February 2011
125 Not Out
Many readers may be rejoicing about the England and Wales cricket triumph Down Under (yes that’s right – it IS the England and Wales Cricket Board but you could be forgiven for thinking it was an all-England show). We are doing some rejoicing of our own because as mentioned previously, St.Peter’s RFC is now celebrating its 125th year. We recently marked the occasion with a youth match against Cardiff and the Vale District Youth Rugby team which was narrowly won by the District side in a closely contested game.
For the uninitiated, the Cardiff and Vale District Youth Rugby Union is the umbrella organisation for the area and meets on a monthly basis at Cardiff Arms Park. Each club within the district sends along a representative and pressing issues are debated and taken forward to a monthly Welsh Rugby Union meeting which brings together the other 7 Districts from across Wales. This is an unusually transparent and democratic process which some of our politicians would do well to copy – a real coalition in operation. There are 15 youth rugby teams affiliated to the Cardiff and Vale District who play in an organised league structure. I mentioned in the last article that we have introduced a ‘Good Behaviour’ trophy which will be won by the team with the fewest red and yellow cards issued during the season. This table is compiled monthly and as at 31 October 2010, only 5 yellow cards had been issued during 52 matches played. This says much about the quality of the referees and the coaching staff of all the clubs who maintain a high standard of discipline on and off the pitch. The WRU is considering rolling this out across Wales next season to the other 160 youth teams. The youngsters of today are often criticised for disciplinary problems but at least local clubs are doing their best to make a positive contribution in this key area.
I have also discussed in previous articles the diverse nature of many of the activities carried out on a regular basis at our Club. We recently hosted another local PACT meeting which is fast becoming a welcome and regular event for us. What is that I hear you ask? Partnerships and Communities Together (PACT) meetings are designed to give residents the opportunity to highlight the community issues that are having an impact on their quality of life and can then help to decide issues and priorities. These meetings are held by the local neighbourhood policing team and Councillors, residents and other stakeholders like ourselves have the opportunity to debate pressing local issues. South Wales Police or a member of the local authority chair the meetings but the goal is that a member of the community takes this position as PACT meetings are for the community to be empowered. Our facilities provide the ideal location for these meetings and also help de-bunk any lingering doubts anyone might have about the importance we attach to our community role.
Our latest addition is the availability of Pilates classes at the Club. I understand that this is an exercise method designed to elongate, strengthen and restore the body to balance. This is based upon an anatomical understanding of the body’s muscular and skeletal systems. Classes will focus on specific areas individually whilst using exercises that integrate the whole body to re-educate and restore it to optimum muscular and skeletal function……..Sounds timely following the Christmas over-indulgence but if you don’t fancy that what about a Zumba class or perhaps a more traditional dance class is your thing? ……. All available at the rugby club.
Traffic congestion continues to be monitored closely by our Committee particularly on Sundays when a number of our junior sides entertain visiting teams and the three local churches mean that The Minsters can be a busy place for a few hours. We always ask all visitors to park sensibly and have permanent reminders on our website and match-day programme for visiting supporters.
Predictions for 2011 – I think we can safely leave that to others but it would be nice to see Wales win the 6 Nations Championship and the Rugby World Cup beating the All Blacks on their own turf in the final. In keeping with most of you I suspect that this is about as likely as any of us winning the lottery but “you gotta be in to win it!”
Vince Nolan
St.Peter’s RFC Youth Secretary
