Page 33 - Gwernyfed RFC Match Programme 2024

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CROESO WELCOME
We would like to welcome today’s visitors
Pontllanfraith to Trefecca Road.
I extend a very warm welcome on behalf of everyone associated with Gwernyfed RFC
to the players, officials and supporters of today’s opponents, Whitehead RFC. I believe
that this is our opponents’ first visit to The Brian Jones Memorial Field and, while echoing
the warm welcome, I hope that we can demonstrate just how stoutly we defend our home
record by registering a convincing victory today.
Those students of the WRU league placings will be aware that in the last few days our division has
seen a radical overhaul as a result of decisions made in Cardiff rather than on the pitch. Disappointingly,
both St Julians HSOB and New Tredegar have struggled to fulfil fixtures at time - both clubs were
penalised by loss of points, but further transgressions left them way behind and incapable of
completing a full league season. The WRU Committee reviewed the matter and decided to exclude
both clubs from the league, deleting the results of those games that they had managed to play.
One of the consequences is that our league position is enhanced as we had still to play both
‘expunged’ clubs whereas others had recorded victories which are now lost to the record. Our
future is not entirely in our own hands. Newport Saracens are nailed on a champions but have to
play New Panteg home and away. We must win our last three games, including a visit to New Panteg,
but if we do that and Saracens continue their winning ways, we are destined to be promoted.
A great pity for St Julians and New Tredegar – but every cloud...
Mention of Saracens brings to mind the lads’ performance down in Newport a fortnight ago.
We faced a mighty side threaded through with strength, speed and experience. Things couldn’t
have got off to a worse start when we found ourselves 7-0 down within a minute. However, there
is metal in our boys this season and a magnificent effort in both attack and defence helped deliver
a great game of rugby. A 27-24 defeat earned us two bonus points for the four tries we registered
and it made all in attendance even more proud to be green, white and black.
These will be the last programme notes of the campaign, in which case I’ll take the liberty of offering
some personal reflections. It has been my third stint as Chairman - as I’ve been on the
Committee/Board for over 30 years, I do tend to ‘know the ropes’. However, the last year has
served to highlight what a marvellous club Gwernyfed RFC has become as we approach our sixtieth
anniversary. We are a club built upon massive voluntary effort and an irresistible enthusiasm for
improvement. Gwernyfed has been one of the loves of my life and I see every day that so many
feel similarly. There’s plenty more to do, but thanks to everyone for your immeasurable contribution
– we couldn’t do it without you!
Hopefully we’ll see a green, white and black success today, but most importantly of all, let’s hope
for a great day’s sport in the best of company.
Peter Weavers.