THE FIRST MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO ASDA LEAGUE WELSH RUGBY NEW clubHouseTry it once and be converted EXCL USIVE INTERVIEW Top Cat

CLIVE ROWLANDS Ballet & the Beasts Bred in What happens when rugby lads Heaven learn to dance A celebration of all things Welsh Plus Health N ews LEAGUE Results Action Expert Advice As it happens

KIDWELLY RFC’S www.clubhousewale s.com U p and C oming Player £1.30 Contents This Issue On the cover Welcome to Kick Off FEATURED TEAM clubHouse Division Three South East RFC: The young 03 ONCE AGAIN, THE team battling for promotion NEWS was alight 04 This fortnight’s most important news from the five with celebration ASDA leagues and jubilation this weekend. But this time HEALTH AND FITNESS the Welsh team watched from 09 Expert sports dietitian Jane Griffin answers queries the sidelines as the Six Nations on chips, coffee and chomping vitamins champions were crowned. It’s been a turbulent tournament, with the on-field action looking lacklustre in Half Time comparison to the off-field furore. But at least the uproar has proved we’re passionate about our rugby here in —that we DIRTY DANCING care who’s leading our national team. So we’ve devoted an entire 11 Blood, sweat and tu-tus: what happened when the page to lifting the nation, rallying the troops and showcasing the burly ASDA league lads met a ballerina unsung heroes of the ASDA leagues. Because as our feature with local legend Clive Rowlands WRU WOES shows, without local rugby the national game wouldn’t exist. Is Welsh rugby in crisis? Professor Dai Smith, From the boys whipped by Italian side Leonessa to 14 the Pontllanfraith lads who pirouetted around the pitch for clubhouse chairmen and the fans have their say clubHouse’s exercise experiment, you’re all heroes. That’s why we’re looking forward to meeting you all. But, in LOCAL LEGEND: CLIVE ROWLANDS the meantime, keep sending us your news and views and don’t 16 On beginning at Abercrave RFC, captaining Wales forget to log on to www.clubhousewales.com for daily ASDA on his debut and coaching league updates, as well as competitions, photos and all your favourites from the magazine.  Final Whistle LISTINGS clubHouse on tour 18 Results and tables from all five ASDA leagues plus fixtures for the coming fortnight ABERDARE RFC News editor Hannah, with the lads from Leonessa, an Italian Noticeboard touring side who beat Aberdare 40-12. clubHouse joined in the YOUR VIEWS celebrations afterwards, when Pictures, letters, news and views from you and and Lyn Howells 22 said they liked issue one. your clubhouse CROESYCEILIOG RFC Regular Fixtures The clubHouse team were wined and dined by the Gwent BALLS TEST club at their Sportsman Dinner, and chatted to ’s 06 ASDA league lad Adam Martin versus Bath coaches Paul Turner and Leigh scrum-half Andy Williams. Who’ll win? Jones about the problems facing the Celtic League outfit. OI, REF! 06 David Davies, our favourite merry whistle blower, The team: Hattie Brett-Miller (editor), Andrew Gwilym explains the maul—it’s not as scary as it sounds (deputy editor), James Anthony (design), Andy Pierce (online), Alex Brownsell (deputy online), Mhairi UP AND COMING PLAYER Montgomery (production editor), Laura Davies (listings), 07 Don’t spill beer on this page, because Kidwelly Oliver Pickup (features), Matt Aplin (writer), Laura Male RFC’s Stuart Morris is one for the future (writer), Hannah Gilchrist (news), Bethan Davies (writer), TRIED & TESTED: ENERGY BARS Jill Park (features), Emma Shipley (writer), and Jamie 10 A guide to what will give you more energy than Darlow (chief sub) the Energizer bunny—and actually taste nice Get in Touch One Off [email protected] PLUS: THE PATRIOT PAGE 07968 203 967 08 Summer’s round the corner, we dodged the wooden spoon, and we still love Welsh rugby www.clubhousewales.com

02 clubHouse Kick Off

Featured Team

YoungBrecon and eager for success, Brecon RFC are building a team for the future The Stats ONE OF THE FOUNDING MEMBERS our new pavilion which includes four Colours: Red/White hoops of the WRU, Brecon RFC has been a changing rooms and showers, a weight Established: 1879 as one formidable force in Division Three South training room, kitchen, referee’s room, of the founder East. The club has finished in the top half physio room, and a hospitality room. members of the of the league every season since promotion We’re also planning to add lights onto the WRU there four years ago. And last year, they field in the near future,” Rowsell explains. stormed to a commanding 23-0 victory Currently sixth in Division Three South Captain: Peter Owens over Abercrave, taking the prestigious East, and trailing leaders Treherbert by 20 Ones to watch: Martyn Jones John Jeffreys Breconshire Cup, too. All this points, Rowsell admits that Brecon have and Mike with 20 members of the first team squad to be more consistent in order to reach Chappelle, 2nd former Brecon youth players. their potential. “The best run of results team players “We are a club who rely on young local came at the start of the season when we Famous old Mark Wyatt talent,” says chairman Ron Rowsell, who won our first five matches and drew the boys: ( & believes their self sufficient attitude to Wales), Andy replenishing their playing ranks is key to The youth team is a Powell (Newport, Brecon’s success. “We are lucky. We have , a very successful mini and junior section strong integral part & Wales) and the youth team is a strong integral Home ground: Parc de Pugh part of the club.” of the club Community spirit is something Brecon Top fact: 18 first team have in abundance. “Brecon’s a great sixth,” he says. “Since then we’ve been players came club. Our boys give it their all out there less consistent, but I’d like to think we can from the youth on the pitch and our committee work hard recapture that form between now and the team behind the scenes to help Brecon thrive,” end of the season.” says committee member Norman Jones. But Rowsell is keen to remind sceptics “Everyone in the community gets involved that Brecon’s team is not the finished article www.breconrfc.co.uk somehow—it’s just like that here.” quite yet. “We hope that we can fulfil the And with the club’s progressive and true potential of the team. We’re a young proactive attitude, it’s not surprising the squad and we have narrowly lost a number players are so loyal. “The main aim of the of games through our own mistakes,” he  Check out your club’s profile club is to provide the best possible facilities says. “We are learning all the time though, on the clubHouse website: for our players in order for them to reach and hopefully we can make the most of the www.clubhousewales.com their full potential. In 2000 we opened collective“ talent available.”  clubHouse 03 Kick Off What? No Llanfairpwllgwyngychgo- Hendy gerychwyndrobwyllandysuliogogogoch? IT’S BEEN A BAD SEASON FOR It’s not because we can’t spell it. It’s because Hendy RFC. Not only have they been we don’t know about it. So don’t complain, cursed with bad weather, but they are send stories to [email protected] yet to win a single match this season. The team are 12 points adrift at the bottom of Division Three West. Committee member Dai Timothy puts the team’s bad luck down to their own lack Laugharne of staying power. LAUGHARNE RFC’S LONG RUN “We’ve been struggling. It’s because of players not of victories has finally come turning up for training and a few players retiring. We’re to an end, after losing 15-0 to also waiting for fresh talent to come through from the Lampeter RFC last weekend. youth team,” says Dai. “Every club has a rough year and The club hasn’t lost a game this is ours.” since the beginning of the year. They even beat Division Three West champions Penclawdd RFC 28-23. But last weekend, they hit their first stumbling block of the season. Bonymaen “Lampeter was an ill-tempered game,” said CHRIS JENKINS, Alun Jenkins, Laugharne club manager. “They the star player of didn’t allow us to play. We’ve had a few injury First Division high problems and it’s not a massive squad, so we flyers Bonymaen had to make the best of what we had.” RFC, has undergone On 25 March the teams will face each other surgery for cancer again, only this time on Laugharne soil. “We’ll after a random drugs test exposed have that home advantage,” said Jenkins. the problem. “The team always perform better at home and Jenkins, who was diagnosed with realistically we hope to be in the top three by the prostate cancer after Bony’s cup end of the season.” exit, had the operation to remove the tumour last week. Club spokesman Tudor Jones, was happy to say Jenkins was out of hospital just in time to watch his team’s hard fought 6-0 win over Cwmllynfell RFC at the weekend. “The lads have been giving him plenty of banter and the club wish Trimsaran him all the best,” Jones said. TRIMSARAN RFC ARE TAKING ENTRIES for the 18th annual Jonathan Davies youth sevens tournament, scheduled for Saturday 27 May. Organisers expect 24 clubs to participate and divide into eight groups of three teams. There are three cups on offer, with the winners of the prestigious Jonathan Davies Cup also receiving £250. “The tournament is sponsored by Trimsaran’s legendary old boy Jonathan Davies, and it’s always a great success,” said Stuart Jones, secretary for the club. And this year it’s not just about the games. There will be a grand marquee erected with full bar, plus TV and barbeque facilities all day, making the tournament a great social, as well as rugby occasion.

