Thanks to Herb for sharing his Ruthin experience. Picture shows Herb with Steve Kaye, Mayor of Welshpool, at the start of his travels.
When people think ahead to the impending home match day, one must admit their thoughts are focused on the match itself, wearing the colours and cheering loudly to drive their team on. Even the referees were certainly to get some feedback and helpful advice. Right!
Let’s take another look at all that goes on besides the match itself. When a seasonal downpour of droplets was predicted, no one few really thought it would turn out to be a sunny autumn day, after all.
Today’s “Gathering of the Clans” showed three home fixtures on adjacent pitches at the Ruthin Rugby ground, Cae Ddol. All matches to kick off at 2:30:
Ruthin Firsts v LLangefni Firsts
Ruthin Seconds v Bethesda “B”
Ruthin Youth v. Newtown Youth
As the parking lot rapidly filled and three large hired coaches alighted, four visiting sides had arrived, along with a large throng of supporters from Bethesda, with four sides emerged to play three home sides/ What? That questionable math revealed the newly formed women’s side from LLangefni who came as supporters for their men’s side!
While the players and supporters arrived, so did the Annual Wales Car Rally, with its rumbling Ferraris, Lotus cars, and couple other screaming automotive participants, as the made the turn and raced off toward Bala and beyond. There was lots of shaking hands and greeting of old familiar faces, from the Bethesda contingent.
Ruthin’s firsts emerged immediately with a try in the first five minutes and kept the pressure on resulting in a 36 – 10 victory, while the seconds fought Bethesda to the final minute for a tight 13-11 win. The Youth side scored early, as well, and emerged with a decisive 32- 5 win. Three wins for three matches, on the day!
To me the highlight of the day was the arrival of former Ruthin and North Wales rugby icon John Hughes. A couple of his credits were being selected for 19 years to represent North Wales. Additionally, he played on North Wales Selects against Tonga, and scored all the points in a 12-nil victory. At age 78 or so, he still retains his quiet yet graceful elegance!
Sunday morning brought two home age group matches, which were to demonstrate the depth the depth of player development within the Ruthin club. The U-13s won handily, 36-10 and the U-15s jumped to an early lead and held on against a strong second half by Colwyn Bay: 31-21.
An interesting story came out while watching the U-15 match. A conversation with a player from the previous days Bethesda match. The prop was excited about a special thing that happened the day before. He was able to play side by side with his son, for the first time ever. A great moment for both: as a hooker and a tighthead prop! Such events are rare and are to be always remembered!
The Ruthin club has a rich history going back to the 1920’s, and a few different grounds before their purchase of the Cae Ddol and all the volunteer work that went into the building and current maintaining of their home. Pictures of those early clubs are on display at the clubhouse and in their club history book!
Five wins at home on the weekend! Well done!
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