Coaches Corner

If you don't get a copy of the away fanzine then you can catch up on the coaches diary here. Last entry is at the bottom.

11 Sept 2003

Last Thursday prior to the Carmarthen Athletic game the squad were given their shirts, ties and polar shirts for the season. Many thanks from the squad go to “Castellane Construction” and the Maesteg committee for their wonderful support and effort. That particular night the session went well. Gareth spent a particularly long time selecting his forwards. I was relatively lucky….a couple of injuries helped me out. Scrum half is one of my major concerns at the moment. Lloyd Paget is the only one available. Richard has a wedding. Kevin got sent off last game for Pontypool last season. Craig is working. Mike Wyatt injured and Leighton Thomas is away on holidays. Paul Smith can also play there. There is no way in 12 million years that I’m going to play…..my son Lloyd or Lee Ronan both from the youth are playing before me.  It was nice to see Liam Gadd together with his crutches at the club to watch the session. I was watching our team manager Colin…running around like a blue a*r*sed* fly trying to organise our preparation for the away trip. Surprising how much work goes on to prepare a rugby team. Colin has a good team and a very important part of Maesteg Rugby football club. Met Steve Cody and introduced him to our new captain Richard Morgan, Steve is sponsoring the club with some T shirts….top man. Remember “MISTER WINDOWS”   

Gareth and I had some stick on the bus going down to Carmarthen. Badger kept rattling on about there is only on side in the Garw  valley Pontycymmer what’s happening to Blaengarw RFC….after the game we had a game of P’s and S’s…where using word association the next person says a word an it is then carried on around the group. Badger was asked to start…..he was so excited “ To my right…..looking at me and Gareth…..said “To my right PONTYCYMMER…….I nearly wet myself…….come on the Garw.

Let’s go back to the game. First game nerves…I was still in the changing room 5 mins after the kick off….Lloyd Paget’s daughter had made him tie ups with her name on for her dad…while Elizabeth was treating his knee he lost one. We searched high and low……then found it. I had to run on the field and give him the tie up….see his face ! That sight will stick with me for ages. Not a bad win ! Some very good individual performances. I don’t intend to use these column to discuss the game ….I would like to use this chance to keep you updated on other issues …I hope you don’t mind…..if you want to discuss the game or any other thing please tap me on the shoulder. One win don’t make a season. It’s a start. What a support. There was one time when we scored I turned around and thought crumbs are we in Maesteg ? It so personal….every body knows everybody…it’s so magic. May I thank you for your kind support .The boys love it.  One thing…..great news Mathew Wareham has decided to accept the vice captaincy Mathew is one of life’s great characters. I can remember him playing for Maesteg Comprehensive. Tall Blond and handsome….god he’s changed. At the time I was playing cricket for Maesteg Town with his dad, Don…who has become a very harden Old Parish supporter.  

Sunday 7^th September 2003.

Bridgend Bulls Rugby League won their game at Warrington. Our players were all outstanding with Karl Hocking getting Man of the Match. This team is also sponsored by one of our main sponsors Gills of Maesteg. Just mentioned this because my misses wants a new blinking car.  

Monday 8^th September 2003.

Boxing training with Brian and Lindsey. This has made a massive difference to our fitness. These two characters are a very important part of our coaching set-up. The session was attended by 14 squad members and also by Bridgend’s Austin Howells.  

Tuesday 9^th September 2003.

Every body up beat. Quick sharpening up session…..sent Badger and Craig on one of my laps. Backs worked on second phase play, Gareth’s boys were shouting up to 6 behind the trees…..strange bunch. Discussed the side with Gareth, Richard and Karl. (Mathew in bed with flu) Selection headache.

 Thursday 11^th September 2003.

Good team session. Steve Cody presented his t shirts to Richard and Mathew. Team changes. Neil Dixon in for Mark David….dead leg early in training. Alun Brown in for Allan Bateman. Richard Morgan coming in to lead the side. Grant, Lloyd and Mark David make the bench. In the forwards Steve Tremlett in for Craig Hopkins…Super Kev and Paul Standing in for Ian Stang wedding and Alex “groin”. Mathew Wareham suffering from a bout of flu so Ross Magraw comes in for him ! Nigel, Gareth, Paul and Mathew Make the bench. Headaches. It also looks as if we have signed Aled Bevan from Glyncorrwg he is currently in the Neath squad. He play’s nearly every position in the backs. Young lad with loads of potential. Allan Bateman speaks very high of him. Llangennech are a very good side ! Rumour has it is that they have the best backs in the league ! First league match at home this season.     

 Saturday 13^th September 2003.

Match day ! Very nervous they were a good, well coached team last season with good quality ball winning forwards and sharp backs. The Game went reasonably well !  Lost Darren Morris early in the first half….Young Mark David came on….took a long time to settle but came through ! The last 30 mins were exciting…some excellent rugby was played. I recon Paul Smith was Man of Match ! Not fussy on the forwards scoring more tries than the backs !? Gareth’s been quite cool about it ! Strange. In the night Gareth went down to the smoke with the boys….he got in late. Is brother Alun arrived at the house at 7:30 to repair the boiler. Get up you drunken bum !  Mark David has been invited to train with the Celtic warriors under 21’s. Good luck and congratulations ! Nicky Walsh wife had a baby boy. Joseph 7lbs  11oz handsome like his dad !  

Tuesday 16^th September 2003.

Training went well…boys working hard ! Allan and Richard took most of the session…..I had to get home early ! interview next day ! Selection is going to be hard again !  

Thursday 18^th September 2003.

I was so jealous….Paul Standing has been given a Stuart Mcgill Nottingham Cricket Top…..Gutted ! Stuart is Richard Morgan’s cousin ! Richard went up to see him last week and scrimped him ! Met Roy Sterio and congratulated him on his life membership ! Selection was hard in the backs I need to get Leighton Thomas, Nicky Walsh and Martin Morgan playing !    

Nathan Davies has been playing well and he worked very, very hard during the pre season !  Jason Riggs also rested and he has looked sharp. Let Nick Walsh loose on some contact ! My giddy kipper ! You wait. Kevin Ellis is available for the Bonymaen game. Karl Hocking has started on the development side…he has met most of the junior schools and is starting training soon ! Youth got their first league match Saturday, watched a bit of their session….they have a couple of injuries but they are looking good ! Good Luck ! So it’s Whitland…..just looked at the website …history ! Got well beaten last time there ! let’s hope it doesn’t happen again !

Saturday 20^th September

Big game today vs. Whitland away. Bus is full ! Boys are up for it ! Colin, Mike, John, Barry and the others putting the final touches to our preparation! A lot of work goes into this area ! Unsung heroes !John Morris has been covering for Gordon Taylor while he has been away on holidays and he is doing a good job ! Thanks John !Gareth and have been a little concerned about our preparation recently, That was one of the reasons why we went to see Bridgend vs. Cardiff last week. We arrived on time.....looked around for a socket for our music ! Our preparation was good ! Some of our supporters missed the start of the game because of a crash on the motorway. The game started at a cracking pace ! Mark David was tackled in front of the stand waw ! didn't think he would get up ! I can't believe he is only 19...what a future ! With Smithy and Allan outside him, Darren looking after him and any of the scrum halves inside him, what a future. He is also going to have kicking coaching from Luke Richards, Grant started his last week ! The first half they controlled most of the game. Our second half was a lot better we looked to play our game a little wider and going through more phases of play . Everybody stuck at it and Alun Brown in particular played well. Win 12-10 away from home not many sides are going to go down there and win. Nice to see our ex winger Mark Lloyd playing for them ....nice bloke. sharp winger. After the game the boogie brown road show was away. Fines came out ...great fun. The journey home flew. Many classics came out and later on in the club the Maesteg formation ballet team was Announced. More on this issue in the future. Stand by your beds !

Monday 22^nd September.

Preparation for Wednesdays game vs. Bonymaen. Good squad turn out. Interesting to see John Devereaux there watching. Currently out injured with cracked ribs but who knows. It was difficult picking the side but we are a squad. Players disappointed that they are not selected. But we are all in this together. Craig Fox has left the Maesteg squad and guess what... we have another Fox. He has trained with us for the last 3 sessions......young cub. He has brought us some luck. Come up and spot him and you can also watch us train 

24^th September 2003.

Arrived at the club on time. Mad rush from Cardiff. Again everything sorted by Colin’s gang. The players were in a sombre mood ! Quite. Not use to mid week league matches. The bus trip was relaxing…thank god we had Nigel Evans on the bus or we would have ended up in Mumbles. We arrived at the field on time. Our warm up was quite...I wasn’t sure if we were up for it. Had we made to many changes ? Have we selected the right team ? Have we taken Bonymaen lightly….no fear of that, they are a quality side and anybody that travels to there during the season will struggle to win against them ! I was hoping to bump into Malcolm Dacey and his dad….we were the Welsh Youth half backs, back in um.um ….never mind…..Malcolm’s dad and my dad travelled over to France together when we played out there…..  The game was a good match, played win good spirit by two useful sides. Darren Morris got injured badly within the first 10 mins ! He has had some bad luck. Elizabeth and the medical support team were wonderful ! Mark David came on and fitted in nicely ! Lloyd Paget played is 150^th game and considering what he has been through….what an achievement. We won….good away win ! Fitness appeared ok…..some tries late on the game ! Nice to see Kevin Ellis having a run out ! Congratulations to both him and Allan Bateman for their inclusion in the Welsh Rugby League squad…..I wouldn’t be surprised if Karl Hocking also has a call ! Again we were well supported. So on to NARBETH…Massive game….selection….aaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Richard and I discussed the backs straight after the Bonymaen game. Winked at each other and walked away…easy…NOT. Gareth had some headaches.  The side selected is strong…..but it needs to be because Narbeth are a very, very good side !

