Treorchy RFC

So, it’s finally here ... the last match of the season ... seems a long time since it all began, with passive scrums, against Brynmawr back in September. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster with highs and lows and we still don’t know whether the finish line will be one of the highs or the lows ... one thing we can say though is that “it’s been a hell of a ride!”

As the final chapter has still to be written, I’m not going to pick out my favourite moments today – I’ll save that for next week when we know how it has all panned out.

The final chapter is entitled “Delight or Disappointment” and the outcome of 2 matches tomorrow will decide which of these emotions will sum up the day for the Zebras.

The potential outcomes are still quite complicated but I’ll do my best to explain ...

• Gilfach Goch have already won the league and secured promotion to Division 1

• Second place in the league and promotion to Division 1 will be decided tomorrow and will be either Rhydyfelin or Treorchy.

• Treorchy trail Rhydyfelin by 1 point. A bonus point win against Llantrisant tomorrow means that Rhydyfelin have to get a bonus point win at home against league champions Gilfach Goch to secure the promotion spot ... A win without a bonus would not be enough for them.

• If Treorchy beat Llantrisant but don’t get a bonus point, a win for Rhydyfelin would be enough – a draw or a loss would not.

• If Treorchy lose but get a bonus point, or draw with Llantrisant, Rhydyfelin will still need to take something from their match against Gilfach as a tie on points will result in promotion for Treorchy because we will have won more matches.

Are you still with me? Don’t worry if you’re not! Suffice it to say that a bonus point win for the Zebras tomorrow has to be the target – then what plays out further down the valley will be what decides our final fate.

We mustn’t forget Llantrisant in all this! The Black Army visit the Oval for a match that should have been played on 2nd January! Notwithstanding all of the promotion stuff, the Zebras will be going all out tomorrow as they have a score to settle with Llantrisant ... In the corresponding fixture on a sunny day in September, the Zebras were cruising to a comfortable victory until one of the best comebacks I’ve ever witnessed, saw Llantrisant score 22 points in a five minute spell to take the match. This was the only match that Llantrisant won in the first half of the season and they were looking dead certs for relegation. However, since January, their form has turned around. They have notched up 9 wins and a draw and have climbed steadily up to 6th place in the table.

All in all, I think it’s going to be an interesting day tomorrow!

I’m really looking forward to the weekend ... not just for the rugby ... I’ve actually had to work a 5 day week and I’m feeling the strain! You’ll be pleased to know that I haven’t had to walk up the car park stairs though ... I’ve managed to blag a parking space at the back of the office this week.

Before I sign off for today, I just wanted to tell you about Andrew Baker. Andrew is a lifelong fan of Treorchy who now lives in Mold. His father Graham watches every match and calls Andrew at half and full time to update him on the scores. I was speaking with Graham last week and he told me that Andrew has taken on a challenge to run 3 half marathons to raise money for SANDS the stillbirth and neonatal death charity. Andrew has personal reasons for doing this and if you’d like to sponsor him or simply find out more about what he’s doing, visit www.justgiving.com/andrew-baker3.

That’s all from me today ... I hope you have a good weekend ... COME ON TRE!