
01443 202048
To book: call
or on line at www.edwardscoaches.co.uk
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
8th November
16th November
23rd November
30th November
3rd December
7th December
14th December
21st December
26th December
Opposition
Cardiff
Bedwas
Bridgend
Cross Keys
Newport
Llandovery
Edinburgh Academ’
London Welsh
Bridgend
Bedwas
Llanelli
Carmarthen
Cross Keys
London Scottish
London Scottish
Swansea
Cardiff
Venue
Home
Home
Home
Away
Home
Away
Away
Home
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 Won
Principality Prem Drew
B & I Cup
Won
B & I Cup
Won
Principality Prem Won
Principality Prem Won
Principality Prem Won
Principality Prem Won
Principality Prem Lost
B & I Cup
Won
B & I Cup
Lost
Principality Prem Won
Principality Prem Won
For
22
42
27
28
38
27
53
29
36
34
42
25
17
27
21
22
25
Agst
19
31
23
11
18
27
13
22
18
15
18
8
38
20
26
17
8
Tries
3
6
3
3
5
4
8
4
5
3
6
3
3
3
3
3
3
Cons
2
3
3
2
5
2
5
3
4
2
3
2
1
3
3
2
2
Pens
1
2
2
3
1
1
1
1
1
5
2
2
0
2
0
1
2
D/G
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
London Welsh
Edinburgh Academ’
Newport
Llandovery
Carmarthen
Swansea
Llanelli
Aberavon
Cornish Pirates
Cardiff
Llanelli
Away
Home
Home
Home
Home
Away
Home
Away
Away
Away
Away
B & I Cup
B & I Cup
SWALEC Cup
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
SWALEC Cup
Principality Prem
B & I Cup
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Lost
Won
Won
23
43
34
26
0
10
3
6
4
1
5
4
1
1
2
1
0
0
Total
615
368
81
57
31
1
2014
11th January
18th January
22nd February
1st March
8th March
15th March
22nd March
29th March
6th April
19th April
26th April
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
22
20
16
3
1
P o w e r
|
P r i d e
|
P a s s i o n
Head to Head - Pontypridd v Llandovery
Played: 24 Matches
Pontypridd Llandovery
DRAWN
2
WON
19
3
POINTS
586
379
TRIES
66
38
Last Five Meetings
Date
Competition
05/10/2013
Premiership
01/02/2013
Premiership
30/11/2012
Premiership
28/04/2012
Premiership
28/01/2012
SWALEC Cup
Venue
Church Bank
Sardis Road
Church Bank
Sardis Road
Church Bank
Result
Drew 27-27
Won 21-11
Won 19-12
Won 20-0
Won 3-0
Pontypridd and Llandovery have met 22 times in the Premiership (including a play-off in 2010),
and once each in the SWALEC and B&I Cups. Pontypridd has won 17 of the league encounters,
with two drawn. They won the B&I game 28-18, and the SWALEC Cup game by three points to nil!
Principality Premiership Table
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Team
PL
W
D
L
PF
PA
DIFF
TF
TA
TB
LB
PTS
Carmarthen Quins
Llandovery
Pontypridd
Llanelli
Cross Keys
Bedwas
Cardiff
Bridgend
Newport
Aberavon
Neath
Swansea
14
15
12
14
13
14
15
15
13
13
13
13
12
10
10
9
9
8
7
3
4
4
3
1
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
3
1
5
4
6
8
11
9
9
10
12
334
386
363
379
294
303
282
332
260
168
253
210
210
287
232
339
193
322
314
408
317
258
321
363
124
99
131
40
101
-19
-32
-76
-57
-90
-68
-153
38
47
47
42
29
31
36
37
27
17
30
19
18
32
25
40
22
30
39
51
41
27
36
39
2
5
5
4
5
2
3
3
2
0
2
0
1
1
0
3
2
2
2
6
3
1
3
6
51
50
47
43
43
36
33
23
21
17
17
10
The People’s Solicitors
Winner
of the RCTCBC
Business Club Award
for Excellence in
Marketing
2012
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
23
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
Name
Liam BELCHER
James CASHIN
Chris CLAYTON
Macauley COOK
Luke CROCKER
Gavin DACEY
Chris DICOMIDIS
Huw DOWDEN
Jarrod EVANS
Dai FLANAGAN
Dan GODFREY
Tom HETHERINGTON
James HOWE
Simon HUMBERSTONE
Gareth JAMES
Ellis JENKINS
Keiron JENKINS
Owen JENKINS
Lewis JONES
Craig LOCKE
Dafydd LOCKYER
Jack MAYNARD
Aled MORRIS
Miles NORMANDALE
Mathew NUTHALL
Wayne O’CONNOR
Pat PALMER
Tom PASCOE
Chris PHILLIPS
Joel RAIKES
Rhys SHELLARD
Owen SHEPPEARD
Jordan SIENIAWSKI
Garyn SMITH
Aled SUMMERHILL
Adam THOMAS
Jake THOMAS
Bradley THYER
Geraint WALSH
Alex WEBBER
Gary WILLIAMS
Lee WILLIAMS
Lewis I. WILLIAMS
Lloyd WILLIAMS
Owen WILLIAMS
Rhys WILLIAMS
Stuart WILLIAMS
Tom WILLIAMS
Gareth WYATT
Tom YOUNG
Penalty TRIES
Started
4
0
4
0
9
7
12
3
1
8
8
8
10
10
1
1
16
10
0
15
10
0
2
2
13
5
3
1
6
2
5
8
9
7
7
4
6
0
13
3
5
4
2
6
6
4
3
10
3
9
0
Repl.