27^th September 2003. Match day vs Narberth

Gareth and I were very nervous, our preparation had to be spot on. Narberth arrived early! They were up for it! Our pre match handshake with Keith David. Massive game. If we lose today Gordon Taylor is having it! He’s missed the last three wins because of holidays. We had an excellent start, few first half. Our half time chat was positive and we didn’t change a thing, we were well in control. After I made my changes I went up to watch Maesteg Youth, up at the swing park for 15 minutes. .They are not a bad side. Wanted to watch my son. I have invited James Dixon to train with us every Tuesday for the next month. He will also be have the kicking coaching by Luke Richards In the evening the most of the boys went to Swansea with Kevin Baldwin. Bumped into Peter Donavon “Top Man” ex winger….He has stuck by me through thick and thin. He wanted my Maesteg tracksuit top and yep…I might get fined but I gave it to him. I owed him that at least. There was a small practice of the ballet team with Phil “Pancho” Phillips looking on in…um…wonder if he wants to join the team.

29^th September 2003

Week off work ! Called up the rugby club first thing to pick my kit up. Had a good chat with the A team…they are working hard. Keep up the good work! Didn’t go boxing training, lots of backs turned up. I took my wife to the pictures, went to see “ Calendar Girls” It was about a group of women’s institute ladies putting together a nude calendar. My head was spinning during the film. Could we do one at the Parish? Would people buy it? Mocky , Wareham, Perky posing…bet people would. We need sponsors…any takers!

30^th September 2003

Day in Cardiff! Bumped into Des John, one of our keenest supporters and his darling wife. He was buying her ring and taking her for a romantic day out. Also bumped into our roving reporter! Paul and Nick work tirelessly for the Parish…true gents. In the evening we were joined by the Youth squad all night. They got stuck into every drill, everything that Gareth and I asked for they did. I hope the Youth coaches enjoyed their night off. Its important that the senior players set the standard. The session went well, Gareth and I have decided to this once every 6 weeks. I must also mention that someone took his grandson to watch Cardiff City…shame he didn’t see a goal. Missed you. Alun Brown decided to do some extra sprint training, wanted to sharpen up one 20 meter…took his cap off placed it on the ground returned to the start and our fox darted onto the field and luckily we noticed him. Browny’s too sharp for him. Lets hope he is sharper than his opposite winger Saturday.

1^st October 2003

Took my wife to Bath. Called at their field to have a look around. The pitch is like Celtic’s cricket square, Perfect! Like George Baitup’s bowling green. If they cant play on that! Our Pitch is wonderful. Also called into an antique shop and spotted a 1930 leather rugby ball. £50!..need a sub of Keith. Should have Bought it.  

2^nd October 2003

Selection for Saturday. Glamorgan Wanderers old merit table side. Quality team. Selection hard. Allan Bateman not available…Quite a lot of injury’s Martin Morgan groin, Jason Riggs thigh, Nicky Walsh hand, Darren Morris leg….in the backs. Alex Peever groin. Darren Morris out for weeks before training, Good luck Dar. Liam Gadd is also on his way slowly.

4^th October 2003.

Match day vs Glamorgan Wanderers Another big game against an old merit table side. Our preparation had to be top draw ! They are a strong side Our support was incredible. When the players run on the field...the noise was brilliant and when they jogged on it was quite. The support has been magic all year. It was a good win against a big side and they will beat many sides this season and hopefully do us a couple of favours. The day will be remember for Karl Hockings 100^th try.  An amazing feat. Did you see Elizabeth our Physio and Karl's girlfriend run on when he scored his 100^th try ? I wonder what she said ? Well done Karl ! In the evening I stayed in Cardiff and went to see lindisfarne with my boys. great day's entertainment.

Tuesday 7^th October 2003.

4 backs turned up for training.  injuries or working. gutted! I took the youth backs.....they have got some good players. Gareth gave the senior squad a fitness hour. Poor things.

Thursday 9^th October 2003.

All building up for the big match vs Treorchy. The dream team. Karl Hocking had some stick....the photo in the gazette and guess what I scored three tries in the touch rugby....I dived for one about 2o yards out and Mocky was just about to touch me ....he went kicking and ended up in a crumpled heap on the floor...winded ...landed on his belly...I almost wet myself. Later on in the evening he had the last laugh....while we were going though some 3^rd phase calls... James Dixon ran into me to set up a phase and Batman ran in and took me out .....hitting me kicking !.... was doing a dieing swan impersonation my neck and back was killing me.....mockies turn to wet  himself. The best thing that happened that night was that John Devereaux signed. How can I coach John, Kevin and Allan ?? Allan Bateman is with the Welsh classics in Bermuda ! Lucky thing ! Spoke to Brian Williams and the youth coaches about James Dixon.....he's class..…

Saturday 11^th October 2003

Treorchy match day. For some reason I was worried about this one. One of my workmates son was playing for Treorchy and he had wound me up all week. We couldn't lose ..my life wouldn't be worth living. Their back room staff turned up early....I thought waw they are up for it.  Their jersey's were set out.  But no players. By this time we knew there was something up. Gareth, Colin and myself discussed the situation. We had to remain professional in our approach. The preparation was spot on. They didn't look as if they wanted to play. Excellent performance.....James Dixon had 30 mins and considering he was 18 and a week.....class ! But remember Mark David is only 19.......so the average age for our backs is still 77.

Monday 13^th October 2003

Boxing training ! We were lucky enough to see some of Jason Cook training. What an athlete….Brain has him super fit ! We owe Brian’s boxing school a lot……our fitness has improved since we started Going.  Must try and get Allan, John and Kevin Ellis there. James Dixon turned up ! I think he was a bit shocked by what was going on there and it was also great to see one of our old players Austin Howells there. One of life’s characters ! Boxing starts at 6:30….come and join us.  

Tuesday 14^th October 2003.

Training on field…..wanted a quick hour. Couple of drills to warm…taken mainly by the players…very good session…worked hard but fun. It’s very difficult as a coach to maintain the intensity but have fun! Good team session to finish off. One player that has created an excellent impression on his colleagues is Neil Dix, currently on a duel with Nanty….massive presence. After session Gareth and I sat for an hour in the stand over the other side of the field ! Selection…..individuals……future ! good frank discussion between the two of us.  

Thursday 16^th October 2003.

Excellent write in up Gazette….we pinched the back page from Bridgend RFC. I don’t know if anybody noticed but on the inside there was a write up which included 3 people closely involved with Maesteg RFC……John Owens son Dai Ronan’s and Gareth’s son….Nathan. It was a Bridgend and district under 15s game vs Swansea…they won…..With these youngsters our Youth and our School doing so well….this club with a solid foundation has a wonderful future ! It is imperative that we keep it going ! I haven’t mentioned …the great Gareth Brown much in these write up’s ! I think it’s about time I did ! I knew Gareth years ago…. but I first started working with him at Tondu RFC….he captained the side while I coached there for 3 years. He was an excellent leader of men and well respected were ever he went ! After a couple of years apart….which I should never have let happen ! He invited me to help him with Blaengarw RFC……we worked very close together and had a lot of success….then to the Parish ! home ! Our support to and for each other is unmatched…. I think we have spoke at length every night for the last 6 years….and yep …I Luvs him and I’m not ashamed to admit it ! UWIC Saturday ……meeting up with one of Maesteg legends…Chris Davey…..another great leader. I was his vice captain for the two years he captained Maesteg. Ask him to sing Lady Eleanor by Lindisfare ! One of life's great gentlemen……and a very successful coach….who will with any shadow of doubt get a very good UWIC side prepared and ready for us. Another challenge !

18th October 2003

UWIC away! we usually go down there and win but sometimes it's a struggle. They are a young side and play with lot's of enthusiasm and are well organised by their Wales under 21s coach Chris Davey. Spoke to Chris before the game and they are without a lot of their first team players due to injuries ! Gareth and I took nothing for granted. John Devereaux was making his debut for Maesteg....I remember him playing his first game at the parish for UWIC....we were asked to put Gwyn Evans in the center by the Welsh set up to have look at him for the current season....I think Chris Davey captained Maesteg that day ? Gwyn and John hit each other with big tackles and both did not give an inch...I knew John was destined for big things !and he has....playing for Maesteg. We won the game quite convincingly in the end ! I was again impressed with young Mark David and Kevin Baldwin made a massive impact when he came on. Chris Gareth and I spoke at length directly after the game...discussing the other teams in our league. That night the squad went out in Cardiff ! From what I have heard it was a fabulous night enjoyed by all.

20th October 2003             

Boxing ! again we were very lucky to catch the last part of "cookies" training....he is looking good. The boys sparred with Lindsey ! backs and the big forwards. This is a massive part of our training....can't wait to see Alun Bateman John Devereaux and Kevin Ellis there.

21st October 2003             

Training on the astro turf at Maesteg comprehensive...Nice change. excellent facility ! Mark Jones the Kenfig Hill ex Tondu and UWIC 15/10 trained with us ....looked good. The reason for us training on the astro turf was that our youth had a big cup match vs Bridgend Athletic....they won on the last minute......I was very nervous because my son Lloyd was playing ! Colin's son Gareth was also playing ! Good win !

22nd October 2003            

For some reason our captain Richard Morgan and our vice captain Mathew Wareham had not trained Monday and Tuesday ? I had a wonderful night entertainment at Maesteg Town Hall watching the opera "The King and I". I'm sure I saw Richard and Mathew in the chorus ? The opera give Maesteg Rugby club good support. It was a magic evening ...with my school chum Chris Hopkins playing the King. he stole the show ! Ruth the leading lady was also wonderful.....everybody who took part in the show was brilliant especially Richard and Mathew...should the players put a show on for the supporters over the Christmas period together with our Saturday night ballet club ?

23rd October 2003

Training….preparation for Saturday had to be spot on. Maesteg Quins trained on the cabbage patch because of the horrendous fire that has struck their changing room. Great to see JCB, Neil Davies, Lee Sparrow and Nick Flay. I bet it is a bit restricted on there due to the youth training also ? The session went well…Barry was having trouble with the fox. Backs spent most of the evening fine tuning out game plan and moves. Excellent input from each back squad member. Selection is going to be hard. Beddau are a strong and physical side. Mocky and I remembered the last game at Beddau and he still has the blinking bruises ? Kevin Ellis involved with the Welsh Rugby League squad. They are playing Russia at Aberavon RFC on the 26^th.Good luck. What you think of the back of the stand ? Look’s excellent !   

