Page 3 - All Shapes & Zebras From Treorchy

FOREWORD
‘All Shapes and Zebras (from Treorchy) - an A to Z of Amateur Welsh Rugby’ is a fascinating and humorous alphabetical and photographic journey through our national game.
During the Covid Lockdowns of 2020, English teacher Andrew Hill had the idea of putting his experiences of 15 years playing in the lower levels of Welsh club rugby down in print with 26 short essays of musings and thoughts, not only full of nostalgia and longing for past glories but also with realism and a blunt acceptance of certain uncomfortable truths. Like all sport, amateur Welsh rugby has its ‘Good, Bad and Ugly’ and it’s all documented here.
Somewhere along the way, Andrew enlisted the help of Ian Williams, a rugby photographer who’d been around the game even longer, to help illustrate the journey through amateur Welsh Rugby through the eyes of two people who’ve seen the game at first hand - both on and off the field.
As someone who began his rugby career in Walsall, I found myself surrounded by Welsh players who’d moved to the area. They were the ones who were talking about what it was like to play in the valleys or over in West Wales. Hence, I found myself drawn to Wales and wanting to experience this at first hand, initially at the Polytechnic of Wales and then at Abertillery, Neath and Llanelli. Just like Andrew and Ian, I went on to experience cold, dark winter days and nights under the flood lights and dour battles in Welsh mud.
Similarly, there will always be a place in my heart for equally pleasant times in the spring sunshine at a ground overlooking the coast or playing high above the South Wales valleys. Whatever the location, I regularly found a warm welcome in the club house or something unique to observe on the field or off it. I’ve seen it and loved it, being part of it all both as a player, administrator and now a ‘rugby dad’ and coach!
Andrew and Ian have captured that spirit, ‘hwyl’ and atmosphere within these pages; something that, despite difficult times, will always be an integral part of our national sport...
Rupert Moon
ALL SHAPES & ZEBRAS FROM TREORCHY 1