0
1
0
1
2
1
0
5
1
6
4
7
9
5
1
0
3
0
6
4
2
1
5
0
1
5
5
1
6
3
3
3
4
3
2
2
0
1
3
0
2
6
1
7
0
2
3
4
4
1
0
4 Waun Hir | PONTYPRIDD | CF38 1AX
24
P o w e r
|
P r i d e
|
T
0
0
0
1
0
6
4
0
1
1
0
4
3
3
0
1
0
2
0
4
3
0
0
0
5
1
0
1
0
0
2
1
2
5
1
3
3
0
6
3
0
0
0
5
1
1
0
1
0
3
4
81
C
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
24
0
0
0
31
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
57
P
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
17
0
0
0
12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
31
DGs
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
P a s s i o n
Total
0
0
0
5
0
30
20
0
15
104
0
20
15
116
0
5
0
10
0
20
15
0
0
0
25
5
0
5
0
0
10
5
10
25
5
15
15
0
30
15
0
0
0
25
5
5
0
5
0
15
20
615
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!
Mae’n fraint cael ysgrifennu cwpwl o eiriau
yn iaith y nefoedd i’r rhaglen heddiw.
Rwy’ wedi treilio tipyn o amser yn ardal Pontypridd
oddiar i mi ddychwelyd i wneud cwrs tair blynedd HND
yn Politechnig Cymru yn Nhrefforest o 1976 i 1979.
Roeddwn yn teithio nol i chwarae i Lanymddyfri bob
penwythnos ond yn mwynhau chwarae i’r coleg bob
dydd Mercher. Byddem yn chwarae ochr arall i Glawdd
Offa bob yn ail wythnos a chwarae adref yn Rhydfelen
ac yr oedd pob gem felly yn teimlo fel Cymru yn erbyn
Lloegr wrth chwarae timoedd ledled y wlad o
Newcastle i Plymouth ac o Lundain i Lerpwl. Byddem yn
cyrraedd nol yn oriau man y bore yn y gobaith y byddai
“Sweaty Betty’s” ar agor er mwyn blasu’r cyri poeth a
edrychai fel ffowlyn mewn bowled o gawl ‘oxtail’ ond a
oedd yn flasus dros ben! Caled iawn oedd hi weithiau i
gyrraedd darlithiau ar fore dydd Iau!
Byddem hefyd yn chwarae ambell i gem yn erbyn
timoedd lleol fel Treherbert a Beddau. Prentisiaeth dda
oedd hyn i mi fel mewnwr ifanc yn erbyn rhai o’r hen
bennau ymlith gwrthwynebwyr profiadol. Dysgais sawl
gwers mewn amser byr iawn!
O’r adeg hynny hyd y presenol y mae ‘conveyor belt’ o
fyfyrwyr wedi teithio o Lanymddyfri dros Fannau
Brycheiniog i’r Politechnig (sef Prifysgol Morgannwg
erbyn heddiw). Cefais ail adyniad wrth fynd yn ol yno
ar ol gorffen chwarae rhwng 1992 a 1994 i wneud gradd
- cwrs rhan amser bob dydd Mercher. Ambell waith
cefais gyfle i wylio gemau Pontypridd yn Heol Sardis ac
‘rwyn cofio gem ac awyrgylch arbennig o dda yn erbyn
De Affrig pan fuodd Ponty bron ag ennill o flaen torf
enfawr.
