THE HURNS BREWING COMPANY TO SPONSOR BERNIE HULLIN VETERANS TENS

We are pleased to announce that The Hurns Brewing Company, who supply the club with their excellent Tomos Watkin products, has agreed to sponsor this event which starts at 12.00 noon on Sunday 29th April 2007 at Swansea Uplands RFC.

Bernie Hullin first played for Swansea Uplands in 1947 and played for the club during 5 decades, 6 decades if you include that he continued to appear in Veterans matches in the 1990s.  During that period Bernie also appeared for many other clubs and never missed an opportunity for a match no matter for whom, where or who provided the opposition.  Bernie was a dedicated tourist and genuine rugby man.

Bernie celebrated his 80th birthday on January 28th 2006 but sadly passed away just eight weeks later on 24th March last year.  With his passing, we all lost a friend and rugby lost one of its great characters.

The Bernie Hullin Veterans Tens Festival is being held both in Bernie’s memory and also to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.  Teams will comprise 5 forwards and 5 backs and play matches of 10 minutes each way.  The objective is enjoyment with play taking place from 12.00 noon until 6.00 p.m. 

Teams taking part include Morriston, Mumbles, Old Penarthians, Porthcawl, South Gower, Swansea Gladiators, Swansea Uplands, Swansea Veterans and Waunarlwydd. Further information can be obtained from:

richard.gwynn@openreach.co.uk

Telephone:
01792 299013 (home).
01792 638521 (office)
07714 106696 (mobile)

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The second XV played their first match of the season on Saturday when they visited Gowerton in the first round of the Swansea and District Cup.  Following a couple of blank Saturdays, Ystradgynlais had to be released to play a postponed league match and this week provided the first opportunity for a number of players to take the field.

In a very even first half, both teams attempted to move the ball and it was Gowerton who opened the scoring after ten minutes play with an unconverted try.  After half an hours play and during a period of sustained pressure from ourselves, Steve Morgan came on as a replacement for Tony Gemine who had suffered a cut eye during an attacking ruck.  Shortly afterwards we were wide with a penalty attempt from 30 metres and with 43 minutes on the clock, Gowerton increased their lead with a penalty from just inside our 22.  This was after a long stoppage caused by a hamstring injury to a home player and the first half actually lasted an amazing 60 minutes.

The second half continued to be well contested with play moving between the 22s as both sides again played an open game.  Both teams started to introduce replacements and it was our hosts who broke the second half stalemate with a try after 65 minutes following an attack from 25 metres out.  Despite being scored near the posts, this went unconverted for a 13 – 0 lead.  We continued to press for a first score and with the clock on 80 minutes, a chip to the corner with the referee apparently playing advantage to us from an offence at a ruck in front of the home posts, was gathered by the home left wing who ran down the touchline for a clinching try which was converted for a 20 – 0 margin.  Play continued for more than 10 minutes without any further score although we were again on the attack when the whistle went to end a long afternoon’s rugby.

Our 2nd XV was
Russell Jones, Darren Sullivan, Matt Williams, Ian Mattey, Simon Thomas, Tim Jones, Nino Williams, Damien Griffiths, Lee Hilton, Tony Gemine, Chris Smythe, Gareth Simmons, John Yeomas, Martin Richmond, Steve Founds (captain).   Replacements: Grahame Wallace, Steve Morgan, Chris Porter, Ian Lewis, Steve Richards (all used)

Next weekend, the first XV entertain Neath Athletic at the club in a league match and the second XV areaway at Cwmgors in a friendly.  Both matches kick off at 2.30 p.m.

*** CLICK HERE FOR NEW FIXTURE LIST 06/07 ***

Gower Tournament – Uplands take the spoils 14 May 2006

Click Here to view the under 10 team pictures by dragontalesrugby.co.uk

Click Here to view the under 11 team pictures by dragontalesrugby.co.uk

A large and enthusiastic crowd attended the inaugural Gower festival of Mini Rugby played at Penclawdd RFC on Sunday 14th May in perfect playing weather. Organised by the host club to coincide with their 125th anniversary, it featured teams from Penclawdd, Dunvant, Mumbles, South Gower and Swansea Uplands.

Under 10's and Under 11's were the age groups represented in a league format.
The Swansea Uplands Under 10’s pipped Mumbles on Tries scored (a try difference of 9)  to clinch the Under 10's Trophy having only conceded one try during the entire competition. This outstanding performance by the under 10’s is their second cup of the season having also only conceded one try during  the recent Dunvant cup competion.

The Under 11's trophy was won by Mumbles who won all their matches and narrowly pipped Swansea uplands (who were runners up) by one try.

