GWRFC Statement
Glamorgan Wanderers RFC.
Firstly with regards to the ‘Play off’ fixtures between Glamorgan Wanderers RFC and Brecon RFC on Saturday 11th & 18th May 2019, both teams should be congratulated for their achievements throughout the current season.
Brecon RFC are the champions of Division 1 East and winners of the WRU Plate Competition, whilst Glamorgan Wanderers RFC were the winners of Division 1 East Central. Consequently both team were therefore paired against each other in the two play-off games, with the winner on aggregated score, gaining promotion to the WRU Championship League.
On 11th May 2019 at Parc de Pugh, Brecon, the home side took the first advantage winning an exciting and hard fought encounter by 28pts to 23pts. On the return leg held at the Memorial Ground, Ely, Cardiff on 18th May 2019, both teams had it all to play for with the Wanderers having a five point deficit to make up. It was another hard fought game, which saw the Wanderers taking control of proceeding just prior to half-time and more so, mid-way into the second half.
In the latter part of the second-half, there appeared to be some frustration being demonstrated by individual players, which required the intervention of the referee for the day, Mr Gwyn Morris. Towards the very end of the game, it was noted there was bad behaviour being exercised by some person(s) who were located towards the middle of the main terraced area.
At this moment in time the Wanderers Committee are seeking to establish the facts relating to this incident and would request anyone with information to come forward and assist with this process. Glamorgan Wanderers RFC has always been a respected member of the WRU and rugby football in general. The friendship, sportsmanship and hospitality, which is extended to all has been uppermost in the great tradition of the Wanderers. We are therefore extremely disappointed that there were individuals on the ‘Terraces’ on Saturday 18th May 2019, whose behaviour is not acceptable at any sporting venue and most certainly not at the Memorial Ground.
Both Clubs, coaches, players and backroom staff had worked extremely hard to be able to make the Play-off’s’ and to have these efforts tarnished by those who miss-behaved, in itself is a huge shame.
Some comments have been received regarding the incident. It is therefore correct to explain the facilities afford to All visitors to the game as there again appears to be some misrepresentation. The main-bar area of the Club, which is small in size was open to Wanderers Members and their guests as per the instructions of the Local Police Licencing office.
As there are some Club members who use the facilities on a daily / weekly / Saturday only basis, the bar, which has a security system was open to these persons. Some of whom either do not have any interest in watching the rugby or who are unable to take their places on the terraces due to mobility matters. These persons contribute to the well-being of the Club with their support via the bar facility on a regular basis.
It was therefore decided to Open the Foxhunter bar for ALL those ‘Supporters’ who were not members to meet and socialise prior to the kick off. This facility was also in place for the after proceedings and appeared to be popular, shown by the numbers who took advantage of it. The Sir Tasker Watkins Lounge was also open for the two teams and their respective committees. As it was a pleasant afternoon, weather wise some persons were content to use the ‘Patio area’ to socialise.
With regards to the ‘Rugby’, the Wanderers beat Brecon RFC by 34pts to 12pts and earn the right to be promoted to the Championship. Players and coaches from both team exchanged their compliments and congratulations after the final whilst. The teams remained on the field of play, where they were joined by family members, who had been at the game to offer their support.
In what should have been an after match Celebration for one Club and a sporting Commiseration for the other, it appears the ‘Loutish’ behaviour of certain individual(s) has left a bad taste for all. As stated it is not acceptable and if anyone has any information to assist, please contact:
Gerry Blake.
Chairman.
glamwands125@gmail.com