25^th October 2003              

Beddau home. They are in 4^th place and coached by our Brett Davey. Coached Brett at under 21s…..nice guy. The referee was from Maesteg “Dyffyn Madog” Dai daps we use to call him in school. Joined the army and left the area. Brett and him had a real up and downer. Ref is always right. spent a lot of time talking to Brett about his career. I think it’s going to be is last season as a professional rugby player and the things he was saying about coaching…I think he has a good coaching career coming up ! Brett trains in the day with the Gwent dragons and coached Beddau in the evening. Can you imagine the knowledge that he is brining to Beddau. It is the first time that we have played against a premier/provincial structured defence. We pride ourselves on our defence but theirs was just as good…never better though! I also owe a Tenner to the players kitty….mentioned the L word. It was also nice to see and cwtch Simon Wild….both Brett and Simon were full of praises for the Old Parish.

27^th October 2003              

Forwards had an additional scrimmaging session and all the backs went to the boxing gym. Gareth said the forwards session went well. Backs session…Brian and Lindsey and wonderful and it’s great fun. Chuffed I completed the whole session but every bone in the top half of my body is killing me.

28^th October 2003

Training on the field. Worked on releasing the ball in a contact situation. Use Neil Dixon at 10 for a change. He’s class…Nice to see the magic Allan Bateman there after his international rugby league match recently and John Devs is settling in well. My only concern in the backs is that Mark David is struggling with a calf stain but I’m sure our Physio Elizabeth can work her miracles She should try and stick a nan bread on his head ????????   

30^th October 2003

Backs had a video session while the forwards were over the boxing gym. 15 out of 16 forwards turned up. Competition is hot. Guess the only forward who didn’t turn up and he is injured! The backs were surprised at the Beddau game. Didn’t have much possession.  Half backs didn’t kick the ball once in the first 30 mins. Selection was long. Some difficult decisions. We have picked a side to a job in Blackwood. We are expecting a very hard encounter.

1^st November 2003.

Massive game vs Blackwood away. Not feeling 100% …. is the pressure beginning to tell ! Bite at Mike Lyons and Gwyn Beef on the bus ! Boys feeling confident…but worried about them having one eye on the Llanharan game ! Barry had Thomas his grand son on the bus with him….lovely boy….lovely smile….I’m trying to convert him to be a Sunderland supporter ! No way ! Also had a couple of youth boys with us ! Blackwood are developing a new clubhouse and new training area. They have a nice stand and some good facilities ! Arrived late our warm up was rushed ! Not the ideal preparation ! The referee teaches in Maesteg Comprehensive. Will he do us some favours ? If somebody asked me to accept a 29 5 win I would have grabbed it ! I was a bit disappointed with our performance but the win was just what we wanted ! Our social sec. Gareth Thomas sorted the bus out with some liquid refreshments and off home we went ! Brian “Geegle” could see I was on edge so he grabbed me and took me into the Cross Inn….well that’s what I told Isobel. Had a wonderful chat…sorted the world out and swapped stories ! The boxing stories were magic ! Great nights entertainment ! Selection for the Llanharan game was going to be a nightmare. It is going to be very difficult to keep everybody happy. The squad are in this together……..massive game !     

4^th November 2003.

Llanharan home….two unbeaten teams Mark David out…Austin Howells in. Allan Bateman could be out after his rugby league International Paul Smith out. Knee injury, Ross Megraw also out I was right selection was hard, Lots of players wanted to play in this game. What a wonderful occasion. Magnificent crowd. Not see that since boxing day 1982. Saw some new faces, saw some old Our first half was excellent we should have made the game safe but ..When the game was finished I felt quite relieved…disappointed with the result but yes relieved. I have been thinking of this game for over a month. After the game we had a very positive chat with the players and the Gareth and I went for a run just to relieve the stress. We needed it. The boys were down but not out….long season. I think they were down because they felt they let the supporters down and the public of Maesteg. When we finished our stress jog we walked off to see Keith and Gail cwtching. I think they were relieved also. Nice to see it. They must have been feeling the pressure too. After my shower I caught up with Isobel……had one lager shandy and nearly fell asleep on her shoulder in the upstairs lounge. We decided to walk home and then one of life’s angels fell down to earth and offered us a lift home. Thanks Nick.

5^th November 2003.

Love bonfire night. Decided to get some fresh air and go to the fire works display at the Rugby Club. It was wonderful….Fire works on the pitch two night’s in a row. Crowd not has big has the previous night. The entertainment was wonderful. Well done Maesteg Round Table I hope you made loads of money for local charities.

6^th November 2003.

Training discussed our disappointment over the Llanharan result Squad very positive for the future All eyes now on the young Rumney side. Training went well…obviously a bit down but that’s life. Selection again a headache but again that’s life.  

8^th November 2003.

Rumney home….they looked young but you could see they were up for it. They arrived early and warmed up with great enthusiasm….a lot of clubs do that when they arrive at the Parish. They started with a bang but I had a feeling we were going to win quite comfortable from the beginning. Some wonderful tries and some magic rugby. Not the perfect performance but what I expected after the Lord Mayors show. The evening for most of the squad was dedicated to Cookie and Brian a fantastic win doing the whole valley proud. Well done. We at Maesteg RFC are so proud. Wonderful performance.

9^th November 2003.

What a wonderful performance…..Wales went forward but England went to Sydney. Things that have come out of the World Cup for me so far is the release of the ball in contact and the tempo of the game. We are working on our tempo quite a lot ! Quickening up the game at the lineout and scrum……it’s very difficult to introduce because of the players being comfortable at the pace of our game at the moment. Which is fair enough.

11^th November 2003.

Trained on the astro turf ……worked on the hooker carrying the ball from the lineout…..we decided to change a couple of things with it……must tighten it up and convince the players that it will work ! Bringing more tempo into our game ! We also discussed at length how we could bring this tempo into our game …..open frank discussion…….even the blinking pace of Pontycymmer was mentioned by Badger. We must control our tempo of the game. We can play at a faster pace. Mark David and Kevin Ellis back in training ! Two wonders of the world ! Both great characters…..at the moment I’m trying to negotiate a contract with Mark……on the table at the moment is a 10 year contract for Mark and a new kitchen for Izzy. I’m up for it. I like Mark.  

13^th November 2003 .

Training on the field ! Saturday’s match vs Brynmawr away is massive ! They are a quality side that has recruited well over the pre season. They also completed the double over us last season! We must be up for it ! Again selection was hard ! Lots of lovely headaches ! John Devereaux and Paul Smith out ! Leighton Thomas grabs the inside centre position ! I’m a big fan of Leighton…..his dad Russell named him after me ! Russell was a blinking good scrum half….strong with a good service ! When Rugby Union went professional Leighton was a corner stone of Bridgend’s side ! Very well thought of in Bridgend  

15^th November 2003 .

Our preparation was spot on ! Players realised that they had to play well to keep their places ! Players starting to worry about the places ! Good can’t beat competition ! The first 15 mins was frantic played at a good pace which I knew Brynmawr could not maintain ! Every body worked hard and looked sharp ! The conditions on the day were magic ! No tries against ! Leighton Thomas was man of the match ! One thing that really struck me that day was the amount of support that we have ! Isobel and Luke went on the bus ! It is wonderful to have such great support ! Their club house was bouncing with us watching the Welsh football game ! I met their chairman what a lovely guy…..he remembered Gareth and I from when Blaengarw beat then in the cup a couple of years ago ! I ended up with Geegle…..tried my best to stop him from knocking the new owners of the Royal Oak up ! Did we ?  

17^th November 2003 .

Neither, Gareth or I could make training tonight. We have been invited, with a couple of other coaches in the area to meet the coaching staff of the Celtic Warriors. It was a good meeting ! A lot of good things were said about the Parish ! They have invited us along to any training sessions or any matches ? Haven’t had the time to see one of their games yet ! Met up with the Llanharan forwards coach and the first thing he said was “good win Saturday…..didn’t think you would win up there” and walked away ! Spoke to Derek King and Chris O’Callaghan….discussed the return of the Boxing Day and new years day fixtures ! What you think ?  

18^th November 2003 .

Training on the astro turf ! Good hard running session ! Boys love that sort of session now and again ! We usually start the session of with a game of soccer…..backs vs forwards ! Some close encounters but the backs always win ! ish……  

20^th November 2003 .

Tredegar Saturday…..old merit table side. Down the bottom half of the table but we heard that they have just had new coaches and picked up about half a dozen new players ! Gareth and I met Richard and Mathew at 5:30 at the club to discuss our selection policy for the next month ! We were still talking until 6:45 ….selection was hard but cool ! Couple of surprises in the side but we have such a strong squad !  Gutted the wonderful Allan Bateman is injured ! Does it show how much I adore this bloke ? I hope so ! Over the last couple of weeks we have been working on the release of the ball in contact and introducing tempo to our game. For the first time it was evident in our team run out !  

22^nd November 2003 .

Tredegar home ! In the morning of the match I went to Llanelli to watch Lloyd play for Maesteg Comp vs Starde comprehensive…..They were dreadful ! Bit of a rush to get back ! Again our preparation was good ! Tredegar are not a bad side……you watch them go from now on ! Very physical side with backs that run hard ! In the end we had a dam good win ! The strength of the squad was showed by the subs that we introduced and it was lovely to see a genuine scrum halves try on the Parish ! When did we see one of them last ? I was placing the cones, for the warm up grid with Gareth when Dennis Thomas called me to say that my son was on the phone in the office ! That was strange ! I run like Billy-oh to the phone ! He told me that he has had a phone call telling him that he had been invited to a Welsh Youth trial….I nearly fainted ! Of course I filled up !  

24th November 2003 .

