Treorchy RFC

Hope you’re well and are a little more ready than I am for Christmas. I know I’ve been moaning about working in Cardiff but, I have to say it’s been a bit of a godsend when it comes to Christmas shopping ... I’ve managed to pick up quite a bit on my 0.7 mile walk from the office to the car park in the evening. My battle with the car park lifts goes on and I have had to walk to the 6th floor again this week ... I’m running out of swear words!!!

So, on to this weekend and another break from league action as the Zebras make their debut in the new SWALEC Plate competition. This is tier 2 of the 3 tier competition that has replaced the traditional SWALEC cup. The theory is that the lower division clubs have a better chance of playing a final at the Millennium Stadium ... the practice means that there is less of a buzz about the competition as there is no chance of drawing one of the ‘big’ clubs for a ‘David v Goliath’ match ... in short, a lot of the ‘romance’ has gone!

The Plate is taking us into uncharted territory though with an away match against Maesteg Harlequins.

As far as I am aware, this will be our first match against the Quins so I’ve got no historical nuggets or anecdotes for you. What I can tell you is that the Quins are currently in 11th place in Division 2 South West with just 1 win from 9 matches. That would make the Zebras favourites on paper but, as we know to our cost, anything can happen in the cup ... remember RTB Ebbw Vale?!

As it’s uncharted territory, I’ve put some directions to the Maesteg Quins field on the club website – there’s a link on the homepage %site%. The clubhouse is a little way away from the field at 25a Talbot Street, Maesteg, CF34 9BW.

Please note that the match will kick off at 2.00 pm and not the usual 2.30 pm.

Let’s hope that the rain stays away for tomorrow at least ... I don’t fancy another soaking or a repeat of last weekend’s mudfest at the Oval. Thank goodness we knew where all the deepest puddles were or we’d never have won (sorry, couldn’t resist a shameless dig at the match report on Llantwit’s website). GMTV says it’s going to be a cold one though so get your woollies out!

Finally, don’t forget that tickets for the festive season celebrations are now on sale at the clubhouse ... don’t delay or you may be disappointed.

Have a good weekend.