16th November 2009
By Tony Poole
TONMAWR improved their standing in Swalec League division one (west) over the weekend without kicking a ball.
Although the Whitworth side’s clash at Felinfoel was called off through a waterlogged pitch, leaders Whitland were toppled, 14-12, at Llangennech.
That means second-placed Ton now trail the Borderers by six points - and the Pelenna Valley side have a game in hand.
Just one other divisional fixture went ahead on Saturday with Bridgend Ravens falling to a shock 18-17 home defeat against bottom club Builth Wells.
This Saturday, Ton face Waunarlwydd at Roseland Road in a friendly, but their next league engagement is not until December 5 when they entertain Carmarthen Athletic.
“Once again this season the first division programme is fragmented – and this is disappointing as we had begun to build momentum,” said Tonmawr chief Jason Hyatt.
He added: “The autumn international series and Six Nations campaign lead to big gaps in fixtures, and that means it is important to maintain energy levels during these lulls.
“Basically, players want competitive matches each week, and it was frustrating for us that the game at Felinfoel last Saturday was postponed.
“That was our only November league engagement – and then fixtures come thick and fast.
“During the festive season, we have three massive games - involving Bonymaen, Llangennech and Whitland - that could well mould our season.’’
However, inactivity on the league front is good news for one Tonmawr squad member – Ospreys Academy tight-head prop Joe Rees.
The 19-year-old player, who built a growing reputation on the first-division circuit last winter, has yet to play this season.
Rees picked up a knee problem during the twilight stages of last season with rest diagnosed as the main cure.
However, he is steadily building towards match fitness, and Tonmawr are hoping to consider him for selection during the Christmas matches.
But flanker Dean Fitzgerald, who last weekend was due to bench for Welsh Premiership Llandovery during the postponed clash at Bedwas, is no longer a Tonmawr player.
The former Bridgend Ravens and Crusaders Rugby League man switched to third-division Tondu during the autumn in a bid to return to full fitness.
“Dean left the club on good terms, as he wanted to get in regular game time with Tondu in the third division,” explained Hyatt.
“A serious leg problem has held Dean back for several seasons, and we wish him well wherever he plays.’’
9th November 2009
By Tony Poole
TONMAWR might welcome back scrum-half James Donovan for Saturday’s Swalec League division one (west) clash at Felinfoel.
The former Bridgend player, who has been ruled out for a month with a broken wrist, is back in full training.
But whether the clash in the Llanelli suburbs comes too soon for Donovan remains to be seen.
Tonmawr head coach Jason Hyatt expects to send out a strong team with only long-term absentee Hywel Davies missing.
Lock Davies is going into hospital later in the month to have a knee operation in order, and is targeting a fast start to next season.
Argentina Under-20 fly-half Juan Pablo Socino will be in the Tonmawr squad at Felinfoel.
But in all likelihood he will make a first start in the friendly against Waunarlwydd at Roseland Road on Saturday week.
The second-placed Whitworth side, who trail Whitland by five points, will be looking to make amends at Felinfoel.
“Last season we went down to a narrow defeat at Felinfoel, but hopefully this time around the contact area will receive more understanding,” stressed coach Hyatt.
He went on: “However, Felinfoel have made a good start to the season, and that means we will have to be at our best to win.
“With last Saturday’s friendly against Pyle called off, it gave us a chance to brush up on skills and special attention was given to defence.
“Last time out the win over a good Narberth team brought us a lot of satisfaction - and more to the point it showcased what the first division is all about.
“Standards in the division this season have gone up several notches, and that’s why relegated Bridgend have found things difficult.’’
9th November 2009
CENTRE Tal Selley isn’t the only Tonmawr player to win representative honours this month, writes Tony Poole.
The once-capped Wales player is in the Barbarians squad to take on Combined Services in the 12th annual Remembrance Match at Aldershot this Wednesday.
While that was warmly received at Tonmawr both centre Will Price and wing Elliott Frewen were called on to represent Crawshays Welsh Select XV against Cambridge University at Grange Road.
Unfortunately, work commitments ruled out ex-Llanharan man Frewen, but Price took his place in a side that held the Light Blues to 19-19.