Lloyds letter arrived ! Didn’t go to boxing spent the evening watching Maesteg youth with my family ! They had a cup match on the field vs Tondu…Massive game ! Wonderful night’s entertainment ! I knew we were going to win…..as we were driving up our fox run out in front of the car ! How lucky we are ! Maesteg Youth won…..our Mark David played at outside centre ….and it’s not for me to say but he was the difference ! I had some wonderful news during the day…..firstly Mark David asked if he could be released to play for Colin Hillmans 7 a side team in Dubai……slight hesitation on my part to let him go……NOT….What an opportunity for such a young man ! May I also add that he did not hesitate to play for Maesteg Youth ! The other bit of wonderful news that I had was from my mucker Victor Lloyd Paget he has been selected to play for the Welsh fire service vs the English fire service ! What a magic honour for someone who has been through some traumatic times……..I honestly thought he would never play again ! He is still a massive personality and a massive part of the Maesteg squad !  

29th November 2003.
Lloyds big day...youth trial at Llandovery. I was up at 6 cleaning is boots....Izzy was up getting his kit ready......arrived in Llandovery at 9:30......looked all around for Handel Davies Llandovery's team manager ! Handel use to be in the Maesteg squad, scrum half the same time as me ! Wonderful, larger than life character ! I was informed that they had a karaoke ??...."sing song" evening and Handel will not be seen until about 1. The trial started at 11:30. Lloyd was to play in the second half......I had to be in Maesteg at 1....so I had to leave before I saw him run on the blinking field....never mind ! I had a wonderful journey up....brought back some wonderful memories ! How lucky we are ? I was so nervous !
The Llangennech cup match was outstanding !good win !
Gareth and I had some stick in the club house after about our substitution's.......and quite rightly so !.......we were winning the game quite convincingly though !
Email me you're thought's lo'connor @cardiff.gov.uk

2nd December 2003.
Session on the astro turf taken by Geraint. All speed agility quickness. Geraint is an ex Development officer with WRU. Dam good session ...change....lot's of good stuff. Bit strange to see the dancing shoes ! The Pontycymmer and the Sarn shuffle were class ! Some of the lads had done this sort of thing before ! Gareth and I watched most of the session and wet our selves about six times ! good honest fun ! 

4th December 2003
Spent all day in Northampton meeting Northampton RFC got home at 7 and went straight to training ! Lloyd texted me during the day to tell me that he didn't get in the youth squad......bit disappointed but so pleased that he had a trial !
Gareth started the session.....Tackling he loves his defence !
Good all-round session boys looking forward to Saturday ! They are certainly aware the importance of the game !
Leighton Thomas at 10 Ross McGraw back after quite a long layoff.
Alex Peever back ! Gareth Thomas starts.....no perky involved !
Kevin Baldwin at 8 and Smithy back at 12.

5th December 2003
Had a message on my mobile "FIRE AT THE CLUB"
Didn't know what to do ? Bit lost.....Colin rang and put me up to speed !
The first I knew that the whole club had burnt down and Barry Little was in the ambulance on oxygen ! My giddy ticker ! I love Barry......my mum always told me look after the people who feed you and cloth you ! When I was playing Barry was like a father to me......got some wonderful stories to tell you about our Barry...one day !
Anyway....got loads of messages Barry ok smoke ! Washing machine caught fire couple of kits wrecked !
Did you see the echo our vice captain practically naked.......one for the women ! Handsome swine ! In the evening took my family to see Van the Man (Morrison) in St David's Hall in Cardiff.
Apart from a couple of night's at the old Parish the best night's entertainment that I have ever had !    


6th December 2003.
Met Barry Little to see how he is .....seems ok !
Quite a lot of damage ! Material things are nothing !
Massive game vs Carmarthen ! They haven't lost in six games ! Big question asked of the squad because some of the lads in Dubai ??
Team photo with our scalded kit ! Boys look handsome !
Nicky carter and Paul Thomas doing wonderful Emrys Roberts impersonations. Nice Jerseys....have you seen the polo tops and all weather jackets....all available from Gills garage soon ! Call in and have a look ! Perfect for Christmas !
Very good entertaining game ! Leighton Thomas again impressive at 10. Just what I needed......cover at 10.
Gareth and I had our stress jog after the game and noticed the supporters club shop open ! I bought him a club bobble hat for Christmas....it really suits him ! well when I say I bought it....um I haven't paid yet but I will I promise !
Things like the club supporters shop are always forgotten....it's hard work but worth it....please keep up the good work !

8th December 2003
Session on defence with the Comprehensive side on the astro turf.
Good session the future looks bright !

9th December 2003
Training on the astro turf......international tourists are Back !
Decided to have an easy session...poor tourists are tired !
No sign of a sun tan ! John Devereaux had a run ! 

10th December 2003.
Big thing today ! Lloyd Paget playing for Welsh Fire Service vs England fire service at Llangennech. Kick off at 5:30. Left works at Four.....got in Sarn Services to pick Izzy and Luke up at 5......fog.........then got past Morriston turn off at 6:45......missed blinking match gutted ! Never mind Mathew Wareham and Ian Beech got there to give him some support !  They won quite convincingly !

11th December 2003.
Training on the field. Backs worked on slow ball from maul ...close to the line !
The youth backs also trained with us. Dome dam good players there ! Kevin Ellis not available Saturday going to Northampton. Big decision over the 9 jersey. Allan Bateman comes back in ! Leighton and smithy keep their jersey's and how can I rest the back three ! Gareth has more headaches ! Liam Gadd ran around the field. Great to see him back ! Llangennech away.....big game ! They are having a lot of players returning from injury and they will certainly be up for it....we have already beaten them twice ! It's going to be difficult down there !
13th December 2003.
Is it off....is it on ? The weather has been dreadful over night! It's on! Brill!
12 from club! Bit nervous for this one! potential banana skin! Izzy not going want's to spend time getting ready for Christmas. First game that she has missed this year ! Could this be a bad omen ? The Venga bus is having it's Christmas do oh no ! We got there early spot on ! Preparation good ! Gareth and I have some respect for the two Llangennech coaches...we have come through the last couple of seasons with them....brothers from Tumble! We won! close encounter. Mark David must have balls of steel! Smithy and Leighton had nasty bumps ! Good spirited performance! The evening was quite ! Came home with Colin Hopkins stopped off in Bryn Rugby Club. Met up with some old friends. When I got home Izzy told me that she listened to the last 5 mins on Claire Byes phone from the vital kick until the final whistle! She was a nervous wreck! She has got a soft spot for our Mark and so have I ! We call him our 4th son !

15th December 2003   
Karl Hocking and I took the school 1st XV. Karl worked on the scrum area.
Karl has been working with all the junior schools recently and after Christmas he intends to help with the local comprehensive school. Lots of work! What I have seen tonight! There is not  abetter man! The school's are in good hands.
Steve James....Peter Heatly and now Karl !

16th December 2003.
On the school's astro turf! Great to see John Devereaux take part in a full session ! Mathew Wareham also done a bit ! We usually start off with a game of soccer..........Gareth and is Liverpool triangle...I never seem to get a pass but the backs always win ! Lot's of hard work !

17th December 2003.
Gareth and I were invited to meet Lyn Howells and the Celtic Warriors again! Unfortunately Lynn had the flu! Meeting cancelled I wonder what is was about ?

18th December 2003.
Session on the field ! Some of the players had works do's!
Selection hard ! Great to see Mathew Wareham running !
Liam Gadd did a little bit of work with us ...no contact yet !

19th December 2003.
Works do ! Caught the train to Cardiff with Nicky and Paul !
Told them of my past record at the Parish ! everything ! Playing....coaching....sacking.....who were involved ! the lot ! warts and all !!!!!  The train journey flew !
I was amazed how much work these two characters do for Maesteg ! They must love it !

20th December 2003.
The big match! Whitland one thing I can remember about the game down there was the incident with Mark David ! He took a nasty bump making a tackle! This time we had Kevin and John looking after him! Should not be any problem there! While Barry was putting out the flags he heard them saying about our youngsters in the backs I'm sure it was Mark they were on about! Some of the tries were breathless! The tempo was good! More to come! After the game I went home! Not feeling to grand! Things are getting on top of me! The ladies in the kitchen invited Izzy to the sponsors lounge! I stayed in relaxed ish!

21st December 2003.
Still not 100%...the squad was going out for their xmas do! I couldn't make it ! I had the biggest wind up played on me for Years! Isobel took a phone call around midday from someone from the WRU saying that Gareth had won Coach of the month and the team, side of the month. Then a text message came through saying Gareth has been given the trophy of coach of the month...and another ...and another and another  I had about 20..izzy said no way would he accept it without you and Colin! I was gutted! Another text! Next thing another text "coach get outside your house in 5 mins! your coming to Bridgend with us". I was pouting! jumped in bath! hid ! Next thing ...carol blinking singers! The squad had arrived outside my house singing Carols!  I filled up! Why was I down ? I stood on the stairs chucking them pennies! Next thing after the second carol.....the group opened and an announcement was made....."make way for the coach of the month"..... Gareth then walked through the crowd arms held above his head! me jaw was on the floor! my face must have been a picture! He looked at me and winked! I adore him! Gareth, Alun and Grant grabbed me! I wrapped my leg around the banister! The rest of the boys kept singing! I had told Grant and Alun that I was a bit down! This was a wonderful tonic! There are so many special people about!   I adore every single on of them!

23rd December 2003.
The competition for the cup match has started ! love competition ! The only player in the backs with a limited amount of pressure on him is Neil Dixon 15. We have good cover but is that enough pressure? Neil is a very good player.....his all round game is top draw and his counter attacking quality is first class. Nice boy with a lovely family !

27th December 2004.
Cwmllynfell.........in the cup.....at home !
They are flying high in their league at the moment ! we expected and got a very hard confrontation ! Some very good useful players...their scrum was solid and their lineout well organised...we came through it in the end ! Sticking to our game plan and our high tempo ! Caerphilly next round away! That's a tester!

