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August 2010 Chat with Frank

It’s good to report that our first winning start to a Premiership season has left all at the Club in a buoyant mood. Ever in the pursuit of excellence, we would have ideally liked to have secured the extra try bonus point, but we will settle for four and a fifth place in the league after the opening weekend.

There is still a long way to go and much can happen between now and spring next year, but we have opened our account and have no major injury worries from the fixture. Chris Macey will rest a shoulder strain and Lee Davies is making steady progress with his broken foot from the Corus game. If we can keep the squad relatively injury free than we have a good chance to build upon the win against Bedwas in our next few games. Many of you will have heard that Jonathon Evans – scrum half sensation last year, but now with Newport – has a broken wrist and is out for about three months. All the best for a quick recovery Jon.

Off the pitch, we are seeing strong season ticket sales and hope to see a few more sold at the next home game against Glamorgan on September 11th. The “Front Row” replica shirts have also sold well and there are still a few left in the Club Shop – watch out for mugs and the Christmas edition shirt bearing the iconic trio. This season’s new change shirt is selling well and will be worn by the team in more away games.

I wrote in the last home programme about the liquidation of Launceston and the passing last season of Mounts Bay in the RFU Division One. Times are tough for all businesses, especially for rugby clubs, who depend upon the support and patronage of sponsors and fans. Our kit sponsors have been terrific in the close season allowing us to order the playing kit and to bank money for that all important cash flow. Not only have Medinet re-committed as our major shirt sponsor, but Terry Howells, Discount Tyres, Pure Rugby, New Inn Pharmacy and Sports Orthopaedic have been joined by new faces, Toyota World and Get Connected (who refurbished the score board as well). To one and all, a big thanks for supporting Premiership rugby in Pontypool.

Also a big thank you to all who made it to the Park on the Bank Holiday Saturday, a good crowd helped swell the Club coffers.

While we had a sound financial year last season, we still need more local support and there are still places available for match and ball sponsorship for some home games and I would encourage anyone to take advantage of full hospitality for you and your guests both before and after the game – it really is a great atmosphere. See the link on the home page for more details.

This month sees the WRU visit for the all important Criteria Assessment. Everything is in place and I will report back on their visit in subsequent “Chats”.

Until then, let’s hope for more points, less injuries and renewed confidence.

Frank.