With the Army Cadets and Territorial Army providing tenting and refreshment and excellent organising by the host club, a good time was had by all and it is hoped that the event will become a regular fixture in the Junior Rugby calender.

	Photography Photographs were taken at the tournament on behalf of Swansea Uplands by the official Ospreys photographer and will be uploaded to the photo section over the next few days. For more information about Dragon tales Rugby please visit: dragontalesrugby.com

04 06 2006
The first XV played the final league match of the season (also our final fixture) away at Pontyates on Thursday in poor conditions with steady rain throughout.  We got off to a poor start, conceding an unconverted try within two minutes and after fifteen minutes a second following a scrum five, this time converted.  Between these scores, Andrew Charles had left the field having aggravated an injured shoulder, to be replaced by Ian Lewis.  Five minutes later we were on the scoreboard as our forward superiority began to tell.  We pushed the opposition off their own ball at a scrum in their 22 and Rob Wixey picked up to score at the posts, Carwyn Jenkins added the conversion.  On the half hour we levelled the scores after Alex Bowen made an excellent break on our 10 metre line before passing to Mike Gubb who ran well and fed Anthony Quick who crossed wide on the right, the conversion going narrowly wide.  Five minutes later Anthony was unlucky to have a second try disallowed for what was (harshly) ruled a forward pass and at half time the score remained 12 – 12.

Seven minutes into the second half, Gareth Symmons having suffered an ankle injury in the first half was unable to continue and was replaced by David Snelling, Paul Coode moving into the second row.  A few minutes later we fell behind after conceding a try from a quickly tapped penalty, but on the hour took the lead for the first time with a fine individual try from Mike Gubb which Carwyn Jenkins converted.  Five minutes later we again had a try disallowed, this time from prop Steve Morgan as we continued to apply pressure in the home 22.  Then with eight minutes of normal time left, Pontyates broke out of defence and following a kick downfield into our 22, we conceded a penalty 20 metres out which was kicked to leave us trailing by a point.  A further period of pressure by ourselves was rewarded when with a minute on the clock, Carwyn Jenkins dropped a goal and we then controlled the six minutes of injury time to achieve a 19 – 22 victory.

Our team was:
15) Carwyn Jenkins, 14) Anthony Quick, 13) Steve Morgan, 12) Mike Gubb, 11) Matt Walters 10) Alex Bowen, 9) Andrew Charles (replaced by Ian Lewis), 1) Steve Morgan, 2) Graeme Wallace, 3) Paul Coode), 4) Mark Noall, 5) Gareth Symmons (replaced by David Snelling), 6) Marc Lewis (captain), 7) Leon Thomas, 8) Rob Wixey.

29 April 2006

The first XV played their last home (we are away at Pontyates next Thursday in our final fixture) match of the season against Llangwm on Saturday.  We fell behind after 13 minutes to a short range penalty goal and two minutes later almost levelled when Carwyn Jenkins was just short from 40 metres.  The match remained evenly balanced until 6 minutes before the break when Llangwm scored a converted try from their own half, later adding a further penalty from 10 metres for a half time score of 0 – 13.

With just 3 minutes of the second half played, Carwyn Jenkins reduced the deficit with a 30 metre penalty for slowing down the ball and five minutes later, converted our first try, scored by Mike Gubb who gathered his own chip ahead to touch down at the posts.  It was now an even match until just before the hour mark, when the visitors scored the first of three converted tries in a six minute purple patch to put the game out of reach.  With ten minutes remaining we were awarded a penalty 30 metres out and ten metres from the right touchline.  Alex Bowen kicked to left corner where Mike Gubb beat two defenders to gather the kick on the full and cross in the corner, Carwyn Jenkins’ conversion going narrowly wide.  With the final move of the match we conceded an unconverted try to make the final score 15 – 39.

Our team was:
15) Carwyn Jenkins, 14) Russel Jones, 13) Dan Davies, 12) Mike Gubb, 11) Gary Lewis (replaced by Graeme Wallace), 10) Alex Bowen, 9) Andrew Charles, 1) Steve Morgan (captain), 2) Kevin Mort, 3) Paul Coode (replaced by Chris Kelly), 4) Mark Gallagher (replaced by Chris Porter), 5) Gareth Symmons, 6) Steve Founds, 7) Leon Thomas, 8) Rob Wixey.

In a rare double home fixture, a much disrupted second XV played Aberavon Naval Club at the club on Saturday and were emphatically defeated by the visitors.