Two days later, Price was in action for Aberavon, who carded a 17-9 Welsh Premiership win over Cross Keys in the wind and rain at the Talbot Athletic Ground.
And the final Tonmawr honours were heaped on utility back Gareth John, who was again utilised by the Wales Deaf selectors for the clash with their English counterparts.
“Getting players selected in representative sides gives the club a higher profile, and we were delighted for the four players concerned,” said Tonmawr head coach Jason Hyatt.
He added: “In the case of young Will Price, regular first-division matches are bringing his game along nicely.
“And when chances arise for him to play in the Welsh Premiership with Aberavon, he is fighting fit and ready to go.
“But hopefully he will get regular Welsh Premiership action with Tonmawr next winter.’’
5th November 2009
Tonmawr backs player/coach Austen Howells must be commended on his astute assessment of players.
Making his debut for the Llanelli Scarlets next Sunday in their LV Cup opener against the Harlequins is Joseph Ajuma.
During the summer Austen was aware that Joe was unattached and recommended him to the club. Joe played for Tonmawr in the Aberavon Green Stars 7s Tournament and the 'Men of Gwent' 7s Tournament at Rodney Parade. Unfortunately for Tonmawr, the WRU premiership criteria stipulates that clubs are only allowed two non-welsh qualified players, therefore the club was unable to offer Joe a position in the squad.
Austen then recommended Joe to former Tonmawr assistant coach Rob Appleyard now head coach of premiership side Llandovery RFC.
This season Joe has set the premiership alight scoring six tries in nine appearances.
Well done Austen and congratulations and best wishes to Joe.
2nd November 2009
A Tonmawr player is included in the Barbarians squad to take on the Combined Services in the 12th annual Remembrance Match at Aldershot on November 11 (7.15pm), writes Tony Poole.
Tal Selley, capped by Wales against the USA from the Scarlets in 2005, is one of five Welshmen listed in the squad.
This forms another big honour for the Pelenna Valley club, who are set to provide the famous invitation side with a first player.
The other Welsh players are the Cardiff duo of full-back Craig Morgan and flanker Rhys Shellard along with the Lewis twins – centre James (Coventry) and scrum-half Rob (London Welsh).
Rob Lewis had a spell at Neath before going to Ebbw Vale and on to London Welsh.
In fact the 21-year-old’s are set to make history, as the first twins to represent the Barbarians.
They are set to the follow in the footsteps of their father Steve, who represented the Barbarians against Leicester back in 1979 from the Ebbw Vale club.
Barbarians' squad:
Backs - Craig Morgan (Cardiff & Wales),* David Slemen (Esher), Simon Webster (Edinburgh & Scotland), *James Lewis (Coventry), Tal Selley (Tonmawr & Wales), *Ben Johnston (Nottingham & England), Richard McCarter (City of Derry), *David Blair (Edinburgh), Ross Samson (Edinburgh), *Robert Lewis (London Welsh)
Forwards – *Ryan Grant (Edinburgh), *Rob Dugard (Coventry), Danny Porte (Plymouth Albion), *Tom Youngs (Nottingham), Chris Ritchie (Rosslyn Park), *Tim Schumacher (Leidsche & Netherlands), *Steven Turnbull (Edinburgh), Henry Head (Richmond), John Dalziel (Melrose), *Sean-Michael Stephen (Plymouth Albion & Canada), *Rhys Shellard (Cardiff), Craig Hammond (Nottingham)
* denotes new Barbarian]
30th October 2009
Welcomed visitors to Tonmawr RFC last night was Iestyn Harris and the Wales Rugby League Team. The Team under Iestyn and assistant coach Clive Griffiths's guidance had a run out in preparation for their European Cup qualifying match against Ireland next Sunday. The match is being played at Sardis Road, Pontypridd kicking off at 5-00pm.
30th October 2009
Playing on permit for premiership side Llanelli RFC against Neath RFC tomorrow is tight-head prop Ceri Jones.
29th October 2009
Referee's appointments for November:
First XV:
Felinfoel - Phil Harrhy
Dragons XV:
Pontycymmer- Duncan Donovan
Youth XV:
Pontardawe - Lyndsey Price
Kenfig Hill - Simon Foley
Ystradgynlais - Nathan Johns
Resolven - Mark Jarrett
16th October 2009
Former Wales centre Tal Selley makes his Tonmawr debut tomorrow against Cwmllynfell at the Whitworth Ground, Tonmawr. Also making his dubut for premiership team Pontypool is fullback/wing Gareth John who plays for them on permit.
