COBRA v Bro Ffestiniog Caernarfon Ladies 36 v Whitland Ladies 39

Gary Editors: Gary Williams/Barry Williams Email: [email protected]

www.nwru.co.uk www.midwalesrugby.com

@ovalzonerugby TONDU 12 v RGC 1404 46 RGC NEWS

WRU CHAMPIONSHIP

As it is Breast Cancer UK’s “Wear it Pink” Day on Friday 25th October, RGC will be wearing pink socks for the home game v Newbridge on Sat 19th October

A bucket collection before the game will also take place as RGC support the campaign leading up to the Wear it Pink Day on the Friday.

General Manager Rupert Moon “As a rugby team from the region we aim to play our part in supporting great cause, we also hope fans will wear some pink to the game so the Eirias Effect will be a a shade of pink as the teams run out”

Please go to the link below for more details on Breast Cancer UK - Wear it Pink.

http://www.breastcancercampaign.org/support-us/wear-it-pink

Don’t miss out!

The RGC calendar has been selling fast and there is only a handful left.

To get your copy please go to the Mumph website http://mumph.co.uk/shop

The New RGC Supporters Club Web- site is now up and running, and is the place to go to discuss all things RGC.

If you are looking for an RGC Forum then this is the place to go.

http://www.gogogogs.co.uk/. RUGBY

Following report by Rob Grif- slip two scores behind, and SHORTS fiths, Daily Post Baston feels he and his team- mates must find a way to start The hooker says the side have quicker if they are to match the to start games better and add top sides in this division. some aggression to compete with the top teams “First half (against ) we didn’t really show up too Andy Baston admits RGC need well,” said the hooker. to find their physical edge if they are to compete against “We kind of let them dictate the sides at the top end of the the physicality of the game Asked as to why RGC are Championship. and didn’t really take it to them starting slowing in their game like we did the previous week at home, Baston added: “I don’t The North side were against Blackwood. know, it is just one of those back in action this weekend things. I suppose it is the mil- as they made the trip to Tondu “We let ourselves down and lion dollar question, and we are gaining a third win out of three didn’t take our opportunities going to have find the answer on the road, following victories when we created them. to it in training this week as to at Narberth and Blackwood. what we are doing wrong. “There were missed passes However, it is at home where thrown – we were not all there “We will look at the video and RGC are still looking for their in the contact area either. assess what we are doing first victory after going down wrong and look to put it right to a third straight loss at Parc “But I am massively pleased against Tondu on Saturday. Eirias last Saturday as they with the last quarter of an hour crashed 26-20 at the hands of the guys have shown. We “We know what we are capable Pontypool. showed adventure and the of in this league and we don’t back line looked brilliant on the doubt our ability – we just need New Youth contacts at After the Pooler match, assist- counter-attack and showed to put it out on the field.” Flint RFC ant coach Damian McGrath their skills, so I think there are admitted another slow start by positives from that game, but his side had rightly seen them we are still pretty gutted.”

COACHING COURSES RETURN TO THE BAY Three of the Colwyn Bay players who recently spent time in New Zealand training with Otago have returned home.

They are pictured here presenting a match ball supplied by Otago RFC as a momento of their visit.

Llangefni RFC are seeking Under 17 fixtures this season Games required asap. Home & Away matches welcomed. This year’s Presidents Day will be held at the club on November Any interested teams to contact Elfed Williams on 07793720711. 2nd 2013 and this year we would like to see as many past players of the club join the current members as guests for the day.

Please pass this onto any past players you’re in contact with and get them back down to the club.

The formalities of the day will start at 12.30 pm so we would ap- preciate if you could arrive prior to this for drinks. After you have been fed and watered the first team will be playing RFC in a league fixture so our boys will want your full support off the bank. Having achieved promotion last year we are more than holding our own in Division 2 after an indifferent start to the sea- son but the coaches are keen that the boys keep on developing.

I do hope you will be able to join us on the 2nd so that the club can in some small way thank you for your support and also to catch up with old friends.

From a catering point of view could you please reply back to Sam Hyde to confirm your attendance either by email to socialcommit- [email protected] or mobile no 07771 848382 by Friday 25th October.

