Page 2 - BRFC NEWS SPRING 2018

02
for all the up to date news go to
www.breconrfc.co.uk
BRFC News SPRING 2018
Ron Rowsell looks back at when it all started and reminds us what we are trying to achieve as a Club...
BRECON RFC
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS ON
The first recorded rugby match in Brecon was played on Thursday 5th March 1868.
The match was reported in the Brecon County Times. That report states, “Abergavenny v Brecon: A match between the above clubs took place in Brecon and resulted in favour of the Abergavenny team by one goal to none. The game was started at 3 o’clock with the Abergavenny captain, W. H. Haddow, having won the toss. Shortly after the commencement of the game, the only goal was obtained by a well- directed drop kick from the foot of E.G.Davies.
The sides now changed their respective goals and at 4:15, when no side was called, no other decisive advantage had been obtained by either side although the ball was frequently in dangerous proximity of the Brecon goal line. Amongst the Breconians, Cowan, Williams, Nolan and Morris were the most prominent, whilst the forward play of Haddow, Leeke and Davies on the other side, is worthy of special notice.”
It should be noted that both teams are named in the report and that shows that 13 players represented Abergavenny while the Brecon team, captained by A.J.Williams played with 12 players.
Now, almost 150 years on, where do we stand as a modern day Rugby Club?
Well, at the start of a new year we embark on a forward journey as a fully Incorporated Limited Company. In days of litigation and financial responsibility Clubs, via their parent bodies (WRU in Wales), have been advised to protect their Trustees and members and to limit their liability to a maximum of £1 per member by establishing the Club as a Company Limited by Guarantee. The process involves some changes in terms of the management of the Club but in other ways and as far as our core activity, rugby, is concerned then we aim to maintain the following Vision.
Purpose and Primary Objectives to:
Promote, foster, encourage and improve rugby football in Brecon and the surrounding area.
Our Vision is:
To be the leading community club in Wales in terms of participation, performance, enjoyment and community engagement.
Brecon RFC’s Mission is based upon:
Brecon Rugby Football club will maximise participation, performance enjoyment and community engagement for the area we serve by:
• Effectively engaging the community we represent
• Continually improving the range and quality of the facilities we offer
• Providing opportunities at all age groups from Under 7s to Seniors
• Providing the best possible coaching provision
• Developing our reputation as a well-managed, innovative and inclusive community club
• Developing opportunities for the participation of girls and ladies
Our Values and Beliefs:
We are one Club with a single purpose, vision and mission, underpinned by our core values of honesty, integrity, respect, excellence, enjoy- ment and financial responsibility.
So if these are our aims then where do we stand at present?
In terms of senior rugby we stand as the Premier side in Mid Wales following what has been an outstanding start to the 2017/18 season. When we were promoted to Division 1 at the end of 2014/15 it was the first time during league history that we had played in Division 1.
In fact, when National leagues started Brecon found themselves in the lowest league, Division 8.
The first year in Division 1 was undoubtedly a challenge. To our credit we adapted to the higher demands. During the second half of the following season we showed we could compete with the best the league had to offer, before this year, when we have genuinely emerged as Championship contenders.
With the 2nd XV holding the top spot in Division 2 of the Rhondda and East Glamorgan Leagues senior rugby is healthy and heading towards our ambitious goals.
The Youth team achieved unprecedented triple success during 2016/17. They took the Blues B League title and won both the Breconshire and Heart of Wales Cups. That season would be hard to emulate but this season’s young squad continues to develop and from second place in the league they still have the opportunity and belief that they can hold onto their league title. For our Minis and Juniors then current fortunes are varied. The Minis are vibrant and successful but after years with successful Junior teams we are currently finding it difficult to match previous high standards. This has to be something of a concern as undoubtedly our success at senior level is dependent on the players we develop through our Mini and Junior regime. A notable and important initiative this season has been the introduction of a ladies Tag team. Gaz Marshall has to be congratulated for the way he has encouraged this development and the success. To date the ladies have played two matches with the hope of many more games to come.
Would the pioneer players of 150 years ago recognise the club today? I doubt it but I am sure that the one thing that would be familiar would be the comradeship, team spirit and togetherness that creates a successful rugby environment. I am convinced that they would identify with our Core Values of honesty, integrity, respect, excellence and above all, enjoyment.
Ron Rowsell 07891930983
ron.rowsell@btinternet.com