PLAYERS AGREE TO UNITE

Last weekend saw just 12 fit players travelling to Llandaff. With 8 players unavailable and several withdrawing on the eve of the game, in true pont spirit, Pontllanfraith got the game played and in the words of Dan Welsh picked up their first 3 points of the season. Had Pont cancelled the game, they would have been dedcuted points so credit must go to all those who played in Llandaff. Well done to you all.

To ensure the rot does not set in, the following week, the coaches felt it necessary to review the season so far. The meeting was positive, with more than 25 players turning up in a clear the air session.

The coaching team were pleased to see such numbers and felt that the meeting was a positive affair. Player coach Wayne Grimstead, who himself was ill on the weekend of the Llandaff game, said 'It was pleasing to see such a good number of players. The club is going through a huge transitional period and the players and coaches alike recognise that. At the same time, howeverm, we must not use that as the main reason for our current position in the league. We've competed in every game so far and bloooded a lot of younger players. Having reviewed the games over the last 2 months, we as a team now have to build on the positives and address the negative aspects of our game.' With the likes of Lee Butcher, Liam and Sheppy returning to the fold in December, the club is convinced that it will enjoy a more successful middle period of the season.

The club records show that it has lost a total of more than 60 boys over the last 4 years either through players retiring or leaving to play elsewhere. With just a handful leaving to play higher division rugby, coach Tony Jane said 'It seems senseless to me why players leave for lower division rugby, i can only assume they make the decision based on the fact that the game is a lot slower and easier. Division 4 is a tough division and the good thing about the group of boys we have at the moment is that they are giving it their all and fighting for everything. I do love the club i do, i really do, and i hope the boys here love it just as much me.' Clearly, Tony was getting a bit choked and as a result it was decided to end the interview there and then as i've never seen a grown man cry before.