Fireworks fun at Shotton Steel RFC Saturday 2nd November - 6.30pm start

All players, family, supporters and friends are warmly invited to Shotton’s annual fireworks display at the Corus club on Saturday 2nd November at 6.30pm. Wrap up warm and enjoy the thrills of the bangers and rockets. Refreshments and hotdogs will be available. See you there! Youth Cup Draw Games to be played by Saturday, 26th October Newtown v Llangefni Join one of the fastest growing sports in the world, Welshpool v Dolgellau and one of the newest Olympic events Shotton v Bangor Pwllheli v Rhyl Colwyn Bay v Llanidloes Bala v Flint Nant Conwy v Holyhead Byes for: Abergele, , Bro Ffestiniog

Please note that all matches must have a current licensed referee for that age group @ovalzonerugby

Teejac Sports Ltd Niwbwrch, Pentir, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 4DY Tel: 01248 353 575 - Fax: 01248 372973 Email: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/teejac RGC travel to Sale (19 October) to take on both the Under 18 and Under 16 sides Welsh (WRU) Head of Physical Performance U16’s Squad has been named Strength and Conditioning Garen DAVIES Wrexham RFC Coach of the Year (Elite Sport) Emyr COURT Nant Conwy RFC by the UK Strength and Condi- Kai WILLIAMS Bangor RFC tioning Association (UKSCA). Danny EVANS Dolgellau RFC Alex LEIGH Mold RFC Awarded for contributions that Tom YATES [c Rhyl RFC have significantly impacted Liam HAYES Ruthin RFC elite sport, Beard collected Morgan OWEN Llandudno RFC the award at the Gala Awards Jacob COLLIN Mold RFC dinner at the University of Not- Josh JONES Gwernyfed RFC tingham last month. Dewi GRIFFITHS Bangor RFC Nathan JONES Ruthin RFC In his role at the WRU, Beard Guillaume PEYRASSE Bangor FC heads up the physical per- Rhys TUDOR Llandudno RFC formance department which Tom HILL Oswestry RUFC Charlie QUAECK Bro Ffestiniog RFC consists of the strength and Sam WAINWRIGHT Rhyl RFC conditioning, sports science Huw JONES Machynlleth RFC and nutrition sections. Will JONES Ruthin RFC Efan JONES Wrexham RFC He joined ’s Armani ROBERTS Wrexham RFC Wales management team Isaac WILLIAMS Llandudno RFC in 2009 and was Head of Gruffudd ROBERTS Denbigh RFC Strength and Conditioning for Will HOLLOWAY Newtown RFC the British and Irish Lions tour The presenters of the award this award as his support, be- of Australia earlier this year. made reference to his cutting lief and trust to drive the physi- edge work including cryothera- cal performance direction over U18’S Squad Beard has a wealth of experi- py camps to Poland, innovative the last 4 years is appreciated.” ence in professional sport fitness methods with the Wales Group Mike Williams Llandudno including working with West- national squad at the 2011 Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, Rhodri Parri Llangefni ern Reds (), and recent added his congratulations to George Grice- Gibson Fremantle Dockers (Australian Six Nations campaigns as well Beard. Alwyn Lister Llandudno Rules), the Australian Institute as the British & Irish Lions Dan Colclough Llandudno of Sport, UK Athletics and at series win in Australia earlier “This is an outstanding Billy Jones Llangefni the Aspire Academy of Sports this year. achievement and testament Lucas Owen-Ziegenbalg Exile Excellence in Qatar. for the work Adam and his Osian Jones Llangefni “I am honoured to receive strength and conditioning team Sean Lonsdale rhyl He was awarded the National this award from the UKSCA in put in. Huw Owens Pwllheli Strength and Conditioning As- such a prestigious category, Jordan Jones Ruthin sociation High School Coach especially with team GB’s suc- “For Wales to have won three Max Peters Llangefni of the year award in 2009 at cess at the Olympics Championships and appear in Huw Parry Bro the 32nd National conference and the amount of very good a Rugby World Cup semi-final Josh Roberts Llandudno Will Bryan Wrexham in Las Vegas Nevada for his practitioners who contributed in six years is testimony to Jake Lovatt work with elite junior athletes there,” said Beard. great teamwork. at Qatar’s Aspire Academy of Dewi Bowen Newtown Sports Excellence. Cam Davies Llandudno “Being a part of the backroom “The Welsh players are always Lloyd Evans Llandudno staff, awards are not something prepared to the highest level Owen Evans Wrexham The latest accolade, presented that are strived for so I do ap- and the WRU has continued to Tom Williams Newtown to him by the UKSCA - the preciate the efforts and hard back innovative methods used Rhun Williams Caernarfon professional body for strength work from players buying in to in physical preparation. Danny Cross Wrexham and conditioning in the United the program, from the national Delwyn Jones Nant Kingdom, was awarded for his squad management and my “The national squad has what Matt Griffi ths Exile outstanding work in elite sport family’s support. I believe to be one of the best Ryan Pike Llandudno both with Olympic athletes and management teams in the Sam Jones Newtown professional sporting teams “I do want to highlight and game and it is a tribute to them Morgan Williams Caernarfon internationally over the last thank Warren Gatland for his all to see them being honoured Cai Davies Ruthin decade. contribution to me receiving for their work.” YOUTH DIVISION ONE YOUTH DIVISION TWO