2nd January 2004.  HAPPY NEW YEAR !
When was the last time a Maesteg side was unbeaten up until Christmas and the new year? Call a backs session ! Boxing first then a quick hour on the field. It was a nice change....bit of hard work and then the weekend off!
Another good session....life is far better when you are winning !

3rd January 2004.
Went to see Maesteg Youth play at Newport HSOB in Caerleon. Gareth and a couple of the lads went to see Caerphilly....very impressed....strong side !
The cup game is going to be a big ask ! Massive game !

5th January 2004.
Boxing....I have been informed that this was our best ever session....windows closed heating on......poor Lindsey....deserves a knighthood !

6th January 2004.
Training on the astro turf. One of the best sessions that we have had on the astro turf ! It's getting quite physical...players wanting to play ! Gordon Taylor was full of praise for the session. He stayed longer than he normally does ! Enjoyed the efforts of the players. John Williams Caerphilly's full back trained with us ! more than useful player ! nice chap would fit in well at the parish....
The astro turf sessions are held from 7 till 8:30 call down if you're passing.
I have had Lee Hodgson of Maesteg Celtic shadowing me for the last couple of session. Lee is coaching Celtic backs. Lee has a good all-round knowledge of back play and I've also picked some good ideas up from him !

7th January 2004.
Had text from Gareth...."ring elle 4rm wru/tsb on   re coach of December"  
I just texted him back "bol**ks"....next text honest "double blo**ks".....bit rude but sorry ! The next text "honest on my families life".....started to believe him. Rang spoke to Elley.....they want Garth, Colin and myself to meet them on the 15th January 2004 at the Millenium Stadium.....SHOCKED !

8th January 2004.
Training on the field ! Well what a bunch of poufs.....soon as the hail stones started every single player ran for the blinking dug out or the stand ! wimps !
The session went well ! worked on support on the outside !
Selection was ok....made my decisions during the day and informed the backs before training. Sometimes that works not always !

9th January 2004.
Invited with Colin to a meeting up the club to discuss various concerns about the Maesteg Youth and Maesteg Welsh. It was proposed to start up an under 17's next season. Wonderful....more rugby for the youngsters the better Maesteg Rugby Club is. Go for it ! 

10th January 2004.
Isobel and I went to watch the comprehensive school play in the morning in Carmarthen. We are starting to register some of the younger players. Hopefully we can give them some game time later on in the season. Their development is so important for the club ! School lost but played reasonably well against the top of the league team. Glamorgan Wanderers home. Old Merit table side !
Waw the first 15 minutes were frantic ! Played at a very good tempo ! I said that they could never maintain this tempo. They were a dam good outfit ! Young fit and organised ! We achieved a good win in the end ! It was wonderful to see our Gareth "Billy" Thomas back at the old parish. He is currently playing for Glyncorrwg. We were struggling for props with injuries to badger and Craig. We contacted Billy.....originally Glyncorrwg said no, they needed him ! Thanks Billy ! The evening was spent upstairs in the club listening to Michael Jones. Mike use to play full back for Maesteg Celtic and the Harlequins. Good player in his day. Not a bad singer either. Goods night entertainment !

12th January 2004
Lloyd my youngest has been invited into the Celtic Warriors under 18's squad ! Chuffed. He had a phone call an hour and a half before training. He phoned me to tell me when I was driving home.....filled up. Took him to the coaching session looking to pinch some ideas ! It was blinking raining so they had a flip chart session and I had two hours in the car listening to talk radio ! Boxing that night went well.

13th January 2004.
On the astro turf. Tony Jones took the first 30 mins of the session ! Tony is
recovering from a bout of glandular fever ! change of voice...something different!
Who is the sharpest Allan Bateman of Grant Epton ? Couple of injuries...Gareth Edwards back, Paul Yates back, Mark David side, Ian Strang Flu, Karl Hocking Groin and Neil Dixon Knee. Elizabeth is busy ! Must get them ready for the
Caerphilly match. 

15th January 2004.
Big day ! Invited to the Millenium Stadium to collect the coaches of the month award for December 2003. Massive day ! Met Colin, Gareth, Nick Carter and Mark David from Llanharan outside entrance four. A Gentleman from Lloyds/TSB stopped us and asked are you with Lloyds/TSB....We all said yes ! Oh ! great he said ! give me 5 minutes I will walk in with you ! We waited 20 minutes for him ! Walked into the stadium 15 minutes late ! Level 5.....on we go ! bit rushed and all of a sudden this gent that we picked up and waited for said I'm on level 3 what are you on? He was on a management course! Wrong thing altogether! Late again! Anyway I hate lifts there is the big one in the stadium that we had to go in and as soon as I mentioned lifts guess what happened scary stories rocking the lot! I was a bath of sweat! More nervous about the lift and being late than the actual presentation. The presentation went well! Bottle of bubbly and a medal! Unfortunately Nick and Mark had to go back to work! The three amigos decided to hit Cardiff!  Meal! I'm not paying I'm not paying. please Col! Oh go on then! We had a wonderful time  great conversation!  Training in the evening! Smelling of blinking Garlic! Good session boxing in preparation for Treorchy! Guess what after all this time! Kevin Ellis, Allan "The great man" Bateman and John Devereaux turned up for boxing! Had a text message from Kevin Ellis later on that evening "in bath come and help me wash can't lift my arms"

16th January 2004.
Gareth and I Invited by Steve Cody of Mr Windows our t shirt sponsors to see the ospreys playing against Toulouse in Neath. Went early to watch the warm up and preparation! Excellent atmosphere considering they are struggling! Good game! Fair result! Great night's entertainment!

17th January 2004.
Away at Treorchy! Late starting the bus! Players drifting in! Need to watch this area! Arrived Dai Daps referee from Dyfryn Madog, Nanty again! He immediately checked the jerseys  Treorchy had to change! They did not have any spare jerseys. Colin said that he would go and get our spare set from the club! He is a gem! Penygraig offered their spare set! Great start! They were quite a good outfit! Lost it a bit when their 10 Morgan Stoddart went off! We played okish! didn't stick with our game plan! But won! Picked up a couple of injuries! Allan Knee. Leighton Groin. Grant and Richard. Mathew Wareham had 6 stitches in is head. Nasty one! Bus trip home had a good chat with Gareth about Caerphilly!  Massive game!

19th January 2004.
Boxing! Preparation for Caerphilly starts here! I know that I have mentioned this before but Lindsey and Brian are wonderful! Lindsey had a bit of a stuffing when he was sparring! I don't know how he does it! Brian motivates with the best of them! Great battle between Justin Jones and Lindsey! I done about 40 mins on the bags and when it was my turn to spar with Lindsey I ran! He frightens the
living day lights out of me!  

 
20th January 2004.
Training on the field! Started off with me giving every body a bo**ocking !
I don't think that people realise what is ahead of us this week! Even frightened Kevin Ellis! .Got straight into the session! Good warm up! Big rucking session after last Saturdays poor rucking performance! Worked hard! Nigel Evans then took a scrumaging session and the backs worked on our attacking moves and our third phase calls. Good sharpening up session to finish. Backs and forwards stayed apart for the rest of the session ! Injuries dreadful! Brief chat about the side ....still some decisions to make!

21st January 2004.
Meeting up the club regarding a proposed under 17's team. Very good turn out by the players and their parents. Good constructive comments! Keith David....Colin Hopkins and Les Owens of the youth spoke well! The boys were very
enthusiastic! We need to get an under 17s team up and running! Gareth and I have committed ourselves to it and also working on the coaching development side of the club! This club must be as one  Seniors. youth and junior welsh!

22nd January 2004.
Training....very nervous...massive game Saturday ! vs Caerphilly....texted Carl Yardley our old fitness coach who is working with his brother now at Caerphilly to tell him that the Parish is on it's way! Carl use to offer something different when he was with us! Gareth and I have spoke at length about a fitness coach if we do or should I say when we get promoted, this is an area which we will look at a bit closer! So if you know anybody interested in that position ask then to come on to me and Gareth to discuss! Training went well some disappointed characters.

24th January 2004.
Big match! I was using the day has a learning curve! How does a premier division side do it! Got there early! Wished Carl all the best! Even borrowed some cones off him for our warm up! Nice guy! Our warm up was spot on again! Everybody up for it ! Their preparation was ok! Nothing new Carl took the warm up! What I was impressed with was that Justin Thomas ex Welsh international was out on the field for ages practising his kick offs with his second row Neil Watkins. Kick off are a massive part of the game and especially when you have somebody like Kevin Baldwin in the side! We need to work on this area! Straight from the kick off their forwards received the ball...fed the 9 who fed 10 and the 10 missed out 12 straight to 13 and 13 kicked the ball straight away into our 22. My giddy kipper! I expected them to play rugby straight away! Good tactics though! We should not be able to score tries against a premier division side from 50 metres! We should be able to do against our division asides and we do...regular ! Very clever on Caerphilly's part!
Every time we got near their line or even their 22 the kicked it to touch knowing that the had a better chance against us in the line out ! Their kicking game was class ! Hooper 9 boxed kicked well ! Justin Thomas and their centres also kicked well out of hand !  Good game plan but quite old fashion but winning rugby ! Cup winning rugby ! We were certainly upset when my wife's favourite Mark David came off ! Neil Dixon played excellent and Grant was class but to loose your 10 after 10 mins  ....that's a nightmare! We done ok...lost but done ok ! Loads of compliments from the coaching staff at Caerphilly but that is nothing we lost ! Greta experience for Gareth and I and yes we are better coaches for it ! The night got to me a bit.....I was shattered ! Nicky Carter saved my bacon again ! Thanks x  
No boxing Monday ! night off for the boys and so they deserve it !

27th January 2004.
I took a session on defence with John Owens under 15s.......wonderful bunch of lads! Went on the field to go over what I introduced and I hope they buy into it! I like taking these sessions give me a chance to also look at myself and what Gareth and I are doing ! Training straight after down the astro turf ! Gareth took most of the session ! He let me have an early night !