Dunvant DUNVANT RFC IS REELING THIS WEEK AFTER THEIR CAPTAIN, PAUL ‘FISHY’ Morris, was ruled out for three months. Paul Morris, 41, who is both captain and coach, received a blow to his head in the last minute of the cup match against Quins RFC in the Konica Cup on 18 February. Fishy, nicknamed because of his alcohol tolerance, fractured his cheek bone in two Want more? places. The number eight now has a metal plate in place and doctors have advised Paul not Visit www.clubhousewales.com to train for at least six weeks. for all the latest news Prop Anthony Piper will take over captaincy duties until Paul returns.

04 clubHouse Abercrave ABERCRAVE RFC’S YOUTH TEAM HAS HAD clubHouse plenty to celebrate recently. The last fortnight has seen the Swansea Valley club claim a gruelling victory over local rivals Ystradgynlais RFC and score their hundredth try in the twentieth game of the season. Given the team’s preference for playing attractive rugby, it was ironic the hundredth try came from a rolling maul. Coach Julian Hopkins praised his team. “It’s been great to NEWS work with the boys this season and we’ve played some fantastic rugby at times,” he said. “We’ve won our league and hope to continue the rest of the season in the same way.”

Croesyceiliog CROESYCEILIOG RFC ARE SET TO REINTRODUCE SECOND team rugby to the club after an absence of over 10 years. With the recent graduation of 10 youth players the first team squad has swelled to over 30 members and a second team is being introduced to ensure that everyone gets to play on a regular basis. But Cockerels chairman Colin Wilmott warns the venture may fail if it does not receive enough support. “It’s not going to be easy,” he says. “The reason we stopped before was because players didn’t support it. Ystrad Rhondda But as someone who captained the second team, it’s always good for atmosphere in the club to have two teams.” TWO VETERAN RUGBY Croesyceiliog are appealing for volunteers to help run the new side. players came out of “We’ll be looking for an additional coach to work with the first team retirement for a match at management and others to help out on a Saturday,” he says. “If there’s Ystrad Rhondda RFC last anyone who’s willing, then we’d love to hear from them.” week, to make up for lack of players. Bradley Watts from Ystrad Rhondda and Glen George, a former Welsh international from Fleur De Lys RFC, both gave their all in the match but failed to help the team to a victory. Ystrad eventually lost 10–5. Fleur De Lys’s club spokesman, Alan Evans was impressed with Glen’s performance. “Glen may be well into his Taff’s Well 40s but he loves getting his boots back TAFF’S WELL RFC ARE DOWN UNDER THIS MONTH AS ONE on,” he said. “His body is not what it used of their star players joins his Kenyan international squad for the to be and his recovery time is greater than . some of the younger lads. But he has been Teddy Omondi, a student at University, joined his a real asset to us.” team mates to play in the rugby Sevens tournament. Despite losing to Wales 33 -0, the Kenyans went on to win the Bowl Final against Tonga 26 -12. “He’s a great player and we just want him back for our next six games,” said Taff’s Well club secretary, Mike Gibbons.

Bridgend Athletic THE FUTURE OF ATHLETIC RFC LOOKS BRIGHT AFTER three youth team members joined the Welsh under-18 side last week. Flanker Johnny Jones captained the team, who beat the Italians 18-13 in . Scrum-half also started and Kyle Maiden came on as a substitute in the second half. Bridgend’s spokesman Adrian Burt, was pleased with the success. “This is the fruition of our excellent mini and junior set up and a tribute to coaches and organisers of all age groups within the club,” he said.

clubHouse 05 Ki ck Off There’s no hiding place on the rugby field or in our very own balls test. clubHouse finds out whether the ASDA league boys are as tough as the pros.

ADAM MARTIN ANDY WILLIAMS Loose-head prop for Bath scrum-half with Haverfordwest RFC, three caps for Wales. currently in Division Three The former footballer West. He came over from has struggled with injury Balls Hamilton, New Zealand of late but is back on in 2004 with a six month track and ready to go. work permit. He ended up clubHouse’s balls test is staying two years. his first stop.

Would you beTest tempted to play American I’d never be tempted by money. I Football for the right money? Yeah, definitely! 0 don’t play sport for the money, I play 1 because I enjoy it. Can you down a pint of ale in less than Yes, pretty damn sure. Especially if it’s Yes. No hesitation. five seconds? Guinness because there’s no bubbles. ½ 1 Have you ever been caught drinking a No. Strictly Jack Daniels and Coke No. I have caught a team mate though, Bacardi Breezer by a team mate? for me. 1 but I’m not naming any names. 1 Have you ever had more than five stitches Luckily, no. A broken ankle is the worst Yes, on four separate occasions. In my 1 in a single injury? I’ve ever had. ½ eye, head, ear and mouth. Have you ever scored a try from inside Yes. I did it against Harlequins a few No, never. Unfortunately. your own half? 0 seasons ago. 1 Hell yeah. And I’d win — Kiwi power Would you take on Andy Sheridan in an beats English power any day of the Yeah, I’d have a go. arm wrestle? 1 ½ week. Guaranteed. Would you take on dustbin Martyn That’d be nasty. But I’d give it a crack, 1 I know Martyn. I’d take him on but I Madden in a Burger King guts-out? for sure. couldn’t beat him. ½ FINAL SCORE 4 6

Martin loses points for being scared of bubbles while downing a pint. Aww, do they hurt your likkle nosey? He pulls back though, with a defiant challenge to Andy Sheridan. A strong start from Williams, particularly for having had more stitches than Jackie Chan. Despite tailing off with an admission of failure in the guts-out, Williams is the clear victor.

 Who’s that then? OI REF! “He was by no means What’s athletic, in fact a bit lumpy, but made an a maul? excellent second DAVID DAVIES

row forward.” e xperts@clubhouse w ales.com WRU Referee Which of the following people was this said about? A MAUL OCCURS WHEN A PLAYER do so from behind the feet of their hindmost a David Campese carrying the ball is held by an opponent and is team-mate. supported by a team mate. Players must not take any actions to b Pope John Paul II A maul therefore consists of at least three collapse the maul. However, the ball carrier c players, all on their feet — the ball carrier and is allowed to go to ground to set up a ruck. Bill Clinton one player from each team. All the players The offside line for non-participants in d involved must be bound to the maul and must the maul is the hindmost foot. If a maul is

e Craig Quinnell be on their feet and moving towards a goal line. stationary for five seconds the referee can

The answer is is answer The “

d”, but they have all played rugby. Pope JP II played for Poland. for played II JP Pope rugby. played all have they but d”, Open play has ended. demand that the side in possession move Any player looking to joining a maul must the ball out of the maul.

06 clubHouse Ki ck Off Up and coming player: Stuart Morris Club: Kidwelly RFC D.O.B: 10/3/1987 Position: Outside-Half Years at 11 years. “That’s a long time isn’t it?” Club: Best rugby Playing for the Scarlets under-20s team moment: against the Gwent Dragons at Narbeth. Probably because we won 35-8 Aim for the Work as hard as I can to become a “Stuart has the potential to future: professional rugby player make it as a professional Favourite Carlos Spencer rugby player. For someone Player: so young he is very strong Favourite Scarlets in defence but he needs to Team: improve his speed. He is an Hobbies/ Listening to music and playing five-a-side all-round great player and Interests: football an asset to the team.” Education: Left Stradey School Llanelli in 2004. Kidwelly Coach Currently an apprentice carpenter Ryan Powell

Family Matters Llanharan’s badge was introduced in 1953. When you’re diving into that ruck, you need to Its design symbolises know your team-mates have got you covered. the history of the local It’s even better when those backing you up are area, with four quarters your own flesh and blood depicting the church, farming, mining and was young as a bit SEAN PITT AND Llanharan spaniels. of a scrum with five his two brothers The black cross rugby-mad boys Simon and Dean have dividing the badge is running riot. Despite been playing rugby in remembrance of the his siblings being together for Brynithel victims of the Llandow able to look after RFC ( Division Two air disaster, in which an themselves, Sean still East) for over fifteen aeroplane carrying eight feels protective over years. Sean’s favoured local supporters crashed them. “If there’s ever position is flanker on Llandow airfield on a fight on the pitch, whilst Dean plays at its way back from a I’m first to run over scrum-half and Simon Dublin international. is a winger. “At one to help them out. You point there were five have to be really don’t of us brothers playing you?” he says. in the team. One of He reckons he them coaches the holds bragging rights youth team now but though when asked there are still three of who the best player is. us playing together,” “Oh, that’s got to be Sean says. me, hasn’t it? All my He describes his brothers would agree household when he with that,” he jokes.

clubHouse 07 Kick Off

Cymru Am Byth Lift Ye Nation

With the Six Nations wooden spoon narrowly avoided and the WRU in crisis, glory is a distant memory.1 But even with morale2 at an all-time low, there3 are still reasons to 4be proud of Welsh rugby.5 The future is bright Whoever he is, a Wales have the best Llanelli Scarlets have The Old Enemy isn’t with the under-19s new national coach fans in the world. taken on and beaten faring much better. If winning the Grand will breathe new life No matter what the the pride of England, you’re not convinced, Slam and the under- and fresh ideas into sporting performance, storming their way watch the video of 21s showing promise. the team. We’ll be in when we see that flag to the Powergen Cup England dying on Watch this space, fighting form again, and hear Mae Hen Final at Twickenham their arses in Paris because fly-half James just in time for the Wlad Fy Nhadau, our in early April. Dai and smile for a full 80 Hook will be a star. next World Cup. hearts fill with pride. bach y soldiwr! minutes. Result. Fill Thy Hearts With Song We trawled the ASDA league clubhouses for the most stirring song—and found this naughty little ditty. Sing along to the tune of My Old Man’s a Dustman.

