Tobias' Sports Journalism Blog

Season Review – Cardiff RFC

Team: Cardiff RFC

Position: 1^st

After missing out on the league title to Merthyr last season, Cardiff were looking to go one better and top the table this year. They were well on their way to winning the title before the season was cancelled, sitting seven points clear of Carmarthen Quins with a game in hand.

The blue and blacks started the season with 13 straight wins, including two in the cup. In their opening game of the Premiership they narrowly beat Pontypridd 24-23. They went 14-0 up in the opening ten minutes thanks to tries from Ed Howley and James Ratti. Pontypridd hit back through tries from Dafydd Lockyer and Morgan Sieniawski, before Ben Jones kicked them to a 17-23 lead. A last-minute Ed Howley try followed by a Joseph Scrivens conversion sealed Cardiff the victory.

They followed this up with a win over RGC in the cup where they reached the semi-final, along with league victories against Llanelli, Swansea, Carmarthen Quins, RGC, Ebbw Vale, Bridgend, Aberavon, Newport, Merthyr and Llandovery. In the middle of all this there was also an emphatic 78-12 victory against Ebbw Vale in the cup.

Their unbeaten run in the premiership came to an end in late December at Sardis Road. Pontypridd gained revenge on Cardiff for edging them out at the start of the season, coming out 26-25 winners over the blue and blacks. They completed a league double over Llanelli and Bridgend before losing to 3^rd place Aberavon in an eventful game which ended up being their final game of the season.

There have been many standout players for them this season. Up front the likes of Alex Everett who finished with 5 tries in the league and Callum Bradbury have shined. Along with backs Teri Gee who also finished with 5 league tries and Outside-half Gareth Thompson who scored 123 points in the league. The experience of Captain and Vice-captain, Morgan Allen and Tom Habberfield have been so important along with regional players Dan Fish and James Ratti.

On the season as a whole Captain Morgan Allen said, “Overall, I think the season went well, there were a few ups and downs and some disappointing results. But when you set such high standards for yourselves and get off to the start like we did, that was always going to be the case.”

On their expectations this season, “I always expected us to win the league from the start. We put together a much better squad than last season and made some great signings.”

“If we didn’t have the outbreak then we’d have definitely won the league, we had a slight wobble against Aberavon but there’s no shame in losing away against a team as good as them by only a couple of points.”

On how to prepare for next season, “We will always need improvements, the top teams in the league will look to improve every season. It’s not going to be easy but I’m sure the coaches have already put things in place for us to get us to a higher level come next year.”

by Tobias Hunt

Season Review – RGC

Team: RGC

Position: 7^th

After a mid-table finish last season, RGC were hoping to end up in the top six this year. With new Head Coach Matt Silva’s time in charge cut short due to personal reasons, Josh Leach, Latham Tawhai and Saul Nelson stepped up. They fell just short of their target, ending up a point behind last year’s champions Merthyr and a further 4 points behind Pontypridd, with a game in hand on both.

On the opening weekend of the season RGC hosted Merthyr at Parc Eirias. Tries from Winger Rhys Tudor, Hooker George Roberts and the boot of Billy McBryde helped the Gogs to 23-17 victory. A loss away to Llandovery was followed by victories over Pontypridd and Llanelli. There were standout victories before Christmas against Swansea and Aberavon. A stellar first half performance against Aberavon saw them go into the break 26-8 ahead with two ties from Winger Harri Evans, and one each for Billy McBryde and Efan Jones. A second half try from Sam Williams ensured they held on to win 36-30.

They started 2020 with two consecutive losses against Llandovery and Pontypridd before going three games unbeaten with wins against Llanelli and Swansea, and a 15-15 draw against Carmarthen Quins. Their last game of the season ended up being a 20-17 loss to Ebbw Vale. The North Walians will be disappointed that the season was cut short, having been in a good position to challenge the top six.

There were several standout players this season. A very solid pack helped Outside-half Billy McBryde to shine as he finished as the league’s top scorer with 163 points, including 6 tries. Back three players Rhys Tudor and Afon Bagshaw scored 7 tries apiece, finishing the year just one try behind Pontypridd Winger Dale Stuckey.

Back-Row forward Tim Grey said, “To say we aren’t disappointed would be a lie as we strive to be a top four team. But with the season finishing early I don’t think the 7^th place finish reflected how the season went.”