Fy mhrofiad i o gymeriadau’r dre a’r cymoedd yw pobol
sy’n caru eu rygbi a’r rhan fwyaf yn gwbod eu stwff am y
gem hefyd! Ar ran Clwb Llanymddyfri gallaf ddweud ein
bod wedi cael croeso arbennig ym Mhontypridd ac
mae’r berthynas rhwng y ddau glwb wedi cryfhau fel
mae’r blynyddoedd yn mynd heibio. Efallai fod Y
Porthmyn wedi ennill tipyn o barch wrth faeddu Ponty
yn y cwpan yn 1984 dan hyfforddiant un o gyn
chwaraewyr Pontypridd sef Jock Watkins. ‘Roedd y gem
fyw ar y teledu ac ar yr adeg hynny ‘roedd Y Porthmyn
yn chwarae yng nghyngrhair Gorllewin Cymru tra fod
Ponty yn adran y ‘Merit Table’.
Heb unrhyw amheuaeth Pontypridd yw’r tim mwyaf
llwyddianus yn y blynyddoedd diweddaraf wrth gipio
Pencampwriaeth y ‘Principality’a Chwpan Cymru sawl
tro. Mae ganddynt hanes a chefnogaeth anhygoel ac fel
ymwelwyr gweddol gyfarwydd erbyn hyn yr ydym yn
disgwyl dim llai na gem ofnadwy o galed unwaith eto
heddiw yn yr ‘House of Pain’!
Handel Davies
In this article Llandovery chairman Handel
Davies recalls his associations with
Pontypridd, as a student in the polytechnic,
a frequenter of ‘Sweaty Betty’s’
curry house and a member of
the Drovers’ squad that
beat Ponty in the cup in
1984. The bond of
mutual respect between
both clubs is one that
has grown over recent
seasons.
Wordsearch:
Clawdd Offa:
Bannau Brycheiniog:
Awyrgylch:
Porthmyn:
Perthynas:
Cefnogaeth:
Offa’s Dyke
Brecon Beacons
Atmosphere
Drovers
Relationship
Support
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
25
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
Llandovery RFC
With the season now entering its final furlong in all
competitions it’s suddenly getting very tight at the top
of the Principality Premiership table with only eight
points separating the top five clubs.
welcome aspect of that game for Llandovery was the
return to competitive action of flanker Lloyd Phillips
who had been out of the game for thirteen months with
a lingering shoulder injury.
Pontypridd and today’s visitors, Llandovery are both well
placed to claim one of the uppermost three positions
which will ensure a place in the end of season play-offs.
The Drovers are in second position, with fifty points
from fifteen games and Ponty are in third position with
forty seven points, but with games in hand over all the
other teams in the leading pack, namely Carmarthen
Quins, Llandovery, Llanelli and Cross Keys. Come March
and April these extra fixtures could be to our advantage.
The Drovers, like ourselves, have a tight knit squad of
mainly locally developed players, with many promising
youngsters being developed in tandem with the regional
academy set up. But in James Garland and Bryn Griffiths
they have two pivotal senior figures who have joined up
in the last couple of seasons to become mainstays of
the back line and the front five respectively. Garland
first made a big impression with Aberavon and his goal
kicking and creative vision are central to Llandovery’s
success whereas Amman Valley product Bryn Griffiths
was a regular in Lyn Howells’s Doncaster side before
moving to Church Bank to become a cornerstone of the
pack.
Last Saturday Llandovery had a vital home game against
another top team on good form – the redoubtable Cross
Keys. The Gwent side had put us to the sword when they
came here at the start of December, outplaying us
comprehensively and leaving the House of Pain sporting
the pelt of a bonus point win. Llandovery must have felt
their nerves tensing last Saturday when they were
trailing to these same opponents at half time by 3 – 9.
But the Drovers turned the game around and emerged
victors by 23-16 with a fine second half display. That win
was a necessary fillip that kept their league hopes
buoyant after the setback of losing away to fast
improving Bedwas in the league a fortnight ago. The one
Drovers coach Lyndon Lewis is well versed in the history
of Sardis Road, having worn the black and white of Ponty
himself many years ago. His players are also familiar
figures here since the two clubs have tended to meet in
pre season friendlies over recent years. It wouldn’t be a
surprise if there was yet another even more vital
meeting to come before the summer break since both
our clubs are still fancied contenders in the SWALEC Cup
as well as in the Principality Premiership.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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
27
JOHN HAMILTON
LEYSHON
JH L
&%$#"!! $" "##" "
"&%" $
% "
28
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
@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
29
Noticeboard
Match Sponsors
Our match sponsor for this afternoon's Premiership tie against Llandovery is
Connective HR. The company have been valued partners of our club over the past
seasons. We welcome directors Mark and Angela Holloman-Coombes and their
guests to Sardis Road today hoping that they enjoy the game and hospitality.