Oh I’m a welsh supporter, now that’s just what I am, I hate the men in blazers and everything they do,

And for the men in blazers, I do not give a damn, They lie and think they’re clever, but don’t fool me or you,

Mike Ruddock brought us victory, the Grand Slam it was won, I hate our , they’ve never done us good,

But they don’t give a monkey’s, for all that he has done. I think that they should all resign, I really wish they would.

Behold Ye Unsung Heroes ASDA league rugby’s not just about the big boys charging through tackles. It’s the passionate people working behind the scenes who make the game what it is. JEMMA, 25, AND YSABEL, 23, ARE the game. “My dad has played rugby off at other clubs in the ASDA league. daughters of Tumble RFC manager, all my life so it’s always been rugby, Tumble’s boys are always making Ewan Hunt. Three years ago they rugby, rugby in our house,” says suggestions, too. They recently asked started a website to showcase the club Ysabel. But it was only when Ewan for a forum so they could interact more and chronicle the team’s progress in became manager of Tumble RFC, with the site. Division Three West. “At every match they decided to start the website. The idea’s even growing on their dad. my sister Ysabel will take photos of “Nobody had one in our division but “He didn’t really understand it to start the team and afterwards I’ll write up a we thought it would be a good addition with,” says Jemma. “But he is always match report, and then it all goes on the to the team,” says Jemma. They like logging on there now, checking out website,” Jemma explains. to think of themselves as the pioneers what the players are doing and keeping The girls have always been into of websites, which have now taken tabs on them.” Check out Tumble RFC’s website at www.tumblerfc.com

08 clubHouse Kick Off Health Fitness Ask the Exper+t  Jane Griffin has more letters after her name HOW than you’ve had doner 2 kebabs. She’s the RFL’s consultant nutritionist, Quit fags and here to advise you Why? on the best foods for “Particles in the smoke irritate the breathing passages causing them to narrow and produce a greater amount of mucus. This strength and health reduces the effective surface area for gas exchange, which has a negative effect on performance. Smoke also contains carbon Q How can I make sure my diet is well-balanced? monoxide which combines easily with the blood and starves You need plenty of carbohydrates (cereals, bread, pasta, rice, and muscles of oxygen.” potatoes), a reasonable amount of protein (lean meat, fish, dairy Jane Smart, Sports Dietitian and baked beans), plus loads of fresh fruit and vegetables. And try to avoid high fat foods like butter, oil, mayonnaise, and pastry. Top tips Q Will eating badly before a game affect my performance? •Try not to light up three hours before you kick off Not eating enough carbohydrate-rich foods can mean you won’t •Reduce how much you smoke before the match start the match with full stores of fuel in your muscles. This means you might miss tackles, have a slower running speed and •Chew gum and drink water when you get a craving weakness in the scrum towards the end of the game. Q Should I be taking vitamin supplements? •Find another way to calm your nerves If your diet contains a wide variety of foods and fluids, you Quit for good shouldn’t need vitamin and mineral supplements. But if you Cold Turkey think you need a top-up take a general multivitamin or jointcare 1 The obvious one. Hard to begin with, but it does get supplement every day. easier. Be brave. Q How important is hydration in the lead up to a match? Nicotine Replacement Therapy Everyone should try to keep well hydrated on a day to day basis. 2 Patches, gum, nasal spray, lozenges, the list goes on. Drink plenty of water and for every caffeinated drink you have, Find what works for you. drink an extra glass of water. Plus, have an energy drink at hand for before and after the game to keep sugar levels up. Acupuncture 3 There’s no medical proof, but many ex-smokers swear by Q I’m recovering from a long-term injury. Any diet tips? it. And the needles don’t hurt. Although energy intake will be less it’s still important to make Zyban sure your diet contains adequate amounts of protein, zinc, calcium and sources of low fat, good quality protein. 4 A new non-nicotine drug available on prescription. It suppresses the brain’s response to the buzz. Q Any foods I should ban from my diet? Not really. It’s the overall balance of the daily, weekly and NHS Stop Smoking Services monthly diet that is important rather than the one-off bad foods. 5 For practical advice and support, call the free helpline on Chips once a month is ok—just don’t have them every day. 0800 1690 169. GOOD GRUB  BAD GRUB

   Steak & veg    Red meat is Bacon butty Grilled salmon Fruit smoothie packed with iron Fish & chips Doner kebab Omega-3 fatty acids Get the advised five Fried bacon is high Grease, salt and and keeps energy This takeaway is full found in salmon portions of fruit in in cholesterol that dodgy meat. Need levels up. of salt. Too much can one go. Bargain. can block arteries. help maintain a dehydrate your body. we say more? healthy heart. clubHouse 09 Kick Off Health + Fitness Put your back into it TRIED&TESTED Give all your major muscle groups an Olympic workout. Olympic NRG BARS lifts are multi-joint exercises Ask a gym instructor which require players to exert force against the ground, which is for advice on the size of similar to most rugby movements. weights 9 SIS GO Bar 9p Olympic Lifts Cherry Vanilla Grape, cherry and pineapple pieces—this bar is rammed with fruit. But don’t let that put you off. It’s sweet and juicy and if you can ignore the gritty oat texture you’ll forget it’s healthy.

These lifts not only work your back, but A safe way to start this lift is to practice 89p every other muscle in your body. When each movement individually with light High 5 Sports Bar you lift the bar off the ground and hold weights on the bar so you can perfect the position, all the muscles from your your technique. Although poor technique Chocolate coated caramel waist down are getting a huge workout, can lead to injury, when implemented Looks and tastes like chocolate flapjack so including your hamstrings, calves and properly there is no risk of excessive you’ll wolf this down. But it’s slightly too sickly glutes. When you lift the bar to your harm. Any exercise involving lifting to have before a game. Make this your final chest and then above your head, you’re works the muscles that you’ll use in a working your upper-body muscles such game situation and will therefore increase whistle reward instead. as your biceps and six pack. your power for the match. BRAWNY

Boots Energy Bar 99p BITES Toffee and banana Protein, carbs and veg — Beef Stir Fry has got it all. And it’ll leave you Saturated with sugar and toffee, this is so bursting with energy for the big game chewy it feels like it would rip out a filling. Oh, and it tastes like stale Christmas pudding What you need: What to do: without the alcohol. And that’s the best part. Bite-size pieces of beef 1. Bring the water to the boil and add the rice. ½ a sliced onion Leave to cook for 20 minutes. 1 clove of garlic, crushed 2. Heat the oil in a wok and add the onions. Fry A few sliced mushrooms until translucent. Some broccoli heads 3. Add the beef and garlic. Fry until brown.  1 sliced red pepper 4. Add the mushrooms, pepper, broccoli and Next issue A bag of mixed veg bag of mixed veg. Learn how to stay injury-free all A cup of rice 5. Stir for about 8 minutes. season with top tips from our expert A splash of vegetable oil 6. Dish it up, tuck in and get going.

Top 3 energy gels 10 clubHouse AskSuss the the expert: supplements physio Andrew Seary Half Time Blood, sweat and tu-tus A cold, wind-beaten, rain-soaked pitch in the Gwent Valley. Fifteen men, one ballet dancer. The brief: to teach big burly lads the art of ballet — grace, balance and co-ordination. The selling point? Stretchy, bendy bodies — perfect for post-match play. BY BETHAN DAVIES, JILL PARK & LAURA MALE