“The positives definitely have to be our forwards this year, in the past some have said that our pack isn’t the strongest, even though I would contest that. With Saul Nelson coming in our backs now have a solid platform to play off.”

“In terms of next season, it will be a matter of regrouping when COVID-19 is over and reflect on how this year went. Then we’ll have a plan on what to work on and what we’ve done well.”

On how the club helps the development of players, “We’re a very young team who play for each other and have goals of reaching a higher level of rugby. It’s great for the young players to develop and get a small understanding of what professional rugby may look like. It’s also great for a slightly older player who may have been released from a region down south and just needs a bit more mentoring. “

“The sooner the regions and South Wales see RGC as a tool for their young players and somewhere that they could send their up and coming players for regular game time, the better it will be for Welsh Rugby as a whole.”

by Tobias Hunt

Season Review – Llanelli RFC

Before the review, I would like to say a few words on Matthew J Watkins, whose funeral was this week. The outpouring of grief for the former Llanelli player on social media from fans, pundits and team-mates alike goes to show how highly ‘M.J’ was respected throughout the game.

We here at the Welsh Premiership Podcast would just like to add our condolences to all those who knew Matthew. It’s a great shame that he didn’t get the send-off he deserved but I’m sure all fans of the game will remember him fondly for years to come.

Former Llanelli RFC player Matthew J Watkins.
Photo Credit: Cancer Research UK via WalesOnline

Team: Llanelli

Position: 10^th

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Llanelli were hoping to rebuild and secure their position in The Indigo Group Welsh Premiership. They finished the season in 10^th place on the same amount of points as 11^th placed Ebbw Vale, but with two games in hand.

With a relatively young squad they started the season with four consecutive losses. In October they earned their first win in a 29-10 victory at Ebbw Vale via two tries from Scrum-Half Dane Blacker and one apiece from Wingers Aaron Grabham and Kalum Evans. This was the first of five consecutive victories, the rest coming against Aberavon, Newport, Bridgend and Merthyr.

Their last win of the season came in their penultimate game of the year, which was against Llandovery, thanks to tries from Craig Thomas, Ifan Beynon-Thomas and Eray Wilson and the boot of Ioan Hughes. A 24-21 victory that day ensured they stayed clear of Ebbw Vale and Bridgend below them. The West Wales based side’s season ended after just 15 games because of the weather storms and the Coronavirus outbreak.

There have been several standout performers in the squad this year. Back-Row forward Nathan Hart finished as their top try-scorer with 5 tries has impressed along with Jacob Lewis who was excellent alongside him in the back row. The experience of Captain Jonny Lewis has been invaluable in the Centre. Young Fly-Half Ioan Hughes has been playing way beyond his years and finished as their top point-scorer with 78 points.

Captain Jonny Lewis said they were “Disappointed with the season as a whole. We felt we were a better side than our league position showed, we put a good squad together in pre-season and felt we could’ve achieved something. The squad is still very young and now are a season more experienced. We had some excellent away wins at Ebbw, Aberavon and Merthyr, hopefully that will stand us in good stead next year.”

“I think we made it too easy for teams to beat us, especially at home. Discipline was also an issue for a large part of the season, but that goes hand in hand when you have such a young squad.”

On any worries of relegation, “We never felt we were in real danger of going down. We always backed ourselves to pick up the wins we needed and were hopeful with our run in we could finish mid table because the league was so tight.”

Looking towards next season, “Hopefully we can build on the positives from this year. If we can add one or two signings to this young squad, there’s no reason we can’t finish in the top 6 and have a real go at the cup. We’ve proved this year we can beat anyone on our day.”

by Tobias Hunt

Season Review – Bridgend Ravens

After the unfortunate events of the Coronavirus outbreak the Indigo Group Welsh Premiership has been Cancelled with no team announced as Champions, no relegation or promotion via the Championship.

Bridgend Winger Dewi Cross in action against Ebbw Vale.
Photo Credit: Bridgend Ravens Website

Team: Bridgend Ravens

Position: 12^th

Bridgend Ravens are lucky not to have been relegated this season after finding themselves eight points adrift of Ebbw Vale at the bottom of the table with four games to go. The Brewery Field based side only won three games all season with home victories against Merthyr and Swansea, and a victory on the road at Ebbw Vale.