Saturday, 12th October, 2013 Saturday, 7th September 2013 Colwyn Bay 53 v Abergele 3 Flint v Rhyl – postponed Dolgellau 29 v Bro Ffestiniog 5 Holyhead v Abergele – postponed Llandudno v Holyhead – postponed Llandudno v Shotton Steel – postponed Lanidloes 31 v Flint 3 Llanidloes 24 v Dolgellau 12 Shotton Steel 7 v Rhyl 37 Newtown v Bro Ffesteiniog – postponed Welshpool v Newtown – postponed Welshpool v Colwyn Bay – postponed RESULTS AND FIXTURES

Saturday, 14th September 2013 Saturday, 19th October 2013 Bro Ffestiniog v Holyhead – postponed Abergele v Llandudno Colwyn Bay 26 v Llanidloes 10 Bro Ffestiniog v Colwyn Bay Dolgellau v Flint – postponed Flint v Shotton Steel Llandudno v Welshpool – postponed Holyhead v Welshpool Rhyl v Newtown – postponed Newtown v Llanidloes Shotton Steel v Abergele – postponed Rhyl v Dolgellau

Satuday, 21st September 2013 Saturday, 2nd November, 2013 Abergele 10 v Bro Ffestiniog 40 Colwyn Bay v Rhyl Flint 17 v Colwyn Bay 50 Flint v Newtown Holyhead v Rhyl – postponed Llandudno v Bro Ffestiniog Llanidloes v Llandudno – postponed Llanidloes v Holyhead Newtown v Dolgellau – postponed Shotton Steel v Dolgellau Welshpool 0 v Shotton Steel 25 Welshpool v Abergele

Saturday, 28th September 2013 Saturday, 16th November 2013 Dolgellau 15 v Colwyn Bay 8 Abergele v Llanidloes Llandudno 68 v Flint 7 Bro Ffestiniog v Welshpool Rhyl 51 v Abergele 0 Dolgellau v Colwyn Bay Shotton Steel 19 v Bro Ffestiniog 14 Holyhead v Flint Welshpool 0 v Llanidloes 52 Newtown v Shotton Steel Rhyl v Llandudno Saturday, 5th October, 2013 Bro Ffestiniog 0 v Rhyl 42 Flint 53 v Welshpool 17 Holyhead 21 v Colwn Bay 44 Llandudno 53 v Abergele 0 Llanidloes 24 v Shotton Steel 15

Llangefni RFC are seeking Under 17 fixtures this season Games required asap. Home & Away matches welcomed. Any interested teams to contact Elfed Williams on 07793720711.

plenty of errors. With plenty of possession coming their way, they were able to run out 25-10 winners.

Llanidloes were next up, and this match continued in the tradition the two sides have set for themselves over the past few years, with little to separate the two sides. After getting themselves a score clear, Welshpool were forced to defend their own line for an extended period at the end of the match, but managed to hold on Clwb Rygbi Dinbych for a 20-15 victory.