clubHouse 11 Half Time

Pirouettes, pliés and Pontllanfraith MITCH WHATLEY Pontllanfraith RUGBY AND BALLET. NOT YOUR OBVIOUS LAGER AND coach crisps combo, but buy a bunch of lads enough pints and you can convince them to do anything. Have you ever used Before Pontllanfraith knew it they were out on the field in dance as part of your tu-tus, pirouetting across the field, leaping through the air, training? their arabesque’d arms in perfect alignment, toes pointed, arms soft, delicate and flowing, with serene Mona Lisa-like We do a stretching based smiles enchanting the spectators below. Alright, not quite. exercise every time we But they gave it a damn good go. train. The leg stretches are the same, but we Ballet and dance have long been used in a variety of don’t follow through with any of the dance sports to help with fitness, balance, co-ordination and aspect, like the arms. flexibility. But how difficult was it to convince 15 of Division Three’s finest to take part? What is your normal training regime? Easy, as it happens. Soon enough the pitch was filled with We usually do a bit of running then stop for curious members of Pontllanfraith’s youth and first team, all staring suspiciously at a leg-warmered girl so hyper and three minutes and do some lower half and bendy they edged away for fear she’d snap and rebound lower back stretches. We end up finishing across the pitch. All were excited at the prospect of learning with the neck before we do contact practice. some new techniques for loosening hamstrings that have taken a season’s battering, but most were devilishly eager Will your players be embarrassed at the to impress at home with newfound flexibility. idea of doing dance? I dare say there’s a little bit of embarrassment as there is with anything new. Some nights it’s a bit of an effort to get the youngsters to The Science stretch. They think they don’t need to. “Dance training improves balance, coordination, muscle Who will benefit most? flexibility and agility in players,” says physiotherapist Dr Marie The youngsters seem to be having a lot of fun Alricsson, who investigated the benefits of dance for cross with it, but it will probably be of more use to country skiers at Mid Sweden University. the older players. “It gives them better rhythm, balance and timing which is always needed in ball sports. It also prevents injuries and Who will be more open to the idea of improves body performance. Overall, dance training lets the using dance training do you think, the team have fun together.” older or younger players? The Swedish national sailing team used the technique before the Olympic Games in We probably shouldn’t do it as a group 2000 and Rosenborg Football Club in Norway have used dance training since exercise. Perhaps we should take the front the 1980s. Rugby is a high risk sport like football and teams use the back forward- row aside to do some stretches. bend a large part of the time. This gives the effect of muscles shortening on the hip and weakening in the abdomen. The hamstrings also get short with an intensive sport Is this something you will use for training activity like rugby. Dance training gives an all-round body exercise and can therefore in the future? balance high level, sport specific training. If the players find it warms them up well we might take it on.

Flexibility Posture Bracing Being flexible improves performance and Good posture can make or break you. Push your shoulders back and down and reduces injury. Many players don’t get Back and neck problems are often arch your back so your pelvis is tilted. Now, into the habit of post-match stretching. caused by exercising and completing day angle your pelvis underneath you so your Over time, muscles will contract, which to day activities with incorrect posture. hips are slightly forward and your bottom hinders flexibility leading to further injury. Correct posture is an essential part of tucked beneath you. At the same time, Ideally, stretching should be performed dance training. It helps by accurately pull your stomach in. The best way to do three times during any exercise session. strengthening muscles around the back, this is to inhale deeply, and then, as you A gentle stretch before exercise, with a shoulders and abdomen, which improves exhale, think of pressing your belly button second series after warming up, and a overall performance. to your spine. Maintain this position as cool-down stretch to finish. you exercise. This helps develop core muscles that stabilise your body, letting your arms and legs work productively.

12 clubHouse Half Time

Abdominals Strong core muscles in the trunk of your body are essential for all athletes. Strengthening these muscles around the Ab ovals abdomen provides further stability for Lying on the floor with your knees bent, the legs to work and means the stomach round your arms and reach them out in can withstand fierce impact. Experiment Parallel leg stretch front of you. Begin by lifting your shoulders with a range of exercises that strengthen Sit with both legs outstretched, reach your and neck off the floor with your chin muscles at the top and bottom of the arms above your head and brush them pressed against your chest to protect your abdomen, as well as the oblique muscles forward, exhaling into the stretch. Make neck. Reach firstly to your left, then circle running sideways across. It is essential sure you’re lifting up and out of your hips around to the centre, so your hands are whilst completing abdominal exercises before stretching over, elongating the outstretched above your knees. Circle again that the stomach muscles are braced spine as you’re extending. Repeat 10 times to your right and then retreat to the lying as described above. This will ensure the without straining. On the final stretch hold position. Repeat the exercise 10 times, muscles develop lengthways as opposed for 10 seconds. then reverse by circling to your right. to widthways and won’t hinder movement.

Player Verdict Teamwork PHIL WILLIAMS Second row I think it could benefit rugby players in the off- season when you need to work on your fitness. During the season people are carrying knocks. I’d definitely give it a try, not just for rugby but for general fitness, too.

CHRIS BARLOW Under-17 Coach We’re always looking for alternative ways of being able to stretch and things like that. I’d like to loosen up as I’m getting onto the end of my days here now. I’m not embarrassed at the prospect of doing dance. As long as it warms up the aches and pains you may have picked up over Her Verdict the years. If it works BETHAN DAVIES then it works. That’s Dance teacher what’s important. “I was surprised at how many of the squad members found the exercises Try it at your club difficult. They could To find dance practitioners in your area contact : definitely benefit from investing www.communitydancewales.com more time in strengthening their For at-home conditioning, you can follow the New York City Ballet workout DVD. core muscles.”

clubHouse 13 Half Time When rugby goes wrong Welsh rugby has looked pretty ropey over the last month. clubHouse investigates what’s gone wrong and whether rugby has lost touch with the people it is meant to serve.

MIKE RUDDOCK’S GONE, MOST OF THE FIRST TEAM ARE to take my family to watch the play Borders recently. I injured and there’s a general sense of suspicion and distrust of the can’t afford that every week.” WRU. It’s fair to say the last month hasn’t been the best for the In addition, because many of the top games are shown on either national side. And it’s all down to Welsh rugby no longer reflecting Sky Sports, the BBC, or S4C, kick-off times have changed. There is the society it’s there to serve, according to the foremost authority no longer a guarantee of a regular 2.30pm kick-off for fans to enjoy in Welsh rugby history. and plan their day around. All this adds up to the simple fact fans Professor Dai Smith, author of Fields of Praise, a history of the are not being put first. , says Welsh rugby no longer reflects its Stuart Jones, secretary of Trimsaran RFC says, “At the top level roots. Thanks to the introduction of professionalism, with the ticket prices are continually rising, and all the money is going money, sponsorship and pressure that it brings, a society which towards sponsorship, hospitality and television.” traditionally held rugby and coal at its core is being slowly but Another area where fans are paying top dollar is via the lucrative resolutely marginalised. replica shirt market. The WRU have released a new range of Wales Many clubs agree with Smith’s opinion. Phil Hewitt, Tumble RFC replica shirts for four consecutive years including new jerseys for chairman, says, “Sometimes I feel people at the top of the national the and a 125th anniversary away shirt in game forget that without local level rugby it would not happen.” November 2005. With these shirts priced up to £60, many fans are Meanwhile, at national level a history of interference and lack counting the cost of keeping up with rugby fashion. of faith by the WRU have made the Welsh head coaching position “When you consider how often there are new shirts, charging so something of a poisoned chalice. Smith believes the possible much for them is daylight robbery,” says Shane Poole of Aberavon. involvement of the players in Ruddock’s departure shows the union “My son always wants the latest kit but there is only so often you has lost touch with its fan base. If so, who can blame caretaker- can put your hand in your pocket for another £50.” coach Scott Johnson if he takes up a position in his homeland next This is a far cry from days gone by. While professionalism was season? The Australian rugby authorities certainly appear more always inevitable, there are those who long for the simplicity competent and their national team benefits because of it. of the amateur days. Part of the joy of watching the sides of the Australian rugby fans reap the benefits too, able to watch high 1970s came from the fact that many of the players shared the same class rugby for a reasonable price, which is not the situation for employment as those in the stands cheering them on. Players like some Celtic league teams. Whereas a Super 14s game in Australia Tom David and Dai Morris would appear for Wales before heading costs the punter no more than a fiver, lower standard Celtic league home for a shift down the pit, endearing them to the hearts of a games require the fans to shell out between £15 and £20. rugby mad nation. For some fans then, taking their family to the rugby has Today’s Millennium Stadium crowd can only dream of the become a costly business. Alun Lewis from Pontardawe says, “I trappings enjoyed by those who wear the red shirt. This has led don’t think the WRU or the regions care about the fans anymore. to some resentment towards those who play and administrate at It cost me £60 the top of the game, particularly when the public feel they are not performing well and winning. This has been evident in the way many clubs have reacted to the current Mike Ruddock debacle, and the