29th January 2004.
Training on the field off ! Ground rock hard ! Forwards with Brian over the boxing gym for a quick 30 mins and the backs stayed in the heat in the changing room and talked about our experience against Caerphilly and our game plan ! Very good open honest chat ! We discussed our kicking game !
John Williams Caerphilly and Liam Gadd both starting Saturday !
We have also signed three duel registered players from Pontypridd....Lloyd Warner who we know and Gareth John a flying winger and Lloyd Hayden a cracking 2. Justin Purnell phoned me in the week and offered their service to us ! Chuffed ! 

31st January 2004.
Vs UWIC. Looking forward to Chris Davey again! 10 changes in the side! Weather bad but clearing! The result was ok. Our first 15 minutes was the best rugby that I have seen all year so far! When I chatted to their touch judge after the first try he was completely gob-smacked he couldn't believe how we were playing! Then we stopped playing for some reason! They had some good young players! How lucky Chris is to be involved coaching rugby with youngsters. Some good individual performances by some of the Maesteg players. Gareth and I were chuffed at half time to receive our coaches of the month of December in front of our home crowd! Brought another tear to my eyes! You mean so much to me and Gareth! Thanks!

2nd February 2004.
Another important issue that Gareth and I are trying hard to push is the links between the local clubs ! I had arranged to take a session with Maesteg Celtic tonight but unfortunately the gym at Maesteg Comp was being used for a concert ! I spoke to Lee Hodges of Celtic and asked him about a young prop that my sons mention to me practically every week....Adam Humphreys...Lee is contacting him and asking him to training with us soon !

3rd February 2004.
Astro turf...Adam Humphreys turned up ! Impressed with his size and personality ! and of course a local boy ! Gareth took most of the session a punishing run ! I completed the whole lot but I must admit I did cut a few corners. Chuffed when I completed it ! haven't felt like that for a while ! It was hard ! couple of other small grids and home session done ! Beddau away Saturday...I still have fond memories of my first visit to them as a coach....they wouldn't lend us contact shields...or balls....from that we learned that we must carry our own equipment ! big lesson ! Another memory that I have is one regarding our captain and their hooker ! Richard brings that up very often ! Another lesson learnt ! 
5th February 2004.
Training on the field...another massive session good preparation so important! At the beginning of the season a win at Beddau would have been well accepted! Now we must win! Our confidence is high! We know what to expect from them  Backs worked on pushing the ball wide after the initial first/second phase. Changed our game plan slightly Selection again hard ! Horses for courses!

7th February 2004.
The big game! Beddau away! Bus picked me up outside the full moon! John Thomas bus driver and I use to work in Ogwr Borough Council years ago one of life's true characters. Bus was quite boys new we had a job to do! I spent the whole time of the bus journey talking to Elizabeth! She is a jewel! Karl is one hell of a lucky man or should I say they are both very lucky people. Arrived at Beddau. Colin looked around for a socket to plug the music system in! We usually have music before and after every game it helps us to focus on the build up and relax after the game! No sockets were available! Colin's contingency plan! Spar it is! 8 Large batteries! Has Colin was leaving the dressing room Elizabeth shouted Colin can you get me some baby oil ? She uses it to mix with the liniment honest! So off Colin went to the local Spar Looking for baby oil and batteries! When he arrived back with the baby oil and the batteries.....we were in stitches ! He went through the whole story....how he had to ask at the counter for the baby oil...how the lady shouted to her manager for the price of the batteries.....the lot !
Colin is one of life's hero's.....and more so now ! I luvs him ! The game was hard! Very physical but what we expected! Very intimidating place! I bet Brian "Geegle" was happy! Our supporters put up with some stick! Thanks for keeping so cool! We won that game for you!

10th February 2004.
Training on the field! Quick 60 min only! Home then to watch footballers wives!

12th February 2004.
Took Lloyd to youth training ...stayed to long ....Steve and Ganty asked me to take part of the session....worked on the ruck area and game plan! These youth boys are a good side! Very keen and excellent rugby players.....I bet there will be a couple playing for Maesteg in the future!

13th February 2004
Aberavon game. Good welcome apart from being asked to move from the area we were warming up on! I thought it was a bit of a ploy to upset us! I wonder if this will happen next year ? Our first half was excellent! Paul Smith one of the most unluckiest players this year came off with a eye injury within 5 mins. Nasty cut on his eye lid! He was really gutted! Nice chap so committed to the parish!
Some good debuts from Gareth John and Adam Humphries and also nice to see Gareth Davies back having a run out! The players were well impressed with the food after.....wine on the table with fruit, cheese and larger £1 a pint! Left Aberavon at 10:30 called back in the club. The youth had had a game vs Ynysabwl and were still singing when we got there! Dai Pencoed then organised an outing! Off we went to Beethoven's.... Barry... Geegle...Dai....Mike Lyons and me!    Wonderful night ! Great company ! If only I had some money on me! 

14th February 2004.
Wales played Scotland.....good start to the tournament! Keep it going!

16th February 2004.
Training on the field...Got there early Gareth and I did a few laps. Discussed the last game and the next game against Bonymaen. The session started with Gareth taking the first 20 mins ....bit of fitness after an international weekend. Good run ! I was shattered after my first day back in work after a week off! Backs worked on using possession from penalties and turn over ball!
New injuries...Marcus Knee.....Leighton Groin...Paul eye! Elizabeth seems very busy these days.
Gareth and I had an update chat with Keith.....things are coming together slowly but surely ! Keith and his committee have been working non stop on this club for the past 5 years.... the man is a giant!
Session finished on defence and tempo! Good session...tired though!

17th February 2004.
Colin phoned me from Russia ! 5 foot of snow ! He is out there with work ! Lucky thing ! I wonder if they got batteries and baby oil out there ? Gareth and I took Tondu under 16s at Tondu. The coaches just wanted a change of voice and something different ! Good session the boys were very enthusiastic ! I was watching Gareth do the warm up and a mauling session ! He has got something special ! The session went on a bit especially when you are meeting some good old friends ! Had a row off Izzy for being late home !

18th February 2004.
Bonymaen Wednesday night at the Parish !!! Big game! They are a strong side! The warm up went well! Nice change to play in midweek under floodlights! I like playing midweek it gives the local sides to watch us play, unfortunately Wales soccer were playing the same time! Healthy crowd though! Game went well! Neil Dixon 4 tries! I had a bit of a go at him in the build up for the game! good reaction! good man! Alun "look at me" Brown the best plumber in the world got one ....................................  what I liked most of all was that.... the changes that we made during the game didn't alter a thing! Colin arrived back home about full time! Missed him! Chris Hopkins star of Maesteg Opera and Salisbury Road fame asked me if he could have a run out this season ...big decision but I find this very hard to say....but....when we were younger and in Plasnewydd school...aahhhh... he had a better pass than me...but.....his pass was never as good as Dai Rob's! I had a bit of stick from the crowd about me getting two chairs out to watch the game!! sorry I'm old! Paining progressing over in the bob bank....smart! Had a couple of names give me about local players! keep them coming! Don't forget still looking at a fitness coach for next year...any ideas ?

24th February 2004.
Lloyd my youngest was playing his first game for the Celtic warriors under 18s tonight versus Cardiff blues at Sardis Road. Wanted to be there ! I was feeling quite nervous all night ! Luke phoned me loads during the session at to have the phone on vibrate during the session ! It was lovely ! Quick hour session !

26th February 2004.
Snow ....loads of blinking snow ! It was like training on heaven ! Like training on a cloud ! Neil Dixon nearly clonked me with a snow ball ! Should I drop him for the next game! Gareth took most of the session ! great fun ! My first thought's were to get the backs wet ! Got them hitting the deck and passing they were freezing.....Kevin Ellis took Lloyd in a session about following the pass and getting back into the game ! I picked the backs talking to Colin in the down stairs toilet....nothing strange as folk !

28th February 2004.
Tondu game! I have a small part of my heart reserved for this club. I had 3 wonderful years coaching there. JPR Williams was the team manager and our Gareth was the club captain. 2 promotions and on the third year the side was ripped apart by Maesteg, Bridgend and Llanelli. Players left us for the brighter lights Gareth, John and I stayed together and finished a strong mid table side after using many second team players. How time have changed. Had wonderful chat with one of our old players Jeff Sollis. He was very impressed with Maesteg the whole set up! Spoke to Elizabeth at length about our injuries  She is so special! Also spoke to John Devereaux about the Bridgend Bulls we could be good for each other! Roy and Carol's 40 anniversary in the evening two lovely people...x

1st March 2004.
Boxing I was on leave so I went to the gym early to do a little bit on my own with Brian. We had a good chat about Cookie. His fight had been cancelled due to him having flu.....he will be back ! The session went well ! Boys looking good !

2nd March 2004.
Astro turf.....session with Tony Jones....soccer to start off the fitness with Tony !
I finished early because the next day I was off to forturventura on holidays for a week! Nicky Carter has been on to me for months to have a break. Isobel and I have never taken our children abroad before! Shame we usually go down west Wales cardigan especially! Liam could not go because he is to busy with his painting! Anyway tickets booked with Colin's Gemma she was wonderful !
I hate flying....I remember flying with Maesteg to Cyprus and I held Allan Bateman's hand all the way  I was so nervous!  The flight was ok! Our hotel was lovely! I had given my self two things to do this holiday. Number one read Allan Bateman's book which I borrowed from Ann Lewis Maesteg Celtic's cricket secretary and scorer. Couldn't get one from himself! And Number two read David Essex's book! Sad git in I! The weather was wonderful....sat by the pool reading started with Allan's. I loved it the man is a god! I was gutted I got mentioned twice blinking Kevin Ellis four times, John Devereaux three and the great Gwyn Evans five times but I had a photo ! My hair looked lovely! One story that he forgot to mention was when he asked me to be is best man...we were watching Wales play an international in the Maesteg Quins club and at half time he asked me.....I was chuffed ! straight to the bar ! We were suppose to meet Nicola and Isobel in the Queens at 6. So after a while about 8 we thought we better get going. Off we staggered out of the Quins 8:30 ish! We held each other up through the lights and the past the Church then I spotted our opportunity to make up for our lateness flowers beautiful daffodils out side the Social services building they looked lovely, I went over thinking I would grab one or two to make things up with the girls next thing ..... wwwwwwwwwwhhhhhhhhhoooooooossssssssssss ....the great man had tackled me from behind and dumped the both of us flat out in the flower bed So there we were scrapping in the flower bed for a good 5 minutes....when we surfaced we were stinking ! Mud, grit and flowers every where ! What could the girls say ! They had flowers and we had a dam good laugh. I love him !