Dinbych’s youngest teams travelled to take part in a tournament With all the players keen to keep playing, another round of fixtures at Mold taking on teams from the host club as well as Abergele, was agreed on, and the boys again lined up against Newtown. Wrexham and from further afield, Lymm RFC of Cheshire. With Newtown seeming more comfortable in the contact area, this was a closer contest than the first game, but Welshpool were still The Under 11s had the most successful day finishing 3rd in their able to come away with a 25-15 victory. age group after winning 4 of their 6 games and drawing one. Sadly a narrow defeat in the final game prevented them from tak- Finally, they took on Llanidloes again, and seemed to be cruis- ing the runner’s up spot. ing away with the game after taking a 15-0 lead in the first half. Llanidloes, however, had no intention of lying down, and with the The Under 10s and Under 9s had a tougher competition but both final whistle approaching the score was tied at 20-20. With Welsh- sides showed great spirit to score one draw each. pool in possession, they had the opportunity to put the game to bed, and this they did, securing a 25-20 win and a first clean The fledgling Under 8s team continued to gather experience and sweep of the season. went down to 3 narrow defeats against stronger opposition be- fore, to the great credit of the young players’ determination, they For Welshpool, there were excellent performances throughout fought to gain a draw against Abergele in their final game. the team, both in attack and in defence, and they are settling into contact rugby well. On Sunday the minis host Caernarfon at Caeau Les Phillips, whilst the Junior teams travel in the opposite direction. Newtown 10-25 Welshpool Llanidloes 15-20 Welshpool Rhyl rugby club Junior section report 13/10/2013 Newtown 15-25 Welshpool Llanidloes 20-25 Welshpool Rhyl U9’s won the Mold mini’s festival unbeaten in a commanding display of rugby. In a thrilling final match Wrexham gave every- Welshpool: Rhodri Wigley, Zephryn Dockree, Jerome Chave, thing to stop Rhyl from taking the title, but with good defence from Harvey Gill, Logan Macken, Arthur Powell, Dylan Boyle the whole team and two trys from Airan Semple Rhyl secured a final win. Earlier in the day Rhyl had beaten Mold, Denbigh, and Abergele to win their pool and faced Pwllheli in the semi final. The whole team played exceptional well and deserved their final win. Pictures: Top left, Rhyl Under-9’s and below, COBRA Under 12’s The under 8’s also had a good tournament. With a couple of early losses Rhyl battled back in the pool stages with a very hard Many thanks for allowing us to publish in The Oval Zone earned draw against an in form Mold Lions and romped to victory against English side Caldy. They narrowly lost their last game against a formidable Nant Conwy team. Henry Jacobson put in a truly heroic performance on the field. The highly skilled Sonny Williams was awarded Best Performance for yet another electrify- ing performance. Sonny is certainly one to watch for the future following in his Dads footsteps as a truly dangerous and impres- sive player.

Clean sweep for Welshpool Under-9’s at Newtown Festival

After a strong outing representing the Under 10s the previous weekend, Welshpool’s Under 9s were back in action at their own age group to take on Newtown and Llanidloes, and came away with a clean sweep of played four, won four.

Beginning their day against the hosts, they showed a physical edge that Newtown were unprepared for, pressuring and harrying their opponents whenever they were in possession and forcing

If you are looking for fixtures or would like your junior reports to be included in a future issue of The Oval Zone, please email to [email protected] Bethesda RFC, pictured in their kit sponsored by Ystad Penrhyn, Zip World, Londis Bethesda & Tafan Y Bwl

Letters - 2nd XV rugby Dear Gary, thanks again for the ‘Oval’.

I was particularly interested in Ian’s article on 2nd team rugby as it’s an issue all over.

Division 6 seem to be having issues with their 1st teams....I believe only 2 teams have played the full fixture list yet.