No Welsh shirts were harmed in the making of this picture What do you think? “Money has ruined rugby. Ticket prices are too When rugby goes wrong high. Television is dictating when fans can go and watch their team, and buying a replica shirt is like Welsh rugby has looked pretty ropey over the last month. clubHouse investigates what’s being robbed.” Thomas Edwards, 67, Newport gone wrong and whether rugby has lost touch with the people it is meant to serve. “The way they handled the whole Ruddock thing BY OLIVER PICKUP summed it up for me. It wasn’t about what was WRU’s blatant management of the recent Red Zone Roadshows good for the game in Wales. It was about what was held by Steve Lewis. good for them. They don’t care about fans. As long One ASDA league chairman, who didn’t want to be named as they fill out the Millennium Stadium every for fear of reprisal from the WRU, told clubHouse, “It was a total game, and get their big fat pay cheques they don’t PR job. If we had had the call from another club suggesting the give a damn.” establishment of an anti WRU petition, we’d have signed it.” Jonathan Morgan, 26, Phil Hewitt also found the Roadshow provided more questions than answers. “Steve Lewis re-iterated that Mike “The thing that sums it up for me is the price of a had stepped down for family reasons but until we get those match programme. Why are they now anything words from Mike’s mouth it’s difficult to know who to up to £6? Isn’t it enough if you’ve bought the shirt believe. And considering they’ve put a confidentiality clause on his resignation, we’re never going to know and a ticket to have a souvenir programme for free? exactly what went on,” he says. It’s getting ridiculous.” Alan Lewis of Tenby RFC believes the WRU must Stephanie O’Connor, 38, Llanharan listen to the needs of its clubs to address the current issues in the game. “The WRU must realise it’s owned “I would love to take my family to a Six Nations by its constituent clubs and is there solely to promote the game, but they cost roughly £35 each. The WRU game of rugby union within Wales, are not catering for the fan who has to support his not for individual self gratification family. Where are the cheaper tickets for children?” and empire building,” he says. Andrews Simons, 42, Gabalfa “We must employ professionals to administer the game “Money is the root of all evil. Just look at how professionally without politics ridiculous money’s got in football. I hoped it or parochialism. We must take wouldn’t affect rugby, but it has. Everything is a step back, look at the bigger much more expensive than it needs to be.” picture, take a grip of this great Dafydd Simons, 69, Nantyglo institution and stop false patriots taking the WRU and Welsh “When you consider that was paid rugby into oblivion.”  a quarter of a million pounds to coach Wales is it any wonder that tickets and shirts are so high. That money has to come from somewhere. Sadly it’s the fans who are paying through the nose.” Jim Edwards, 24, Pontypool “I do have some sympathy with the WRU. Any business has to make a profit and that includes the WRU. But some prices are just too expensive. I will never pay £65 for a replica shirt.” Matthew Sampson, 32, Pembroke

Have your say [email protected] Half Time ROWLIN’ BACK THE YEARS BY ANDREW GWILYM & MHAIRI MONTGOMERY

Clive ‘Top Cat’ Rowlands bares his teeth at the thought of

Clive Rowlands tells clubHouse about leading his country, growing up in Cwmtwrch and munching choc ices with Gareth Edwards.

“AUSTIN HEALEY IS THE BEST SCRUM-HALF IN THE become more confident,” he says. “I did gymnastics which as a world.” Ten words guaranteed to stir any Welshman’s blood. But scrum-half improved my flexibility. And of course athletics helped this is none other than Wales’s own legendary scrum-half Clive to work on areas such as pace. It was a great place to grow up and Rowlands making this claim. We know Welsh rugby has gone a bit the opportunity existed to become a good all round sportsman.” crazy lately, but surely not this crazy. Rowlands is also grateful he was free to play as often as he liked Thankfully it’s just the famous Rowlands humour kicking in. on a weekend. “It’s a shame that youngsters today are sometimes His face cracks into a smile and he laughs, “Don’t denied the opportunity to play more than once a worry I’m only joking. He’s nowhere near as good weekend,” he says. “I used to play for Maesydderwen as . He’s the best.” clubHouse is You would always have School on a Saturday morning and then play for mightily relieved. a ball and you would Cwmllynfell Youth in the afternoon. Sometimes During his playing career Rowlands was use your jumper for a I would also play football for Cwm Wanderers on considered one of the finest scrum-halves of his try line a Sunday morning. That gave me good grounding era. The youngster initially honed his skills playing On growing up in Cwmtwrch and a great number of opportunities to develop my for Cwmllynfell Youth. “The beauty of village rugby skills. sport was that you would always have a ball and you would use “I really enjoyed playing for Abercrave and other local clubs. your jumper for a goal post or a try line. This helped us to develop There were some great players in the area and it was a rugby natural ball skills and certainly inspired me to play,” he says. education to play alongside them. That enthusiasm for rugby in Rowlands also believes that his education at Maesydderwen the Swansea Valley has always been there and remains today.” School gave him and many others the skills required to be good After moving on to play for Pontypool, Rowlands won his first sportsmen. “Key parts of my development at Maesydderwen were for Wales against England in 1963, where despite it being his the wide range of skills I picked up. I did football, where if you work first appearance, he led the team out as captain. “It probably came on your right foot they made you play on the left so you would a bit too soon for me. But it was an incredible honour to lead my 16 clubHouse “ country. In those days there was a great responsibility attached to the captaincy. You were required to help coach the team. That meant preparing the team tactically Ten Thin gs for the up-coming game rather than having any say in Clive the team selection. I was lucky. The experiences I gained You Didn’’’’’’’’t from being captain allowed me to move into coaching Rowlands very easily.” Know’’’’’ Rowlands’s second appearance for his country led to a change in the laws of the game. Wales defeated Scotland 6-0, but during the game there were 111 line-outs, the most About: there has ever been in an international match. Rowlands was blamed for this trend because of his tactical kicking, but the man himself does not feel solely responsible. “We knew the Scottish pack were strong so we needed to keep 01 Rowlands is the only player who has captained the ball away from them. Personally, I’m not convinced Wales on every occasion he has pulled on the there were 111 line-outs, but there you go.” red jersey.

02 His proudest moment as a player came in 1965 We all used to go to the cinema on the when he led Wales to the Triple Crown and Five Friday night before a game. Jerry Lewis Nations Championship. would get uschoc-ices and lollipops 03 Recently departed coac h Mike Ruddock was the After his retirement at the age of 29, Rowlands moved most successful Welsh coac h since Rowlands seamlessly into management and went on to coach left the post 32 years ago. the legendary Welsh sides of the 1970s. He has happy memories of working with high calibre players like Gareth 04 Rowlands remains the youngest man ever to Edwards and . “It was great to work with such coac h Wales, at the age of 30. gifted footballers. What made it a special experience was that the whole group were such different people but 05 Under Rowlands, Wales would train on the they were a really tight group,” he says. “They all had beac hes at Afan Lido. Once, when informed the different jobs. I mean some were coal miners. Others, tide was in, Rowlands commanded fly-half Barry such as , were teachers. But they could all sit John to “send it bac k out again.” He failed. and talk together. “To keep that going we all used to go to the cinema on the Friday night before a game, be it home or away. 06 Rowlands captained Swansea to their first We would all be there and the team doctor, Jerry Lewis, victory over a touring side since 1935, when would go “and get us choc ices and lollipops. You’d have they defeated Australia 9-8 in 1996. all these athletes eating ice cream the night before a game. Those were great evenings,” he says. 07 As well as coming up with the idea of tactical Although never a Lions player, Rowlands was an kic king to defeat Scotland in 1963, Rowlands integral part of the 1989 tour to Australia, where under also dropped an incredible goal from near the his management the Lions won 2-1. “That was one of the touc hline to wrap up the win. happiest times of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed the 12 weeks on tour. I worked with two great coaches in Ian 08 Both Clive and his wife Margaret have survived McGeechan and Roger Uttley and of course we had some battles with cancer and have set up the Clive of the best players in the world.” Rowlands Cancer Appeal as a result. Rugby has changed enormously in recent years and not always for the better, according to Rowlands. “I remember 09 After Wales suffered a 49-6 mauling against our prop Dai Young was accused of having stamped on New Zealand in the 1987 World Cup semi-final, an Australian player,” he says. “As team manager I took Rowlands joked Wales would just go back to the decision to suspend Dai for one match so we would beating England every Five Nations. Wales have be seen to have handled the matter. We announced it to only beaten the old enemy four times since. the press and that was the end of the matter. That’s a real contrast to what went on during the Brian O’Driscoll affair 10 Rowlands was voted Welsh Sportsman of the last summer.” Year in 1965 after captaining Wales to Five Rowlands rounds off by proudly showing us his Nations glory. numerous scrapbooks of press cuttings from his career. A career that saw him captain, coach and manage his country and become president of the WRU. Not bad for a lad from Upper Cwmtwrch. 