11th March 2004.
Training on the field....snow...Neil Dixon clonked John Devereaux with a cracking snow ball ! Selection was again difficult ! Things are going well ! I was impressed with Blackwood up there ! This game could be a potential banana skin !

13th March 2004.
Blackwood home. Gareth and I pride our selves on a good match preparation. I don't know if you have noticed but we have a bit of contact before the game not many sides do this...we both think that it is vital we tend to go late into the dressing room! It appears to be working at the moment! There was quite a lot of people there from Llanharan....Denis has seen us more times than is own club this season! I wonder what he has picked up ?

15th March 2004.
Maesteg Comprehensive on the field before our session. Steve James the sports teacher is a top bloke he currently playing his rugby with Corus. They have a massive game next Saturday. If they win they could be league champions. I have watched them play nearly every game this season and they are developing into a useful side. I asked Lee Ronan, James Dixon and Shaun Cleary to stay behind and train with the seniors and they didn't look out of place at all. Three dam good prospects. The session lasted an hour with loads of contact ! Brilliant attitude shown by the squad ! Silver ball selection was hard. Who wants to play against Llanharan.   

       
17th March 2004.
I was lost Gareth my right arm was watching his son play for the district ! Big game for the club silver ball quarter final vs Llandaff at Llanharan. I got there early straight from work. Started putting my boots on in the car park and locked my blinking keys in the boot! Telephoned Isobel to bring the spare set! Luckily I had changed! Walked around the field for an hour or so! lost little sheep! Couple of the lads turned up but confronted to show their tickets! The players were being turned away! Alun Brown had to explain to the official where to g ! John Devereaux was stopped until he could pay to get in! My son came to the rescue! I feel the warm up is a very important part of the game you can win a game in the warm up and in the dressing room but you can certainly lose it if you walk out with the wrong attitude ! Our preparation was good ! loads of help from the players .thanks! Gareth Thomas lead the side for the first time and done a good job ! Lloyd Paget was his vice ! In the middle of one of Lloyds motivational speech...he shouted "We must work harder and give all for 40 percent"......he meant to say 40 minutes I wet myself !  The game went well the try before half time was the best try all season! The best part of the game for me was when Dai Pencoed offered me half of his burger ! I was chuffed! Llandaff were not a bad side! So on to Llanharan! The big one! The massive one!

22nd March 2004.
Training night! Backs in the boxing gym at 6:15 then on the field at 7:15. Forwards meeting first and then a scrimmaging session. We again watched Cooky training for 20mins wonderful! He is so fit and so sharp! Our boxing was hard! We all went in the ring on the gloves with Lynsey...Nick Walsh nearly knocked his hands off ! Great work out! On the field we concentrated on our wide moves and how we can bring tempo into our game ! worked hard finished at 8:30. Just a quick word for the back up staff ! Colin must be mentioned ....when Barry is away every thing seems to fall apart....but then enters the one and only superman ! Colin "Mumphead" Hopkins. The man is a jewel!
Our new kit arrived ! Looks lovely ! Nice track suit bottoms and top !     

24th March 2004.
Maesteg Comprehensive training on field at 5. Most of these players are from our youth side.....but it also includes some players from Celtic youth and Tondu youth.
Strong school side...Steve James their physics teacher who plays for corus took the forwards and I took the backs.....the school team have a massive game on the 15th April vs Glan Taff.
The senior squad arrived at 6:30....very good session.....all players are up for the big one.....

26th March 2004.
Backs boxing at 6...forwards on field at 6:45......contact session ! Some hard hits and loads of commitment shown ! Preparation going well ! Gareth has those forwards bouncing !
The players decided they want another team run out before the big one !
A session is called for Sunday morning !
The preparation so far has been Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday....game Tuesday ! Wonderful commitment shown by the boys over the week !
Selection is hard !

27th March 2004.
Could not sleep ! Woke Isobel up ! Need to think about the side ! Decided to go down Ogmore by Sea for a walk with izzy and think ! Got there about 8....bumped into Islwyn Thomas our old hooker ! He was walking his dog with Danny is brother ! He must have thought we were mad ! Ok sorted ! selection done ! If Alun and John are available they will play ! Nicky Walsh who has really come out of his shell is on the wing.....mocky and mark get the nod at half backs ! grant and Neil are playing so well ! Dropped izzy off and off I went to inform some of the players what my decision was ! That part of my job is so hard ! some very disappointed players..to say the least !   

28th March 2004.
Training early...team run out ! Allan Bateman comes through ! John Deverau telephones to say he is back from Hong Kong and up for it ! 
Some players turned up late ....no names...due to the hour less !
The session done and dusted ! Tuesday !!!!

30th March 2004.
Bus left dead on time ! Picked up in Aberkenfig dead on time !
Arrived in Llanharen dead on time ! Started our preparation !
Build up was brilliant ! Crowd was pouring in ! Great expectations !  massive presence from the people of Maesteg ! Nigel Whitehouse a scrum half who use to play for South Wales Police was referee. Him and I had some ding dongs in the past ! Good scrum half ! kick off....perhaps I should not say this but I felt Nigel expected a blood and guts typical local derby match ! I felt he wanted to stamp his authority on the game straight away....I think because he refereed at international and provincial level he didn't realise that we were two good sides wanting to play rugby ! He expected something different ! Two progressive sides ! The support was wonderful and very much appreciated !Anyway...result fair overall ...score ?
We live and learn ! Good luck Llanharen.
We stayed in Llanharen till late ! Trying to pick ourselves up ! It was hard I met Wayne Thomas, Chris Davey and my cousin Nigel....three wonderful guys....they brought a smile to my face ! The bus trip home was long ! Thank god I had Barry Little to talk to !
Never felt so low ! I suppose it is because we have had so many high's this year !

31st March 2004.
Meeting at the club with Lyn Howells and Mr Samuels from Celtic Warriors. They are looking for 4 or 5 feeder clubs ! Keith David spoke well....offered complete support to the warriors.......They were impressed I'm sure....with our enthusiasm to help and of course our clubs facilities ! 
The ball is now in their court to sell the provincial concept to Maesteg RFC and to the people of Maesteg.

1st April 2004.
Back to training ! Mathew Wareham back from his break...looking tanned !
Good chat about the Llanharen game and more importantly the way forward !
This meeting set the tone for the rest of the season ! We are still going for it !
Session was quick ......selection always hard ! Rumney away....they were one of the better sides to play us so far this season...we must be on fire !

3rd April 2004.
Rumney game...there were rumours that they were struggling to find a front row ! Passive scrums....Nigel Evans dropped out on the eve of the game due to a accident in work.....the good thing about that was that he kept Gareth Thomas company in ward 3 for a couple of hours. Kevin Baldwyn dropped out in the morning...ankle.
I have had a hell of a week...life is more important than rugby...but boy does it affect it ! When I arrived at the club to catch the bus I could still feel the disappointment in the boys ! Craig Hopkins has been released to sub for Brynmawr against Llanharan....they were short of front row cover to ! Bus a bit quite but only to be expected ! Couple of the players were a little disappointed in not being selected for this game but that is my decision ! The preparation was a bit subdue.....Colin running around finding out information about passive scrums etc, etc......Huw Lewis the referee was excellent...I was impressed by his knowledge and the way he informed us of every alternative ! We played within our selves ! Slow performance.....Some very good individual performances.....but some poor....!!!! The game had kicked off late due to the confusion of the passive scrums.
At half time I could feel the boy's frustration ! They were disappointed !
About 20 mins into the second half I received a voice mail ! Gareth received a telephone call...Craig from Brynmawr..." Gar we won ! We beat Llanharan 13-12...." "Chubby we lost" Gareth replied and put the phone down on him ! With in seconds Gareth rang him back.....I picked my voicemail up and listen to Craig....he was full up and loads of emotion ! I filled up and walked away ! Colin was jumping around like a fool ! The whole crowd saw Colin and jumped has high has him ! We then started to play some rugby...players started to hit rucks and hit harder....the season is not over yet !  The bus trip home was a little better !
Got back to the club......had a chat with Colin and Barry....and Keith grabbed me and said "Good band up club tonight...come back up later with Izzy and relax with me". Went home....spoke to Izzy....we went back up the club about 10 and had a ball ! The band was excellent.....great day's entertainment and again we are back in the hunt.....waw ! What a season ! 

6th April 2004.