The Ravens’ opening game of the season was at home to Aberavon and they led 26-24 going into the last minute. A late Aberavon penalty resulted in a 26-27 defeat, which was just one of six last minute losses for Bridgend this season. These were at home against Pontypridd and Carmarthen Quins, and away to Llanelli, Newport and Pontypridd.

Their first win of the season came in October in a 17-12 victory over Merthyr. The Ravens led 17-0 at the break and held off a late Merthyr comeback. December was the highlight month on the field for Bridgend, with two consecutive wins against Ebbw Vale and Swansea. An 18-15 win at Eugene Cross Park came courtesy of the boot of Full-Back Owen Howe who kicked six penalties. Howe finished as their top point scorer with 99 points this term. A week later a 17-3 win at home over Swansea came via tries from Winger Dewi Cross and Back-Row Ryan Hall.

In off the field news, in January the Ravens confirmed the Club would return to a community owned, members run club. They will continue their relationship with the Ospreys as part of their development pathway system.

In a season full of ups and downs, the one standout player throughout was 20-year-old Dewi Cross. The young Osprey Winger from Pencoed RFC has impressed this season, finishing as their top Try-scorer after crossing the line five times. He has also been a nuisance to many sides’ defences throughout the season.

Bridgend knew they were in for a tough season after narrowly avoiding relegation last year, but they were optimistic about their chances at the start of the season. Captain Nathan Edwards said “Overall the season was disappointing as a squad, we didn’t achieve what we wanted too.

“We did show glimpses of class in some of our performances and I couldn’t have asked for more from our squad, the resilience we showed to overcome some of the adversity that we faced was a testament to the team.”

On how the last-minute defeats affected the squad Edwards said, “There have been some extremely dark times this year, especially after the last-minute defeats we’ve overcome. To lose once in the last play it damages morale but to do it six times is indescribable. Some of the performances in those games were our best of the season.”

“We never gave up, we’d come in every Tuesday, refocus ourselves then think of ways we could improve ready for the next game. The atmosphere at the club never changed, we pride ourselves on being together.”

On the chances of being relegated, Edwards emphasised that they were realistic about the challenge ahead of them, “We were prepared for any eventuality, but that didn’t mean that we’d accept it. We had a number of games left and were still mathematically capable of staying up.”

On the improvements for next season, “the biggest thing we can improve is the consistency of our performances. There’s been times when we’ve played extremely well and followed it up the next week with a dreadful performance.”

“I don’t think we’re the weakest team in the league despite the fact we finished 12^th. It’s a matter of us being more focused next season week in week out.”

by Tobias Hunt

EVER wondered what the role of a Media Officer entails in a voluntary position at a Semi Professional Club?

Image Credit: Bridgend Ravens Twitter

I spoke to Welsh Premiership Rugby Club Bridgend Ravens’ Media Officer Aled Thomas. Aled is part of the media team at the club and runs the Twitter account and posts regularly on their Website. A matchday can be a very busy day for a Media Officer and there is a lot of behind the scenes work that needs to be done, especially throughout the week.

“Day to day is particularly varied, depending on what’s going on that week. If it’s a usual Saturday game, then my primary role is to ensure that the other members of the Media Team are briefed on what needs to be done, and by when.”

“On a Monday, we look to upload the match preview from the previous weekend’s game, and this will also be emailed to all club members. From Tuesday onward, our social media is really driven towards the next match. We’ll look to upload clips of previous games between the sides, or an interesting stat to ensure that the next game is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.”

Aled spoke about the work he must put in on a matchday to make everything run smoothly. “For a home game, I like to arrive a few hours before kick-off to get everything set up well ahead of time. The opposition’s media team usually arrives around an hour before, so it’s important to make sure that they are settled. You’ll sometimes get visiting press, who also need to be looked after. Around an hour before kick-off, I’ll go to see the Team Manager to confirm that the team, which then needs to be communicated back to the press.”

“At the conclusion of the game, it’s all about ensuring that the visiting press and opposition media team have everything that they need before closing the press area down. As a matchday committee, we’ll then get together post-match for a drink and a debrief.”

Aled has worked with the Ravens media team for nearly 10 years now, he’s experienced many different situations in the job. “I really enjoy what I do as a volunteer Media Officer and I’d be lying if I said there was no pressure at all. The world of media and social media is always evolving so it’s important to keep abreast of everything so that things don’t go stale. The burden is eased somewhat by having a fabulous Media Team around me where we all help each other out.”

