Page 33 - GWERNYFED v SEVEN SISTERS

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DIVISION 4 CUP FINAL
It’s all come down to this...
After sixty glorious seasons, since Dai Knapp and Bernard Altmeyer had the notion
of forming a rugby club built upon former pupils at Gwernyfed High School, we play
a Cup Final on the back of a season of unbeaten rugby that sees us promoted as
champions. It’s such a pity that Bernard and Dai can’t be with us today, but we know
that they will be smiling down upon us as we travel to Rodney Parade to meet old
rivals Seven Sisters RFC.
Our opponents today have rather a longer history, having been founded in 1897. In an
illustrious history, the Dulais Valley club has won plenty of silverware and has quite a cup
pedigree with a Schweppes Cup semi-final appearance against Llanelli in the late 1990s a
definite highlight. Things have not gone quite so well in recent years, with the Club opting
to be placed back at the bottom of the WRU pyramid a couple of seasons ago. The move
was rewarded with promotion and a cup win in the Division 5 Cup last season and now
promotion as champions of Division 4 West Central. You would not expect me to wish for a
repeat today, but win or lose, we will enjoy the day in great company, I’m certain.
We will be well supported today. Thanks to all who have turned out in great numbers for
league and cup fixtures. You have helped carry the lads through an arduous season to date,
just lubricate your vocal chords and shout for another eighty minutes this afternoon, please.
Thanks are due to many people who help deliver rugby at Gwernyfed across the age groups
and for girls and boys. I’m not going to name anyone as that would be unfair to the many
I’d necessarily leave out. Suffice it to say, a massive vote of thanks is due to our many sponsors
and board/programme advertisers, to our Vice Presidents, to the many who coach, offer
first aid, referee and transport players around the country, to the girls who run the bars, to
those who cater for an immense number of games and events, to all of those on various
Committees and others who simply volunteer, to all of our members and supporters, to the
players of all ages and both sexes who commit to training and match days week in, week
out, and to their partners and parents who support them. I’ve said it before, but we couldn’t
do it without you, it’s a privilege to be able to acknowledge every one of you.
Finally, hopefully we’ll enjoy green, white and black success today. However, most importantly
of all, let’s hope for a great day’s sport in the best of company.
Robert Stephens.