We (Tenby 2nds) were due to play Cardigan 2nds who cried off Robert is pictured with Teagan, one of Friday night. Having changed the family plans to revolve around the children the charity supports. the game I did think afterwards that there must have been a team in Div 6 at least who would be without a game.....Sunday I found A soldier from Llanidloes broke two world records in a charity out that Tregaron did not play as SW Police have folded....a rugby game lasting more than 25 hours. missed opportunity for a game there straight away! Robert Cooper, 26, took part in the game, which raised more than I like Ian’s suggestion of a pool....when you have a game called £65,000 for the charity ‘Scotty’s Little Soldiers’ which is dedicated off, put your name down with contact details on a central ‘register’ to supporting the children of men and women killed while serving so other teams can contact you....2 columns....teams who were in the British Armed Forces. due to play home and those who were due to play away. Just a thought. A team representing the charity took on a HM Forces team at the home of Tigers, at Welford Road Stadium, with the final Cheers. Pob hwyl, score 1742-828 to HM Forces.

Gethin The game broke two world records: one for the most points scored in one game of rugby and the second for the longest game Got a view on the second team article that Ian Studt, Pwllheli of rugby played. coach, penned in the last issue? Or do you have something you’d like to get off your chest? Robert is an active member of the 39 Engineer Regiment, which provides engineer support to both the Royal Air Force and to If so, please email [email protected] United Kingdom Land Forces.

Your views are always welcomed. Scotty’s Little Soldiers currently supports 93 children and they were present on the day to watch the attempt.

NORTH WALES YOUTH Next meeting: 14th November Parc Eirias, 7.30pm

@ovalzonerugby Report by Frankie Deges, first appeared on the IRB website

Rugby in North America is bracing itself for what prom- ises to be remarkably positive future, say top officials in the Canadian and United States of America Rugby Unions.