Social media can be a dark place at times and you’ll always see some negative comments from trolls. Aled states that “the positive comments always outweigh the negative ones. We are often complimented on the quality of our social media output which is invaluable as a volunteer.”

“Personally, the only personal insult that really stands out is an Ebbw Vale supporter that described the guy who runs the Bridgend Ravens as a ‘tool’. If that’s as bad as I’m going to get, then I’m pretty happy with that” he added.

by Tobias Hunt

“Stay at home, stay healthy” says Welsh Rugby Captain Alun-Wyn Jones.

The sporting World has gone silent ever since the Coronavirus has spread across the globe. Sports people are helping spread messages in hope that people listen to the Government’s advice. Also donations are being made to help to the National Health Services in many countries.

Welsh Rugby Union Captain Alun-Wyn Jones yesterday posted a message on his Instagram page. The Wales and Ospreys second row stated that “We can all make a difference by helping the NHS medical services and key workers by staying at home, staying healthy and don’t go out.” He then went on to nominate fellow Welsh Internationals Jonathan Davies and Ken Owens to post a similar message.

After the news that the community rugby season in Wales has been suspended, this message would’ve helped raise awareness on how serious the Cornoavirus is and how we can all do our bit to help. Young sports who look up to the Welsh Captain will hopefully follow his lead and listen to what he has said. This message can help the younger generation in slowing the spread of the virus by staying at home.

Another sports person who’s reacted to the Coronavirus is Swiss Tennis icon Roger Federer. The 20-time Grand Slam champion has donated 1m Swiss Francs (£857,000) to the “most vulnerable families in Switzerland”. He posted this on various social media sites and called on others to “join in and support more families in need.” He also said that his and his wife’s “contribution is just a start.”

Switzerland is currently under lockdown, there are bans imposed on all public and private events until mid-April at the earliest.

Last week female Tennis star Simona Halep announced on Facebook that she would donate money in her home Country Romania to help pay for medical equipment.

Also, in Football, Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola also donated 1m Euros (£920,000) to fight the outbreak of Coronavirus in Spain.

Does Louis Rees-Zammit deserve a welsh cap?

A big debate in Welsh Rugby in recent weeks has been over the young Gloucester Winger Louis Rees-Zammit. A lot of people have been calling for Wayne Pivac to cap the youngster during the Six Nations, but does he deserve a cap?

Well he’s the joint top Try scorer in the English Gallagher Premiership this season with seven tries. The closest Welsh player too him is Saracens Centre Nick Tompkins with five. Liam Williams has been injured most of the season and has now moved back home to the Scarlets, while George North and Johnny McNicholl are both playing in the Pro14. McNicholl has scored two tries for the Scarlets this season while George North has only scored one for the Ospreys, having hardly played due to the World Cup.

I felt as if Pivac missed a chance in not playing Rees-Zammit in the opening game of the Six Nations against Italy. It was the so called ‘easier’ game of the tournament, but rather than giving the youngster an opportunity, he went with McNicholl who’s played for Pivac at the Scarlets. I felt like this was a missed opportunity for Pivac and Welsh rugby. With George North starting in the centre that game it would’ve been a great chance for the youngster to win his first cap.

Now with one game remaining of the Six Nations, will Pivac give Rees-Zammit his chance. I think George North should retain his place on the wing, having played his best game of the tournament against England. I feel as if Liam Williams might be left out of the starting team and be given a rest, having been thrown in at the deep end by Pivac against England, his first game in over three months. However, there has also been talk of Leigh Halfpenny suffering a nasty gash to his leg so might he be rested? I don’t think McNicholl has been up to International standard so far and has struggled massively. Obviously, the injury to Josh Adams has ruled him out for the rest of the season, so I think now is the chance for young Rees-Zammit. There’s no Grand Slam or Championship on offer so Pivac should give the youngster a chance on this stage to see what he can do.

George North won his first Welsh cap at the age of 18, I agree with the saying if you’re good enough you’re old enough. Rees-Zammit has been tearing defences apart all season for Gloucester and even won the Premiership Player of the month award in December. The youngster has been training with the squad throughout the tournament, so he’s been there long enough to gain experience from the older players. Now is his chance to kick start a bright International future in the red jersey.

by Tobias Hunt

Bridgend Ravens fell to a sixth consecutive league defeat after losing 41 – 12 to table toppers Cardiff RFC at the Arms Park.