Fact File:
Taliesin "Tal" Selley (born 20th April 1980, Pembroke Dock, Wales) can play either on the wing or at centre.
After 5 seasons at the Llanelli Scarlets he signed a 3 year deal with the Ospreys where he played in the historic victory over Australia. He has played on loan at the Cardiff Blues and the Newport Gwent Dragons . Tal is the first player to play for all the Welsh regions. He joins Tonmawr from English Championship side Birmingham & Solihull R.F.C. (The Bees).
Tal toured with Wales to Argentina, South Africa, USA and Canada and scored a try on his senior international debut for Wales in 2005 versus USA in Hartford, Connecticut.
For the past 4 seasons he has been a regular for Wales on the IRB Sevens circuit. He is Wales' Top Try scorer and also the countries Top Point scorer in IRB Sevens History. He played in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
Tal is now a World Champion, when despite "all the odds" (80-1) Wales triumphed in Dubai in March 2009 and were crowned Champions of the World. Tal also had the honour of being named "2009 Player of the Tournament", an award previously won by Dallaglio (1993), Jonah Lomu (2001) and Waisale Serevi (2005).
25th September 2009
Ryan Bayliss makes his debut on permit tomorrow for Llanelli in their match against Pontypool. Also making his premiership league debut is last season's youth player now with the Ospreys Academy 17 year old Daniel Davies who is on the replacements bench for Aberavon in their match with Swansea.
12th September 2009
Referee's appointments for October: -
First XV:
Corus - David Williams
Bridgend - Phil Fear
Cwmllynfell - Gareth Saunders
Builth Wells - Phil Connett
Narberth - David Bodilly
Dragons XV:
Pyle - Lindsey Price
Pencoed - Anthony Bwye
Tondu - Jeff Hawcutt
Youth XV:
Taibach - Kevin Foley
Morriston - Keith Thomas
Gorseinon - Keith Thomas
Kenfig Hill - ?
9th September 2009
Congratulations to centre Will Price on his selection to the Wales Sevens Training Squad for the forthcoming IRB Sevens World Series. Paul John’s squad start their preparations next month with the first leg of the competition kicking off in Dubai during December. Will has benefited from being an integral part of Tonmawr RFC’s Sevens Squad who have enjoyed an unprecedented summer of sevens success. First up was winning the Benidorm International Sevens Competition in Spain followed by retention of the Richard Barry Memorial Trophy at Aberavon Green Stars RFC. Will was also one of nine Tonmawr players who represented the Welsh Wizards at the ‘Men of Gwent’ Sevens Tournament at Rodney Parade finishing runners up to holders Newport RFC.
2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series schedule
Dubai, UAE - 4-5 December 2009
George, South Africa - 11-12 December 2009
Wellington, New Zealand - 5-6 February 2010
USA - 13-14 February 2010 - venue TBC
Adelaide, Australia - 20-21 March 2010
Hong Kong - 26, 27, 28 March 2010
London, England - 22-23 May 2010
Edinburgh, Scotland - 29-30 May 2010
On the subject of Sevens it was disappointing to read the Aberavon RFC account of the Green Stars tournament on their website. The writer accuses teams of being unprofessional. The article to say the least is unprofessional in its criticism of other clubs, refereeing standards and not forgetting the weather! The on the day coach needs to be reminded that Tonmawr beat Aberavon twice during the course of the tournament; twenty six points to nil and twelve points to ten in the final.
Nevertheless, Tonmawr has enjoyed a long close relationship with Aberavon which has seen many Tonmawr players wear the Aberavon jersey with pride. Currently, in the Aberavon squad are former Tonmawr players Anthony Edwards and Chris Lewis together with Ospreys players Ashley Beck and Matthew Jarvis. Also, lets not forget the player who ‘was a catalyst in Defence and his attacking skills proved exceptional also, he deserved the man of the tournament’ last season’s Tonmawr Youth player Dan Davies who recently joined the Ospreys Academy.