With different outlooks and realities, two of the world’s big- gest countries have been at the heart of rugby’s unprecedented global growth over the last four years with an 18% increase in participation driven by the we can get colleges to give Olympic decision, the success Olympic appeal supporting both the Canadian opportunities to players, we’ll of Rugby World Cup and the and USA Rugby Unions. With grow even more. We are now IRB’s Global Strategic Invest- The calling card, similar to the an investment of more than seen as a serious, thriving and ment programme. And both na- USA, is that rugby is now in the £10.5 million each year in high growing sport.” tions are currently developing a Olympics and is a worldwide performance programmes batch of young and upcoming game with international travel and competitions for Tier Two Regional rugby players in the IRB Americas as a bonus. “And the spirit of countries, this year has seen Rugby Championship, in Lang- rugby is something we are an unprecedented competition If Tolkin can get his way, re- ford, British Columbia. keen on, in that it brings people calendar, with 14 Tier 2 Unions gional rugby will make a posi- together,” says Chu. playing 20 Test matches in tive return. “In my playing days, Recognised as a model November. we had four regional teams national federation, Rugby Targets and strategies are in and they had the best players. Canada has its High Perform- place to ensure national teams Mike Tolkin was promoted to If we can have more and better ance Centre in Langford, are consistently competitive. the position of USA Eagles players competing at a higher British Columbia. Running this While the men’s team is ranked Head Coach in April last year level more regularly, then our office is Mike Chu, General in Tier Two, the women’s Sev- and as such faces the chal- national teams will benefit.” Manager of Rugby Operations ens team was silver medallist lenge of selecting players and Performance since Janu- in the recent Rugby World Cup spread across a huge country. USA’s strength lies in numbers. ary 2012. Sevens. The women’s team is Having an American, New As a participation sport, more heavily supported by a Cana- York-born coach, is part of a than one million Americans On any given day, players from dian government programme welcomed change in policy, have been exposed to the different High Performance called ‘Own the Podium’ that after 12 years under foreign game in some shape or form (HP) programmes can be seen is massively assisting their coaches. in the past year, starting at a in action. “Monday’s are our preparation. younger age. “Rugby is now busiest days and we can have “Having been involved in rugby on television, the internet, web- up to 60 players training,” says Rugby Canada has recently since I started playing at 11 sites…Kids are more knowl- New Zealand-born Chu. acquired a new plot of land gives me a great understand- edgeable and we need to get across the street from their ing of the country and the our players to play high level The choice of Langford is Langford offices. “We want to people,” remarks Tolkin. rugby week-in week out.” logical, according to Chu. “The develop an HP Centre of Ex- weather there is the best in cellence that helps us provide “Player numbers are incredible, Tasked with the responsibility Canada throughout the year a daily training environment with a huge amount of mini and of leading the USA into Rugby and in Langford we have great where High Performance is youth rugby programmes. We World Cup 2015 via next year’s support from the City and an demanded every day and we now need to put more coaching qualifier against Uruguay, excellent training environment.” develop a ‘culture of excel- programmes in place.” Tolkin is all too aware of the lence’,” explains Chu. “Having importance of the Eagles’ pres- With budgets stretched be- the new facility will allow us to The USA and Canada face a ence on the biggest stage of cause of costly internal travel work in the same venue at the number of similar challenges, them all. over thousands of miles, Chu same time.” with the need for a more cen- says: “There are many chal- tralised focus on talent identi- “It is most important,” he lenges; it is a big country, so Once funding is secured work fication and player monitoring stresses, “because it validates there have been inconsisten- will start on the 1,700m² site, being key to USA Rugby’s what we are doing as a suc- cies in the way rugby has been with a gymnasium and weights growth. “In order to make our cessful programme, brings developed. Next year Canada facility, recovery rooms, chang- High Performance more ef- immense attention to the sport, will take advantage of the IRB’s ing and dining rooms, offices fective, we must identify clubs which, in turn, brings more Get into Rugby mass participa- and accommodation all in with infrastructure and good funding.” tion programme to develop a the master plan. “For a Tier 2 coaching. I encourage players community strategy. We also nation we are maximising our moving to better clubs,” says One third of rugby players in want to develop consistency in resources,” Chu concludes. Tolkin. the USA are women, making our rugby principles, on what it the world leader in terms of and how it is taught.” USA go down the homegrown Rugby’s image in the past female participants. With rugby route seemed tarnished, buy not now being in the Olympics, it “Our philosophy,” continues anymore, according to Tolkin. now has a bigger profile than Chu “is to develop alignment The IRB takes a proactive “More people are now staying ever before. across the country and, from role, in partnership with North involved as programmes and community to HP, to ensure America Caribbean Rugby parents are brought into an “Maybe soon, the giant will athletes are well prepared.” Association (NACRA), in organised game. The quicker finally awake,” says Tolkin. DIVISION ONE NORTH DIVISION TWO NORTH WRU shortlisted for Rugby Expo Awards 2013 The WRU has been shortlisted across three Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and Under Armour today revealed the new Wales Under categories for this year’s Rugby Expo Armour WRU home kit for 2013-2015. Awards, organisers have announced. Welsh rugby fans line up alongside Wales heroes on the pitch at the in The prestigious awards recognise excellence from both the to reveal new Wales Under Armour national kit professional and grassroots game of rugby, attracting nominations from sporting bodies all over the world. , Alun , Leigh Halfpennyand a host of other Wales stars were joined by hundreds of loyal fans on the Millennium Stadium pitch last night (Wednesday 16th October) to reveal the new, pervasively red, national team kit - to be worn by the During a record year for award entries, the WRU has achieved reigning, double RBS Six Nations Champions for the next two seasons. the status of finalist for Sponsor of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year and Rugby Event of the Year. British and Irish Lions tour winning captains Warburton and Jones, man-of-the-series Halfpenny, and fellow Lions heroes from the historic win in Australia this summer, Alex Featuring in the Sponsors category, the Union is represented Cuthbert, and Toby Faletau, became the fi rst players to wear the new Wales kit twice, with national jersey partner, Admiral, and national commu- for a unique photocall on the hallowed turf of the national stadium, as they joined fans to nity partner, SWALEC, making the cut for their sterling work within form an ‘Army of Red’. Welsh rugby communities. Decked from head to toe in the red of Wales, a fl ag-bearing Halfpenny led the march from the Millennium Stadium’s North stand to its South, to a chorus of ‘Bread of Heaven’. In other groupings, judges will be reminded of Wales’ 2013 RBS 6 Nations title defence against England with the #weareone “It was a fantastic occasion for us to get back on the fi eld at the home of Welsh rugby with campaign and the Millennium Stadium matchday experience also hundreds of our supporters,” said fan’s favourite, Halfpenny. featured. “When we walk out for the fi rst game against South Africa at the Millennium Stadium next All four WRU submissions will go up against a list of major global month, we know that the nation will be behind us. rugby bodies including New Zealand Rugby, British & Irish Lions and Aviva and . “The new kit looks and feels great, we are used to the performance qualities that the Under Armour gear provides and with the technology which has once again gone into producing it, we feel confi dent that we have all the support we need to prepare for the The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on upcoming Autumn matches.” Wednesday 13 November to wrap up day one of a two-day Rugby Expo for sports professionals. Under Armour has been the global partner and technical sponsor of the Welsh Rugby Union since September 2008. The continued technological advancements of the Under WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis said: “It’s great that Armour kit will ensure that the reigning Six Nations Champions can perform at the pinnacle the achievements of the WRU over the last 12 months have been of their game, whatever the conditions. recognised alongside some fantastic finalists at this year’s Rugby Expo Awards. The new kit will fi rst be seen in action when Wales take on the Springboks in Cardiff in the opening game of the four-match Dove Men Series on 9th November - and will be worn for two international seasons, up until 2015 Rugby World Cup preparations. “Who can forget that thrilling Six Nations win at the Millennium Stadium as well as the tremendous work that continues across “When we canvassed the players for their opinions on how to advance the kit, the the elite and grassroots game in association with our corporate feedback was ‘Under Armour have got it right’”, said WRU head of sales and marketing, partners?” Craig Maxwell.