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Mountain Ash 52482 20000 278 257 RE 5252 7777 41200 1 Division 1 Aberdare 38500 03858 558528 22586622Results, RRFF Tables & Fixtures Division 1 Division 2 East Division 3 East Division 3 South East

7/3/2006 12/3/2006 16/3/2006 12/3/2006 Narberth 8 - 19 Llangennech Bargoed 25 - 15 Llantwit Fardre Rhymney 0 - 0 New Tredegar Gilfach Goch P - P Ynysybwl Rumney P - P Brynmawr 10/3/2006 17/3/2006 16/3/2006 Blackwood 30 - 17 Merthyr 16/3/2006 Pontypool Utd P - P Cwmbran Pentyrch 20 - 6 Abercwmboi Caerphilly P - P Builth Wells Croesyceiliog 12 - 34 Newport S. Risca 13 - 23 Pontllanfraith Llangennech 11 - 19 17/3/2006 Llanharan 9 - 18 Bonymaen 17/3/2006 Gilfach Goch 22 - 16 Ruthin UWIC 15 - 43 Newbridge Brynmawr 12 - 41 Bargoed Ynysybwl 29 - 13 Tonyrefail Ystrad Rhondda 5 - 10 Fleur de Lys Mountain Ash 7 - 5 Llantwit Fardre

17/3/2006 Division 2 West Division 3 West Division 3 South West Bonymaen 8 - 18 Beddau 12/3/2006 12/3/2006 12/3/2006 Fleur de Lys 21 - 29 Merthyr Banwen 30 - 10 Felinfoel Hendy 11 - 13 Tumble Vardre 17 - 5 Tonna Llanharan 16 - 15 Llangennech Kidwelly 28 - 10 Seven Sisters Lampeter 15 - 0 Laugharne Narberth 30 - 13 Waunarlwydd Pontyberem 22 - 28 Camarthen Ath. Tenby 35 - 21 Newcastle Em. 16/3/2006 Newbridge 21 - 11 Builth Wells Nantyffyllon 35 - 6 Tondu UWIC P - P Caerphilly 15/3/2006 17/3/2006 Ystrad Rhondda 12 - 25 Blackwood Dunvant 53 - 13 Kidwelly Newcastle Em. P - P Penclawdd 17/3/2006 Tumble 16 - 15 Laugharne Kenfig Hill 0 - 3 Vardre 19/3/2006 16/3/2006 Cwmllynfell 6 - 16 Whitland Banwen 24 - 10 Seven Sisters

Division 4 East Division 4 South East Division 4 North Division 5 West 12/3/2006 10/3/2006 No fixtures this fortnight 12/3/2006 Chepstow 10 - 25 Monmouth 32 - 10 Cowbridge Swansea Uplands 0 - 39 Burry Port Penygraig P - P Cilfynydd 16/3/2006 17/3/2006 Chepstow 25 - 27 Cardiff HSOB 16/3/2006 Aberaeron 31 - 0 Llangwm Penygraig 3 - 37 Cowbridge 17/3/2006 Crumlin 19 - 14 Monmouth

Division 4 West Division 4 South West Division 5 East Division 5 South East

No fixtures this fortnight 10/3/2006 12/3/2006 No fixtures this fortnight Aberavon GS P - P Heol y Cyw Llanhilleth 28 - 26 Caldicot Birchgrove P - P Trebanos Usk 32 - 3 St Josephs

17/3/2006 17/3/2006 Birchgrove P - P Maesteg Celtic Machen 18 - 10 Usk

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Division 5 South West Division 5 North Mountain Ash 52482 20000 278 257 RE 5252 7777 41200 1 Flutter Aberdare 38500 03858 558528 22586622 RRFF 12/3/2006 18/02/2006 Glyncorrwg 30 - 0 Athletic Llandudno 31 - 7 Llanidloes of the Heinken Cup Machynlleth 12 - 3 Bangor Week Root for the 17/3/2006 Rhos. 13 - 10 Rhayader underdog, Bath at 25/1 Glyncorrwg 59 - 0 Cwmtwrch Rhyl 24 - 39 Bro Ffestiniog Porthcawl 27 - 17 Rhigos Wrexham 27 - 14 Welshpool Powergen Cup Back Llanelli all clubHouse Mountain Ash 4377674 8434778458992 78428078 the way, at 2/1

4/3/2006 accepts 158552 25455452 RDD 23145120 Tumble RFC 21 World Cup Bangor P - P Rhyl no legal Be a patriot, Wales Mountain Ash 52482 20000 278 257 RE 5252 7777 41200 1 responsibilty Bro Ffestiniog P - P Rhos. are 33/1 Aberdare 38500 03858 558528 22586622 RRFF if you lose Llanidloes P - P Machynlleth lots of money Welshpool 32 - 19 Rhayader and your wife Wrexham P - P Llandudno throws you out Match Reports Previews Division 1 battle at the top Division 3 West Bonymaen 8-18 Beddau Risca v Abercarn Beddau became the first side to come away from The proverbial relegation six pointer between the two Bonymaen with a victory after a dogged performance bottom clubs in the division. sealed an entralling 8-18 away win at Parc Mawr. Risca are 12 points adrift at the bottom and desperately The league leaders were without six first choice players, need a win if they are to have any chance of avoiding the including skipper Darren Poland, and the visitors took drop to Division Four East. full advantage. With only two wins all season the home side will need Tries from Dominic Busuttil and winger Garan Pearce, a dramatic reversal of fortune to survive, but stranger both converted by , put Beddau in things have happened. command and a drop goal by wing Dan Wyatt rounded In the last encounter between the two sides, Abercarn of the scoring. cruised home to a comfortable 31-3 win. Bony’s only try was scored by substitute Michael A similar result on Saturday would keep the visitors Thomas who put points on the board with his second own hopes of avoiding the drop alive. And sitting second touch of the game. to bottom, they need that. Division 2 East showdown Division 2 West Croesyceiliog 12-34 Newport S. Loughor v Corus Croesyceiliog’s relegation worries took a turn for the Loughor need a victory to maintain their push for worse after a one-sided encounter at Woodland Road. promotion as the season enters its fi nal stages. The Cockerels took the lead through a Matthew Dunvant appear to have the title wrapped up but below Entwistle penalty, but the Newport Saracens hit back them, the fight is on for the final promotion spot. And with two tries to go in ahead at the half time whistle. Loughor are a mere three points ahead of Carmarthen Newport then piled on the misery with four tries in the Athletic in the race for Division One. second half, answered only by a penalty from outside- Corus will be looking for a win to try and bring half Entwistle. themselves into the equation for promotion. They are 12 And the defeat will have further consequences for points behind their hosts but they have the added bonus

Croesyceiliog. Influential hooker Anthony Axford picked of games in hand on all the teams above them. sh 4377674 8434778458992 78428078 untain A up a knock and flanker Paul Hicks broke his leg. To This will be the first meeting between the two sides this Mo

compound their misery, scrum-half Nathan Powell was season, so it’s all to play for, as both sides set their sights sent off for dissent. on Divison One.

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Mountain Ash

158552 25455452 RDD 23145120 rtesy of Alan Watkins www.clubhousewales.comPhotos cou Tumble RFC 21 clubHouse 19

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Div 1 P W D L F A Pts Div 2 East P W D L F A Pts Div 2 West P W D L F A Pts Bonymaen 23 18 2 3 743 314 56 Bargoed 19 16 0 3 600 350 48 Dunvant 18 16 0 2 486 281 48 Newbridge 25 17 1 7 523 427 52 Newport Saracens 17 15 0 2 430 204 45 Carmarthen Athletic 21 14 1 6 401 354 43 Beddau 25 17 0 8 619 369 51 Abercynon 18 13 0 5 499 323 39 Loughor 19 13 2 4 423 325 41 Whitland 21 14 2 5 435 263 44 Llantrisant 20 12 0 8 424 383 36 Corus 19 12 2 5 467 268 35* Cwmllynfell 22 13 2 7 529 356 41 Pill Harriers 19 10 4 5 395 287 34 Banwen 19 11 0 8 303 344 33 Merthyr 22 13 0 9 533 458 39 Tredegar 20 10 2 8 440 307 32 Bridgend Athletic 17 11 0 6 396 341 30* Llanharan 24 11 0 13 506 505 33 Lantwit Fardre 18 10 2 6 400 256 32 Pontyberem 19 10 0 9 350 336 30 UWIC 20 10 0 10 537 534 30 Mountain Ash 19 9 1 9 278 308 28 Kidwelly 20 7 1 12 392 449 22 Llangennech 21 10 0 11 452 408 30 Rhydyfelin 17 9 0 8 352 304 27 Kidwelly 20 7 0 13 372 444 21 Blackwood 21 9 3 9 398 410 30 Croesyceiliog 20 7 0 13 388 541 21 Felinfoel 18 6 1 11 274 343 19 Caerphilly 19 9 0 10 404 425 27 Nantymoel 18 6 1 11 381 465 19 Tonmawr 17 6 0 11 295 275 18 Narberth 21 8 0 13 353 474 24 Rumney 17 4 0 13 265 349 12 Gorseinon 18 5 1 12 358 399 16 Waunarlwydd 23 7 1 15 339 570 22 Brynithel 18 4 0 14 217 393 12 Mumbles 19 4 0 15 336 537 12 Builth Wells 20 6 0 14 351 495 18 Brynmawr 20 0 0 20 196 795 0 Seven Sisters 16 4 0 12 247 404 12 Fleur de Lys 23 5 0 18 283 643 15 Ystrad Rhondda 22 3 1 18 238 592 7