2nd September 2009
Referees appointments for September: -
First XV
Bonymaen - Sean Brickell
Llangennech - Martyn Lewis
Whitland - Wayne Davies
Bridgend Ath - Colin Kirkhouse
Dragons XV
Llantwit Major - Huw Gingell
Bridgend Ath - Richard Brace
Llanharan - Huw Gingell
Kenfig Hill - Nathan Johns
1st September 2009
Tonmawr retained the Richard Barry Memorial Trophy played at the Little Warren Ground, Port Talbot home of Aberavon Green Stars. In the final Tonmawr beat Aberavon 12 - 10 to take the title. A converted try by Dan Roberts and a try by Elliot Frewen gave Tonmawr a 12 - 0 lead, but tries by Ricky Thomas and Aaron Bray brought Aberavon back to within 2 points. Sound defence and control was enough to see the holders home.
In the pool stages Tonmawr beat Aberavon (26 - 0) Pontypool Amigos (57 - 7) and Bridgend Ath (46 - 0) and in the semi-final Aberavon Quins (47 - 7)
21st August 2009
Fitness Testing/Team Building itinerary 29th & 30th August 2009
Saturday 29th August 2009
Meet at club 9-00am
Fitness testing at Gym - squat/bench press/pull ups
Refreshments at club
Leave club for Rhossili Bay
Arrive at Rhossili for surfing lesson (13.00)
Arrive back at Tonmawr - pitch tents on training ground (18.00)
BBQ & Refreshments
Sunday 30th August 2009
Breakfast at Blancos Hotel
Sevens Tournament at Aberavon Green Stars
19th August 2009
Tonmawr RFC defend the Richard Barry Memorial Cup at Aberavon Green Stars on 30th August 2009. Sixteen teams have entered the tournament which is sponsored by Blancos Hotel, Port Talbot. Competing teams: Aberavon, Aberavon Green Stars, Aberavon Harlequins, Baglan, Bridgend Ath, British Navy, Briton Ferry, Bryncethin, Corus, Glynneath, Haka (Marie Curie) Naval Club, Pontrhydyfen, Pontypool Amigos, Taibach and Tonmawr.
9th August 2009
Nine Tonmawr RFC players were selected in the 12-man Welsh Wizards Squad playing in the Men of Gwent 7s Tournament at Rodney Parade on Saturday (8th August 2009). The Welsh Wizards reached the final losing to the tournament holders Newport RFC 20 points to 7.
Tonmawr players: Andrew Gwynne, Ben Davies, Ejike Ozoigwe, Will Price, Gareth John, James Donovan (Captain), Darren Richie, Adam Lester & Austen Howells.
Results: Welsh Wizards 17 Newport RFC 17; Welsh Wizards 43 Newbridge RFC 0; Welsh Wizards 42 Dragons Academy 0; Welsh Wizards 24 Blackwood RFC 0 Welsh Wizards 7 Newport RFC 20 (Final).
3rd August 2009
Original opponents Bedlinog RFC have withdrawn from the friendly fixture due to ongoing work at their ground. Fortunately, Tonmawr RFC were able to secure a fixture with premiership club Pontypridd RFC at short notice. The match will be played at Sardis Road on 15th August 2009.
29th July 2009
National Knock out Competition 2009/2010
The WRU Board has agreed to amend the knock out format for the 2009/2010 season so that three separate competitions will be run.
1. The Bowl competition will commence in October and will be for Clubs in Divisions 4, Divisions 5, Divisions 6 and Division 2 North of the National League.
2. The Plate competition will commence in November and will be for Clubs in Divisions 2, Divisions 3 and Division 1 North of the National League.
3. The Cup competition will commence with a preliminary round in December and will from January involve Clubs in Divisions 1 and the Premier Division.
Round 1(preliminary round)
To be played the weekend of 12th December 2009
BRIDGEND RFC v TONMAWR RFC
NARBERTH RFC v BRIDGEND ATH RFC
BUILTH WELLS RFC v NEWBRIDGE RFC
LLANGENNECH RFC v LLANHARAN RFC
WHITLAND RFC v YSTRAD RHONDDA RFC
BEDLINOG RFC v TREDEGAR RFC