Golden Bob Award
Today’s
Mascots
We have two mascots
joining us for this
afternoon's match
against Llandovery.
Osian Bool from Church
Village is the son of our
conditioning coach
Darren Bool and
celebrated his second
birthday last Tuesday.
His dad reports that
Osian is now managing
two pull-ups, four pressups and six sit-ups each
day and is well on his
way to becoming a
Ponty player.
Another birthday boy is
five year old Donald
Adlam from Church
Village. Donald attends
St Michaels' School in
Treforest and already
spends time in the
Llantwit Fardre Sports
Centre working on his
rugby skills. His favourite
Ponty player is no8
Dan Godfrey.
30
The “Golden Bob” award for this
afternoon's league match against
Llandovery is nominated by
sponsors The Bush Inn Llantwit
Fardre.
The Man of the Match for last
Saturday's cup tie against
Newport was hard grafting flanker
Wayne O'Connor, who was
presented with his grogg trophy
by sponsors 'The Golden Boys'.
Newport Mascot
Our mascot for the
last home game
against Newport was
seven year old Rhodri
Hext, who celebrated
his birthday in the
previous week. Rhodri
had a great time
visiting the home
changing room and
leading out the Ponty
team with captain
Dafydd Lockyer.
Six
Nations
P o w e r
2014
|
Ponty
Lotto
Why not have a go at the
Pontypridd RFC Lottery - the
jackpot now stands at a well
rounded and very winnable
£2,500. Tickets for the next
weekly draw, to be made on
Tuesday evening 4th March,
are now on sale from the club
priced at £1 each.
Don’t forget that you can watch all the Six Nations
2014 action live on the big screens here at Sardis Road.
Coming up are the big game away to England on
Sunday 9th March and the tournament finale at home
to Scotland on 15th March. With quality ales on sale
behind the bar, food available at half time, and a great
atmosphere guaranteed – make Sardis Road your
preferred Six Nations venue!
P r i d e
|
P a s s i o n
Bucket Collection
Please give generously...
PONTY.NET
The official Pontypridd RFC website
This afternoon’s bucket collection will raise funds for the Motor
Neurone Disease Association Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a
progressive disease that attacks the nerves in the brain and spinal
cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which
leads to weakness and wasting. MND can affect how you walk,
talk, eat, drink and breathe. However, not all symptoms necessarily
happen to everyone and it is unlikely they will all develop at the
same time, or in any specific order.
Although there is currently no cure for MND, symptoms can be
managed to help you achieve the best possible quality of life.
Whether you have been diagnosed with MND or you know
someone who has, our services can make a real difference to how
you cope in the future. These include MND Connect, Publications,
Regional Care Development Advisers, Association Visitors,
Branches, Equipment Loan, Financial Support and Care Centres
www.facebook.com/pontypriddrfc
www.twitter.com/pontypriddrfc
Club Shop
A wide range of
replica kit, leisure
and training wear,
gift vouchers and
accessories are available from
the Club Shop.
Have a browse
around the store
today, or in your own
time
shop
on-line
by
logging
on to:
www.ponty.net/e-shop
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
31
Pontypridd RFC
Aled Summerhill
Lewis Williams
Geraint Walsh
Garyn Smith
Matthew Nuthall
Dai Flanagan
Lloyd Williams
Chris Phillips
Aled Morris
Pat Palmer
Craig Locke
Jordan Sieniawski
Owen Sheppeard
Rhys Shellard
Dan Godfrey - cpt
LlandoveryRFC
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Lee Rees
Aaron Warren
Matthew Jacobs - cpt
Rhodri Jones
Sam Soul
James Garland
Rhodri Davies
Wyn Jones
Luke Lewis
Andrew Jones
Llewelyn Jones
Bryn Griffiths
Lawrence Reynolds
Lloyd Phillips
Richard Brooks
Replacements
Subs: 16.Gareth James.
17.Gareth Wyatt.
18.Owen Jenkins.
19.Tom Hetherington.
20.Wayne O'Connor.
21.James Cashin. 22.James
Howe. 23.Keiron Jenkins.
Subs: 16.Greg Cunniffe.
17.Dean Howells.
18.Richard Catchpole.
19.Richard Bloomfield.
20.Tom Ball. 21.Shaun Miles.
22.Mike Evans.
23.Ian Brooks.
Match Officials
Referee: Ian Davies | Touch Judges: Jason Langdon • David Swain
O l é ,
O l é ,
O l é ,
O l é . . .