Div 3 East P W D L F A Pts Div 3 West P W D L F A Pts Div 3 S East P W D L F A Pts Abergavenny 17 15 0 2 574 249 45 Penclawdd 16 15 0 1 581 183 45 Ynysybwl 18 17 0 1 522 215 51 Pontypool Utd 17 13 0 4 422 181 39 Trimsaran 19 14 1 4 459 247 43 Treherbert 18 16 0 2 447 241 48 Blaina 19 10 1 8 455 375 31 18 12 1 5 486 264 37 Gilfach Goch 18 12 1 5 291 216 37 Fairwater 18 10 0 8 376 245 30 Llanelli Wanderers 18 11 2 5 354 322 35 Pencoed 16 10 1 5 347 214 31 Senghenydd 18 10 0 8 328 442 30 Haverfordwest 18 11 1 6 406 311 34 Treorchy 15 10 0 5 268 222 30 Nelson 16 9 1 6 312 300 28 Laugharne 17 11 0 6 390 304 33 Brecon 17 9 1 7 323 287 28 Llanishen 16 9 0 7 411 309 24 Aberystwyth 16 10 0 6 441 233 30 Pentyrch 18 8 1 9 333 283 25 Pontllanfraith 17 8 0 9 312 279 24 Pembroke Dock 18 7 2 9 323 467 23 Tonyrefail 16 7 0 9 261 288 21 New Tredegar 14 7 1 6 265 327 22 Newcastle Emlyn 19 7 2 10 267 373 23 Ruthin 18 5 2 11 300 341 17 Cwmbran 18 7 0 11 278 413 21 Lampeter 18 7 0 11 313 309 21 Aberdare 17 5 1 11 246 350 16 Rhymney 17 6 1 10 301 343 18 Tumble 19 7 0 12 291 483 21 Hirwaun 18 5 1 12 232 340 16 Old Illtydians 16 6 0 10 263 345 18 Tenby 19 4 1 14 316 459 13 Barry 15 5 0 10 251 351 15 Abercarn 18 6 0 12 269 407 18 Amman United 16 4 0 12 253 395 12 Tylorstown 17 4 0 13 283 437 12 Risca 19 2 0 17 246 597 6 Hendy 19 0 0 19 274 804 0 Abercwmboi 15 1 0 14 128 447 3

Div 3 S West P W D L F A Pts Div 4 East P W D L F A Pts Div 4 West P W D L F A Pts Nantyffyllon 19 14 1 4 483 228 43 Garndiffaith 17 15 0 2 403 245 45 Pontarddulais 15 14 0 1 423 198 42 Tonna 16 14 0 2 472 190 42 St Peters 17 14 0 3 463 250 42 Ammanford 16 12 1 3 394 174 37 Vardre 18 14 0 4 360 163 42 Newport HSOB 16 12 0 4 503 205 36 Llandeilo 15 11 0 4 270 163 33 Cwmavon 17 13 0 4 469 205 39 Tredegar Ironsides 15 11 0 4 349 225 33 Neyland 17 10 1 6 370 264 31 Cwmgors 19 11 0 8 404 321 33 Trinant 15 10 0 5 280 301 30 Pembroke 17 7 2 8 271 231 23 Aberavon Quins 18 9 0 9 339 347 27 Talywain 17 7 0 10 307 518 21 Milford 15 7 1 7 214 285 22 Bryncoch 17 9 0 8 328 293 27 Cardiff HSOB 16 7 0 9 342 312 21 Crymych 14 7 0 7 272 192 21 Skewen 18 7 1 10 315 359 22 Nantyglo 14 5 1 8 206 272 16 Cardigan 18 6 1 11 267 336 19 Kenfig Hill 17 6 2 9 343 412 20 Crumlin 14 4 1 9 238 380 13 New Dock Stars 16 6 0 10 233 333 18 Ystalyfera 18 6 1 11 308 464 19 Chepstow 16 4 0 12 381 440 12 Cefneithin 16 5 1 10 133 271 16 Brynamman 16 6 0 10 270 313 18 Monmouth 19 4 0 15 380 407 12 Fishguard 16 4 0 12 217 339 12 Tondu 17 6 0 11 357 350 18 Oakdale 15 1 0 14 174 476 3 Llandybie 15 2 1 12 119 397 7 Resolven 18 3 1 14 275 553 10 Alltwen 16 1 0 15 175 700 3

Div 4 S East P W D L F A Pts Div 4 S West P W D L F A Pts Div 4 North P W D L F A Pts Penallta 15 14 0 1 716 177 42 Heol y Cyw 14 13 0 1 439 174 39 Mold 14 14 0 0 450 185 42 Penarth 19 14 0 5 568 266 42 Birchgrove 15 11 1 3 325 210 34 Pwllheli 16 11 0 5 408 269 33 Taffs Well 17 12 0 5 493 224 36 Glynneath 16 9 0 5 344 271 33 Nant Conwy 14 11 0 3 331 173 33 Cilfynydd 16 12 0 4 404 219 36 Morriston 14 9 1 4 307 219 28 Caernarfon 16 9 1 6 386 286 28 Bedlinog 15 11 0 4 366 139 33 Pontycymmer 18 9 0 9 300 316 27 Bala 15 7 1 7 297 320 22 Cowbridge 15 9 0 6 323 190 27 Trebanos 16 8 0 8 300 301 24 Denbigh 15 6 0 9 310 291 18 Llandaff North 16 8 1 7 332 422 25 Taibach 15 7 0 8 339 272 21 Colwyn Bay 14 5 0 9 210 314 15 Llantwit Major 16 5 0 11 182 297 15 Briton Ferry 17 7 0 10 321 372 21 Newtown 15 5 0 10 169 328 15 Dowlais 15 4 0 11 231 341 12 Aberavon GS 17 4 1 12 190 370 13 Bethesda Llandaff 17 4 0 13 242 422 12 Maesteg Celtic 16 5 1 10 282 348 13 15 4 0 11 271 441 12 Penygraig 17 3 1 13 119 501 10 Glais 13 4 0 9 187 299 12 Dolgellau 14 1 0 13 112 337 3 Dinas Powys 16 0 0 16 65 823 0 Abercrave 15 3 0 12 208 390 9

20 clubHouse www.clubhousewales.com

Div 5 East P W D L F A Pts Div 5 West P W D L F A Pts Div 5 S East P W D L F A Pts Machen 15 15 0 0 524 133 45 Llanybydder 17 16 0 1 667 11 48 Porth 15 15 0 0 755 53 45 Blaenavon 16 13 0 3 346 189 39 Burry Port 17 15 0 2 498 161 45 Bridgend Sports 15 12 0 3 467 160 36 Usk 18 11 2 5 363 260 35 Aberaeron 18 15 0 3 602 225 45 Cefn Coed 13 10 1 2 328 146 31 Abertillery BG 17 11 1 5 358 240 34 Betws 17 14 0 3 533 256 42 Rhiwbina 13 8 1 4 408 188 25 Gwernyfed 16 11 0 5 356 168 33 Gowerton 18 12 0 6 559 294 36 Ferndale 16 7 0 9 273 342 21 Bettws 15 9 1 5 310 166 28 Tycroes 17 10 1 6 283 195 31 Pontyclun 13 7 0 6 237 238 21 St Josephs 17 8 0 9 279 380 24 Llangwm 20 7 0 13 322 534 21 South Wales Police 16 6 0 10 321 402 18 St Albans 17 7 0 10 262 316 21 Bynea 17 7 0 10 273 407 21 Old Penarthians 14 3 0 11 149 504 9 Ynysddu 16 5 2 9 196 301 17 Swansea Uplands 18 6 1 11 286 452 19 Deri 14 2 1 11 147 536 7 Llanhilleth 18 4 1 13 205 469 13 Penygroes 17 6 0 11 357 357 18 Ogmore Vale 15 0 1 14 85 599 1 Caldicot 19 3 1 15 197 377 10 Pontyates 17 5 0 12 209 481 15 RTB Ebbw Vale 18 0 0 18 130 527 0 Furnace 18 3 1 14 236 462 10 St Clears 17 3 1 13 142 355 10 St Davids 18 2 0 16 147 586 6 TV Pick of the Div 5 S West P W D L F A Pts Div 5 North P W D L F A Pts Week BP Llandarcy 16 15 0 1 606 131 45 Llandudno 14 14 0 0 722 97 42 Ystradgynlais 18 13 1 4 437 223 40 Wrexham 14 12 0 2 401 124 36 Celtic League Glyncorrwg 15 13 0 2 562 139 39 Llanidloes 15 10 0 5 310 170 30 BBC Wales Cefn Cribbwr 18 13 0 5 376 313 39 Welshpool 15 9 0 6 288 208 27 24 March at 7.10pm Rhigos 15 10 1 4 250 211 31 Machynlleth 13 8 0 5 256 221 24 Porthcawl 17 10 0 7 413 348 30 Bro Ffestiniog 11 5 0 6 269 223 15 v Glasgow Warriors Neath Athletic 15 9 0 6 326 222 27 Rhyl 14 4 0 10 270 397 12 S4C Cwmgwrach 17 7 0 10 273 343 21 Rhayader 14 3 1 10 217 340 10 25 March at 5.30pm Crynant 17 5 0 12 226 419 15 Rhosllanerchrugog 12 2 1 9 156 441 7 Llanelli Scarlets v Munster Cwmtwrch 18 3 1 14 210 516 10 Bangor 14 0 0 14 68 736 0 Baglan 16 2 1 13 192 453 7 26 March at 4.10pm Pontardawe 14 2 0 12 153 490 6 Ospreys v Gunners Pyle 16 2 0 14 233 449 6