Playing against the wind in the first half Cardiff started the game with a quick tempo and took a deserved lead in the 10^th minute when nice hands from Full Back Edd Howley let Teri Gee cross over the line.

In the 20^th minute Cardiff worked hard to enter the visitors 22. After a turnover from the Ravens Pack, Jamie Murphy’s kick was charged down and Jacob Chilcott fumbled trying to gather. From the resulting scrum Tom Habberfield passed to winger James Beal who scored in the corner on his 50^th appearance for the Blue and Blacks.

Cardiff grabbed their third of the half when Howley, who caused all sorts of problems for the Ravens back line in defence, broke through from his own 22 and passed to Habberfield who scored under the posts.

The home side continued the second half as they finished the first, Ravens failed to gather the restart and give Cardiff a penalty to kick to the corner. Replacement Hooker Ethan Lewis powered over from close range for the bonus point score.

The visitors improved after the break, their hard work resulted in Cardiff back row Gwilym Bradley being sent to the sin-bin after committing numerous infringements at the break down. Quick thinking from Murphy resulted in Prop Gheorge Gaijon going over the line after making a 30-metre break earlier in the play.

Bridgend fans thought they were bound to get their second when Tyler Williams went down the wing untouched, only for the referee to pull him back for a forward pass.

The visitors did get their second try 10 minutes from time when Cardiff Winger Gee’s defensive blunder from a Tyler Williams kick gave Connor Tantum the chance to pounce on the ball over the try line for the Ravens.

Two minutes from time the hosts grabbed their fifth try when Joe Scrivens’ no look pass put Bradley in to score the final try of the match.

Cardiff host RGC in two weeks’ time in their next fixture, while Bridgend host Camarthen next Saturday.

by Tobias Hunt

Post Match Reaction: USW Women’s 1sts v Cardiff Met Women’s 2nds

USW Women’s 1^st Coach Kath Morgan ‘Very Proud’ as her team secured the league title at the USW Sports Park.

USW were confirmed as League Champions after defeating Cardiff Metropolitan 2nds 3-0 with goals from Rhianne Oakley and a double from Josie Day.

Kath Morgan praised her side after defeating near rivals Cardiff Met, “I warned the girls they had to be focused today but also deliver. They were superb, really professional.”

Morgan spoke about the lack of players in her squad throughout the season, “I only had 12 players to choose from, and used my only sub early on because of an injury. That’s the story of the whole year, we’ve won this league with a maximum of 12 players, so I’ve got to thank the girls.”

On winning the title she said, “It’s for them, I’m obviously very proud but it doesn’t have any baring on me. I came in September and knew the role I had and the reason I come in. It was to change the focus of the group, make it more professional and make the training harder.”

“I’m here to do a job and that job has paid off, we won the league without losing a game.”

On the performance of midfielder Josie Day, “She hasn’t played for two years prior to this season, we’ve worked hard with her and she has delivered. To be honest I’ve been strict with all my players. I apologise, but it’s worked, she has been brilliant so has all of my players this season.”

by Tobias Hunt

Post Match Reaction: USW 3rds v Cardiff University 4ths

ROB Bailey hailed his ‘Superb’ USW 3rds side after they defeated Cardiff University 4ths 4-0 at the USW Sports Park.

Bailey praised his side after goals from Danny Maguire, JJ Ogugua, Alex Bevan and Omar Omar.

Bailey was in awe of his side’s performance, “we haven’t had a complete performance yet this season, but what a great way to do it today against the team who were joint top of the league.”

He stated that his side were “superb from the first minute to the last.” USW 3rds were without a number of players today, “we’ve got our main goal scorer Mikey Wicherek out injured. Also, Chris Donovan and Joe Smith are out who are key starters for us.”

On his side’s defensive performance today, “We didn’t look like we were going to concede, Dom Ward was excellent at the back and a big shout out to Archie Thomas and Jake Mahoney who did the holding role in front of our back three superbly.”

He also praised the outstanding performance of debutant Danny Maguire who scored a free kick. “I told him anything centrally he can take, I knew as soon as I seen that angle where he was going to put it. I even called it to the guys on the bench. I thought the goal was the icing on the cake in his performance.”

USW 3rds will play USW 4ths in the league next Wednesday at the Sports Park.

by Tobias Hunt