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ROLL ON THE NEW SEASON!
Gwernyfed RFC’s Chairman Rob Stephens looks forward to the new season...
Every new season presents its particular challenges and opportunities. After three terms severely disrupted by the impact of the pandemic, the clock is re-set and we return to the league set up that was so rudely interrupted after our home win over Old Penarthians on 29 February 2020. Ironically, our first game this season is on 3rd September at Old Penarthians, so if you’ve ever had that feeling of déjà vu, get set for another bout.
Others will write about the triumphs and tribulations of the 2021-2022 season, itself a rather weak shadow of a season without a full fixture list or the lure of promotion or threat of relegation. If the fates are kind, the 2022-2023 season will see a campaign full of blood, thunder and endeavour once again. What last season did show us, if we needed demonstration, was the inestimable value of the hard work put into mini, junior and youth rugby, underpinned by the value of playing host to the Red Kites so ably guided by our own Jan and Ceri Morgan and, of course, Bronnie Jones.
Both Ladies and Men’s senior XVs saw players stepping up to senior rugby to great effect, courtesy of the great work done for several seasons by Richard ‘Norm’ Davies and Rob Morris, adding not just to the playing strength but contributing to the sense of pride with which we all regard the badge behind which we play.
A massive vote of appreciation is due to the many coaches, referees, first aiders and travel guides who spend time and money in building upon the legacy of those I mention above. Of course, it’s not just on the field that we need to maintain the Club’s upward trajectory. We have some wonderful facilities but we cannot and do not let the grass grow under our feet. While the pandemic starved us of rugby, the Board, sub Committee members and many more worked throughout to maintain and accelerate progress ‘behind the scenes’. It has been a breath of fresh air to witness at first hand the commitment demonstrated by several new to the management side of the Club. Lauren Smith, Will Lloyd and Gerwyn Williams have been particularly energetic and effective contributors and it’s been great to see Jon Williams taking the helm in liaising with our Vice Presidents.
A special mention is due to Michelle Lewis who stands down as Honorary Treasurer after several years. Michelle’s lads played for us several years ago but Michelle has regularly travelled to and from Llancloudy ever since to keep us on the financial straight and narrow and I both thank Michelle and remind her that we hope to see plenty more of her as the years go by. The Board is ably guided and recorded by Margaret Stephens – I’m not certain
whether Margaret might make a better Chairman, but whatever the case, Margaret patiently gets through a vast amount of invaluable work.
A few words about those who support us without looking for honour or praise, but without whom this great Club would not be able to look so optimistically to the future. Our Patron, President, Vice Presidents, sponsors and those who advertise on the pitch perimeter and/or the programme do so not for pecuniary advantage but because they love our Club and what we stand for. We are massively ambitious, not in the sense of wanting to import big names or encourage players financially, that’s simply not in our psyche, but we are ambitious in wanting to deliver the best possible facilities and atmosphere in which to enjoy the great game and the friendships that come with it. All of those who respond to our calls for support are selfless and yet are heroes in the name of Gwernyfed Rugby Football Club. Thank you – two inadequate words, but never meant more sincerely.
Finally, huge thanks must go to Pete Weavers, who is always on hand - whether it be to change a light-bulb, run the line or put the hours in submitting a grant for our club - where would we be without him!?
Yours in sport,
Rob Stephens Chairman
GRFC News