Took the school senior team at 5….then seniors at 6:30. Training was more up beat ! Especially after last Saturday ! Worked on release of ball off the ground and patience around the phases. Boys worked hard under pressure ! Mathew Evans hooker from Nantymoel trained with us ! looks the part ! Grant Epton met a young winger from Cwmfelin school….He said to me and Grant “My teacher wants me to stay on the wing but I want to carry the ball and bash um up “…Grant spent a while going through the fine art of wing play with him. You should have seen the smile on his face ! The backs were in stitches most of the night ….some strange conversations but that’s what makes life wonderful ! Couple of injuries….Nicky Walsh…leg. Mark David…leg. Nigel Evans ….leg. Ian strang…foot. Texted Gareth Thomas when I got home to ask how he was…he replied…”sitting, football on tele, chocolates and my drugs on hand…paradise”

7^{th April 2004}

^{Went to watch Maesteg Youth play Ynysabwl….they lost ! Very disappointing performance ! It was very frustrating to watch….and I don’t like mentioning referees but….what a corker ! I feel sorry for the coaches and the players ! Pressure is on the youth now to perform against Carmarthen Athletic next Saturday at Maesteg.}

^{8th April 2004}

^{Training. Another quick session ! loads of contact ! Play under pressure ! Selection again hard !}

^{9th April 2004}

^{Lloyd my youngest playing for the Crawshays under 18s vs Penarth Youth. Lovely day ! Bank holiday ! no work ! James Dixon was also invited to play…they both only had 15 mins due to big game vs Carmarthen Athletic. The next day !}

^{10th April 2004.}

^{Brynmawr home…as soon as I walked out of the changing room their coach. grabbed hold of my hand and said “you owe me a favour after us beating Llanharan last Saturday” I didn’t know what to do….I should have kissed him ! What a game ! What a performance…I watched the game behind the posts again with Stuart “dog” Davies a dam good centre on his day…and may I add a dam good insurance rep ! Nice chap ! I bent his ear for a bit ! After putting our subs on and the score was around 50…I snuck off to watch the youth…..just caught James Dixon dropping a goal ! Good win for the youth and league champions…well done ! Lets hope we can follow them !}

^{12th April 2004.}

^{Vs Maesteg Celtic. Away….local derby… I had a wonderful season at Celtic …it’s a great club and I’m a massive fan of their backs coach Lee Hodges. We have a very good relationship with Celtic and we are still looking to improve on it ! Game played in a wonderful spirit apart from one incident ! Even the great Gareth Brown had a gallop ! The oldest back row ever to play for Maesteg Gareth Brown…Kevin Ellis and John Devearux….I better say that it is the best ever to ! Isobel had spent most of the morning dyeing her hair ! It went from banana to white to grey to blinking heck ! She had a bit of stick off the boys but she saw the game ! After the match we drove off down to Sainsbury’s in Bridgend preying that it was open….it was ! Champagne blond now !}

^{13th April 2004.}

^{Training at 5 with the comprehensive side…big match next Friday night vs Glan Taff school in Cardiff. The commitment that they have shown over the last couple of weeks has been class ! I do hope they win ! Video session for the seniors ! We watched the Llanharan game again !}

^{14th April 2004.}

^{Gareth and I were invited to meet Mark Bennett one of our old players who is now the conditioning coach at the warriors…great night spent talking about changing socks at half time…cold baths…no stretching….contact…..and loads of Dwr !}

15^{th April 2004.}

Training on the field. Gareth and I have decided to do a bit of training. We arrived at the field early and done 20 minute run ! I have also decided to not drink any alcohol until after the Narbeth game…Boy am I going to enjoy that night ! Training was again intense….we split with the backs working on both contact/target calls and wide moves…good session …not one ball dropped all night ! honest

Forwards worked on their lineout and had a hit on the scrimmage machine. Had a quick meeting with Keith about the disciplinary meeting !

16th April 2004.

Maesteg Comprehensive Schools’ big match vs Glantaff in Cardiff. What an evening…straight to the game after work ! They won 22 – 0. Excellent performance ! some very good individual performances.

Only watched the first half. After that my oldest son Liam had an exhibition in Cardiff. So proud !

17th April 2004.

Tredegar away. I knew what we were up against. Old merit table side…which would never give in ! Strong ! We played well…forwards were strong ! We went wide a little to early for my liking ! Should have set some targets for the forwards and go into our patterns earlier ! Some good individual performances.

I watched most of the first half in the stand ! away from the action…at least I thought ! This gentleman behind me ….shouted at the ref every single time ! Then he had a go at our supporters being one eyed ! I said that’s how it should be ! Maesteg supporters…supporting Maesteg…. and your supporters supporting Tredgar. All of a sudden this young lady sitting in front of me..turned around and said to this gentleman…..”That’s all you have done all the game so far is moan….please shut up !” He was gob smacked…..an angel to the rescue ! He never said another word !

Gareth and I then done our normal run and discussed the next weeks preparation !

It’s surprising how much we discuss during this run ! We usually pick next weeks team ! We showered and off to the club ! Still trying to cut back I grabbed my meal ticket and asked for a plate of chips……guess what …I didn’t eat them ….i gave them to a group of Maesteg supporters…the saucy bunch. We have also decided to give the squad next Monday and Tuesday off training…just to recharge their batteries !

19th April 2004

Disciplinary hearing at the WRU offices. Met up with the boys at 7. Quite nervous ! Long night. Karl had a 12 game ban…..gutted for him ! The rest…Nigel, Steve, Neil and John were completely exonerated ! I spent most of the night in one of the lounges over looking the field ! We had some wonderful conversations….from “Maesteg and the future” to the best side that we can put out ! great fun in difficult circumstances !

22nd April 2004.

Coaching session with the comprehensive. Big game next Tuesday vs Neath College at Corus. Semi final of schools cup. Session started at 5:30…Gareth came along and took a driving maul session and Allan Bateman took a backs defensive session. Their teacher and I went through game plan and phase work.

The youth are also in a semi final on Saturday vs Treorchy another massive game ! Our session went well ! 60mins long ! worked on phase play again ! love it !

Jason Riggs informed me last night that he is retiring at the end of the year. He is a fine player and a wonderful guy ! I coached him for 3 years at Tondu and I have some special memories of him ! good luck Karl Hocking trained looking fit ! shame we will miss him in the run in ! Good news he has also been selected for great Britain students rugby league team.

Selection was hard ! No major surprises ! After training Gareth and I ran for 15 mins…still keeping up with our fitness drive ! we are at a funny age. Massive game again Saturday……vs Tondu. One of our old sides !

People are saying that we must get tries ! yes ! win first !

24^th April 2004. 
Big day vs Tondu at Pandy Park. Local derby ! Massive game for not only Gareth and I but quite a lot of our current squad ! The day was perfect…sun shining ! some good running rugby ! Captain missing ! wedding ! Arrived at Pandy Park. Good welcome !

Our preparation was spot on ! Win first…tries after ! The crowd was excellent ! No stand…close to the action ! Loads of Maesteg people ! Straight from the kick off we set our stall ! some excellent running rugby !

While I was prowling the touch line I had some stick about my legs ! I even bumped into someone who had made sandwiches …I stayed there for a while ! Lots of banter ! Wonderful support ! Met Terry Dunne ex backs coach at Maesteg….he wanted his old job back ! no way !

There was some excellent comments about the squad ….best squad for years… One of the special things that happened during this match was that Grant Epton broke Colin Donavan’s try record. I was quite emotional……not only am I coaching Grant but I also played with Colin ! How lucky we are !

Unfortunately there was a bit of bad news…the youth lost in the semi final of the Welsh youth cup at Treorchy 13-10. I met up with Lloyd my youngest, later that evening and I have never seen anybody so down ! He was gutted ! Isobel and I tried to get him out of it but we couldn’t.

Gareth and I are still continuing with our healthy streak…still not drinking until after Narbeth game. Looking forward to that one  The season is nearly over now ! Big game vs Llanharan in the semi final of the silver ball then on to Narbeth !

Why don’t the wru make life easy for themselves ! A quality Welsh side is the most important ! 5 provincial teams, all served and supported by quality teams from the premier division ! Don’t relegate from the premier division this season..if ever !…..these clubs then would be feeder clubs to the provincial teams ! Maesteg and Llanharan should be promoted.

With the greatest respect to the other teams in our league we have both proved that we are worthy of premier division rugby. Our provincial Celtic Warriors would have 4 feeder clubs. In the premier division play more midweek game ! Premier side squads would be large enough to cope with these extra games because of the duel registered players from the provincial teams and duelled from below ! We at Maesteg must forge greater links with the Quins, Celtic and Nanty !

What are your thoughts…email me…. lo’connor@cardiff.gov.uk 

26^th April 2004. 
Tonight the silver ball semi final at Sardis road vs Llanharan. Went straight from work…as I was driving through Pontypridd I could see a pack of Maesteg shirts….Dai Pencoed and the boys having a day out ! I couldn’t stop smiling ! great to see…what support ! Wonderful to be back at Sardis road again.

The game was very physical no quarter given ! Two very good sides ! Llanharan are a very strong side with two premier if not higher coaches.

I’m a big fan of the way Llanharan play….most of their game revolves around Colin Malone another fine ex Maesteg player. Of course i want us to win the league but I want them in the premier division with us ! Our support on the night was outstanding ! We made hard work of the game but still won. Banwen in the final at Caerphilly !

More importantly we have the last league match Saturday vs Narbeth away. Massive game ! The biggest in the clubs history ! A problem that Gareth and I have is getting the boys up for one more league match ! One more team run ! One more trip away ! one more win !

May I first thank every single person who has supported Maesteg RFC this season ! Although we failed at the final hurdle...it has been one hell of a season. Llanharen must be congratulated ! The commitment shown by all the squad members has been wonderful ! Thank you. The commitment shown by the back room boys has also been wonderful ! Thank you. A special thank you must go to....ok .....I won't mention their names .but to the people who put the "Maesmag" together! THANK YOU ! Today it is our aim to win the silver ball for you! Our opponents today have won their league at a canter and we will not take them lightly ! It is a great opportunity for us to win something ! Our preparation has not been as we wished...a weeks tour in Spain... has got in the way! The last couple of weeks have been very difficult...first the disappointment of Narbeth.... then the Llanharan game vs Narbeth drop goal in the last minute. That was a horrendous night...phone calls, tears, nerves and more tears.....and then of course Llanharen game in Carmarthen. After that Carmarthen game I rang Dennis John to congratulate him...I caught him on the team bus on the way home I could hear the celebrations in Maesteg. I was so jealous! Maesteg merit premier division rugby! We will be back there one day! We must except the situation and move forward! This has been one of the hardest pieces to write this season...it is imperative that we stick with each other and get behind each other .and as Dai Berry said in one of his classic speeches at one of our presentation evenings ...... 

When night meets day

 And the light from the morning sun is shut out from the skies

 By the enemy arrows that rain down upon us, like a shower of death 

Then it is not the time to run !

 That is the time to man the castle walls.

Leighton O'Connor