He added: “With such a high calibre of nominations, I’m sure the “So there have been enhancements, the material has improved in strength, lightness and awards panel will have a tough task ahead of them over the com- construction and there are one or two more touches like improved air venting and an excit- ing weeks.” ing new all red look for the players, but we haven’t tried to fi x what wasn’t broken. “We think fans will agree that Under Armour have supplied a striking jersey of immense The judges will continue to debate the winners before the official quality and, you only have to look at our international record since Under Armour came on announcement on Wednesday, November 13. Commenting on board in 2008, to know that the technological advancements in this kit certainly suit the the judging process, Tony Copsey, chairman of the judging panel, players.” has said: “We were very impressed with the calibre of the awards entries this year and it certainly made our job as judges very dif- The most striking feature of the new kit is the proliferation of the colour red throughout, ficult. including both shorts and socks alongside its traditional use on the jersey itself.

“The Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate achievements Under Armour’s most technologically advanced kit to date, features black detailing on the throughout rugby and the quality of this year’s entries certainly shoulders and down its fl anks - where it fades through a deep red colour into white - and also carries a reference to a Dragon’s tail towards the bicep area, paying homage to the reflects the dedication and hard work that characterises the sport. WRU’s new digital mascot Scorch, set off by the familiar logo of jersey sponsor Admiral across the chest. “On behalf of the Rugby Expo management team, I would like to thank everyone that entered, the judges for their hard work and Elsewhere the Welsh national team’s customary red colour is retained in abundance, with support and Trevor Watkins and his team at Pinsent Masons for the shorts replicating the styling of the jersey exactly and the socks are entirely red, save hosting the judges’ meeting.” for a double fl ash of white below the calf. DIVISION THREE NORTH DIVISION ONE WEST

Saturday, 7th September 2013 Ammanford 31 (+1) v Kidwelly 30 (+2) Carmarthen Ath 20 v Crymych 8 Glynneath 29 (+1) v Builth Wells 3 Kenfi g Hill 29 (+1) v Llangennech 23 (+2) Loughor 34 v Whitland 6 Waunarlwydd 52 (+1) v Cwmllynfell 5

Saturday, 14th September 2013 Builth Wells 27 (+1) v Ammanford 13 Crymych 35 v Kenfi g Hill 29 (+1) Cwmllynfell 34 (+1) v Loughor 22 Kidwelly 15 (+1) v Waunarlwydd 17 Llangennech 17 (+1) v Glynneath 23 Whitland 22 (+1) v Carmarthen Athletic 24

Don’t forget to text 07713 514375 or tweet @ovalzonerugby the result from your game on a Saturday evening if you want the league tables on the web-sites to be kept up-to-date DIV 2 WEST DIV 6 EAST

Saturday, 7th September 2013

Ruthin v Pwllheli Pictures kindly supplied by John Palmer