Fixtures 25/3/2006 Division One Division Three South East Division Four North Barry v Pencoed; Gilfach Goch v Hirwaun; Ruthin v Aberdare; Merthyr v Narbeth; Whitland v Ystrad Rhondda; Builth Wells Bethesda v Colwyn Bay, Denbigh v Bala, Mold v Dolgellau, Treherbert v Pentyrch; Treorchy v Brecon; Tonyrefail v v Bonymaen; Llangennech v UWIC; Caerphilly v Cwmllynfell; Nant Conwy v Pwllheli , Newtown v Caernarfon Ynysybwl; Tylorstown v Abercwmboi Blackwood v Llanharan; Beddau v Newbridge; Waunarlwydd v Fleur de Lys Division Three South West Division Five East Abertillery BG v Gwernyfed, Bettws v Machen, Blaenavon v Division Two East Aberavon Quins v Tondu; Cwmavon v Cwmgors; Kenfig Hill v Llanhilleth, RTB Ebbw Vale v St Josephs, St Albans v Caldicot, Tonna; Nantyffyllon v Brynamman; Resolven v Vardre; Skewen Brynmawr v Llantrisant; Croesyceiliog v Bargoed; Llantwit Usk v Ynysddu v Alltwen; Ystalyfera v Bryncoch Fardre v Abercynon; Mountain Ash v Rumney; Nantymoel v Brynithel; Newport Saracens v Pill Harriers; Tredegar v Division Four East Division Five West Rhydyfelin Burry Port v Bynea, Gowerton v Betws, Llanybydder v Furnace, Chepstow v Monmouth, Crumlin v Trinant, Garndiffaith v Llangwm v Pontyates, Penygroes v Aberaeron, Swansea Division Two West Oakdale, Nantyglo v Talywain, Newport HSOB v Cardiff HSOB, Uplands v Tycroes St Peters v Tredegar Ironsides Dunvant v Seven Sisters; Felinfoel v Banwen; Gorseinon v Kidwelly; Loughor v Corus; Mumbles v Maesteg Quins; Division Four West Division Five South East Pontyberem v Carmarthen Athletic; Tonmawr v Bridgend Blaengarw v Ferndale, Canton v Pontyclun, Cefn Coed v Cefneithin v Fishguard, Llandeilo v Cardigan, Milford v Athletic Bridgend Sports, Ogmore Vale v SWP, Old Penarthians v Deri, Pembroke, New Dock Stars v Ammanford, Neyland v Crymych, Rhiwbina v Porth Division Three East Pontarddulais v Llandybie

Cwmbran v Blaina; Llanishen v New Tredegar; Nelson v Division Four South East Division Five South West Fairwater; Pontllanfraith v Abergavenny; Pontypool Utd v Old Crynant v Pontardawe, Cwmgwrach v Cefn Cribbwr, Dinas Powys v Cowbridge, Dowlais v Cilfynydd, Llandaff Illtydians; Risca v Abercarn; Rhymney v Senghenydd Cwmtwrch v Baglan, Neath Athletic v BP Llandarcy, Rhigos v North v Llandaff, Penallta v Penygraig, Penarth v Llantwit Pyle, Ystradgynlais v Porthcawl Division Three West Major, Taffs Well v Bedlinog

Laugharne v Lampeter; Llangefni v Penclawdd; Newcastle Division Four South West Division Five North Emlyn v Hendy; Pembroke Dock v Aberystwyth; Tenby v Machynlleth v Wrexham, Rhayader v Bro Ffestiniog, Aberavon Green Stars v Glynneath, Abercrave v Maesteg Celtic, Amman Utd; Trimsaran v Llanelli Wanderers; Tumble v Rhosllanerchrugog v Bangor, Rhyl v Llanidloes, Welshpool v Birchgrove v Pontycymmer, Morriston v Glais, Taibach v Briton Haverfordwest Llandudno Ferry, Trebanos v Heol y Cyw

clubHouse 21 Final Whistle

The lads from Aberdare drink to the Italian touring side Leonessa, Over to you... managed by Lyn Howells.

Has Welsh rugby lost touch with its roots? “Yes. They need to get new managers in and start again from scratch. They need to listen to what the people want instead of all this political infighting.” My greatest rugby moment Margaret Gardener, 58, Newport Elwyn Gwilym, Abercrave fan “No, the regions still have plenty “It was actually after I’d given up playing the of junior rugby teams and that’s game. I was coach of Abercrave Youth when we where the spirit lies.” won the Welsh Youth Cup in 1980. We met Neath Phillip Osborne, 20, Abertysswg Youth in the final at their home ground, The “Yep. There are too many prima Gnoll. They were so confident they’d set up video Llanelli Wanderers’s triennial dinner donnas at the moment. And cameras around the ground to film the game. So —how did they beat Tenby the next day? how can you have foreigners in the victory was even sweeter. Building for the future— charge of the national team?” We’d played some really good rugby that the under-9s Maesteg Gerry Dempsey, 53, Cardiff season, with a good pack of forwards and a very team smile for their big “Not in Welsh rugby, no. It’s so capable back line. I remember our winger Ian moment. Sweet! engrained in Welsh culture. It’s Jeffreys was a particularly good finisher. He core to Wales as a national sport went on to play professionally for Ebbw Vale. and it’s less superstar driven We also had Clive Rowlands’s son Dewi in than football.” the team. It was great to see a bunch of great Chris Matthews, 21, Penarth young lads achieve something they were told was impossible.” “clubHouse’s devotion to ASDA league Want to share your clubs is great. There’s not enough focus stories? We’d love to hear on grass roots rugby at the moment. your greatest rugby The structure of Welsh rugby needs to be moments over the years. changed to allow it to prosper. The season [email protected] should be split into two. The first section should be made up of a league competition Llanishen RFC between eight clubs, and the second in vites you to section for regional rugby. This would An e vening a t the races give youngsters more of a chance to play with internationals and regional players. Thurs 30 March The regions should be West Glamorgan, 7.15pm West Wales, Mid Glamorgan and East Got a great caption for Llanishen RFC Wales. This would get away from the this gem? Yy Glas Avenue current set up that gravitates towards Log on to: Llanishen Only £3 and super clubs, not regions, such as Llanelli www.clubhousewales.com Cardiff that includes CF14 5DX Scarlets and Cardiff Blues. to enter our competition chicken & chips 02920 761 688 campaign, clubHouse Start a and win a rugby Clive Rowlands, ...” PlayStation game Cwmtwrch

22 clubHouse What’s the best thing about ASDA league rugby? From the We asked Croesyceiliog RFC archives “It’s in the heart. It’s been 20 years ago... After France beat Wales my life since I was six- “It’s your life. Your at the International years-old. It’s an addiction.” rugby team is like an Stadium in Cardiff, the Ieuan Mustow extra family.” visiting fans released Owain James five cockerels onto “It’s not the winning, it’s the the pitch. The garlic- “It’s about having loving birds had been celebrating afterwards. It’s all the painted red, white boys around you being part of the club and , not and blue and were winning. Tha expected to fly back socialising that matters.” t’s what this to France. But their John Attwell level is all about. stay in the Welsh capital was to Chris Williams ” be longer than anticipated. The My greatest rugby moment birds, which had been smuggled Elwyn Gwilym, Abercrave fan across the channel, were held in quarantine for 35 days by “It was actually after I’d given up playing the the authorities. Today no-one game. I was coach of Abercrave Youth when we knows of their whereabouts. won the Welsh Youth Cup in 1980. We met Neath 10 years ago... Youth in the final at their home ground, The The Welsh rescued Gnoll. They were so confident they’d set up video their Five Nations cameras around the ground to film the game. So season with a hard fought 16-15 win the victory was even sweeter. over France on 16 We’d played some really good rugby that March 1996. It was their only Five season, with a good pack of forwards and a very Mountain Ash claim this Nations win that capable back line. I remember our winger Ian year with scoring is their current first team. the only try of the game. Wales Jeffreys was a particularly good finisher. He Hmm, the shell suit raises ended the championship one went on to play professionally for Ebbw Vale. a few eyebrows. place off the bottom of the table and vowed to change We also had Clive Rowlands’s son Dewi in their game plan. the team. It was great to see a bunch of great 1 year ago.. young lads achieve something they were told . This time last was impossible.” year Welsh rugby Want to share your was on top of the world, winning stories? We’d love to hear the Grand Slam your greatest rugby for the first time in 27 years. moments over the years. They cruised [email protected] past 32-20, with two tries from and Kevin Morgan. Man of the tournament was , who bagged two Risca’s captain with team mascot at the tries in Wales’s second half home match against Rhymney. comeback against the French. It’s a family affair at Division Three West Penclawdd RFC. Do you deserve to be here? cH Then get in touch: www.clubhousewales.com

clubHouse 23 Oh, Canada “Say, Philip! Aberdare RFC are on tour — bound for the city of Toronto, in the land of snow, ice hockey and posh policemen in daft hats!”

Find out what it’s all about in the next issue of clubHouse Out April 5