UNDER 10’s SHARE THE SPOILS

Swansea Uplands Under 10’s team shared the spoils with Dunvant at the Dunvant RFC Festival of Rugby on Sunday.

Having topped their group, containing Waunarlwydd B, Morriston and Mumbles, the boys went on to defeat Waunarlwydd A in the semi final having not conceded a single try in the tournament to reach the final.

The final was a tight match with a 0-0 scoreline at half time. Swansea Uplands then broke the deadlock with a well worked try just after half time which was cancelled out late on by Dunvant.

The Under 10’s now look forward to the Gower Competition in two weeks time.

22nd April 2006

The first XV played Penugroes at the club on Saturday and fell behind to a try from a tapped penalty after just eight minutes. Five minutes later we had taken the lead after Steve morgan mad a break from the 10 metre line and proved unstoppable to score at the posts with Anthony Quick converting. it took a try saving tackle on the corner flag from martin Reeve three minutes later to preserve the lead but after another tapped penalty midway through the half we were 5 – 12 down. Two more tries followed in similar circumstances and at half time we trailed 7 -26. The second half was much closer and the visitors extended their lead with fifteen minutes left and three minutes from time. we hit back following that score when Leon Thomas crossed to make the final score 12 – 38.

Our team was:
15) Martin Reeve,14) Ross Grey (replaced by Marc Davies), 13) Steve Morgan, 12) Anthony Quick (captain), 11) Matt Walters, 10) Brian Greenslade (rep. Carwyn Jenkins), 9) Ian Lewis, 1) Steve Morgan 2) Kevin Mort (rep. Lee Hilton), 3) Paul Coode 4) Mark Noall (rep. Marc Lewis), 5) Chris Porter, 6) Steve Founds, 7) Leon Thomas, 8) Mark Gallagher.
Replacements: Lee Hilton, Marc Lewis, Marc Davies. Carwyn Jenkins.

The second XV match was cancelled as Topsham had decided not to tour, but had not informed us.

Next weekend, the under 17 team play Penclawdd on Friday night at 6.30 p.m. and on Saturday at 2.30 p.m. the first XV play Llangwm and the second XV play Aberavon Naval Club. All matches are at the club. Senior team pictures will be taken prior to the matches on Saturday.

The final fixture for the first XV will be away at Pontyates on Thursday 4th May.

18th April 2006

The first XV played Bynea at the club on Tuesday and we started well with Leon Lewis winning some good line out ball. However we fell behind to a 25 metre penalty after seventeen minutes of play. Seven minutes later, we trailed by ten points after conceding a converted try following a series of 5 metre scrums. Mark Noall replaced Mark Davies who was unable to continue due to an injured arm as we took play into the visitors’ 22. Matt Walters was then unfortunate to be judged in touch as he crossed for what would have been our first score as we chose to run penalties in the 22 before the visitors kicked a second penalty to extend their lead on thirty seven minutes. With the first half into injury time, we again opted to run a penalty in the opposition 22 and Anthony Quick crossed for a try which Carwyn Jenkins converted to leave the half time score at 7 – 13.

We exerted pressure in the 22 early in the second half without adding to our score and after fourteen minutes, Leon Lewis suffered a knee injury and was replaced by Steve Morgan. Four minutes later, Carwyn Jenkins was successful with a 20 metre penalty as we continued to dominate both territory and possession. David Snelling replaced Paul Coode and Martin Reeve replaced Gareth Symmons but the visitor’s defence held firm and with ten minutes left, they added a third penalty from 30 metres and another five minutes later from 35 metres to leave us requiring two scores. We continued to press in the closing stages and with the last move of the match, Carwyn Jenkins scored our second try for a final score of 15 – 19.

Our team was:
15) Carwyn Jenkins, 14) Ross Grey, 13) Marc Davies, 12) Marc Lewis (captain), 11) Matt Walters, 10) Anthony Quick, 9) Ian Lewis, 1) Steve Morgan 2) Graeme Wallace, 3) Paul Coode 4) Mark Davies 5) Gareth Symmons, 6) Mark Gallagher, 7) Leon Lewis, 8) Rob Wixey.
Replacements: David Snelling, Mark Noall, Steve Morgan, Martin Reeve.

The first XV were defeated by 47 points to 0 away at Burry Port on Saturday (15th).
At half time the score was 26 – 0, Craig Lewis was replaced by Mark Noall after 5 minutes, with Leon Thomas moving to the wing

Our team was:
15) Carwyn Jenkins, 14) Craig Lewis, 13) Ian Lewis, 12) Marc Lewis (captain), 11) Matt Walters, 10) Anthony Quick, 9) Rob Wixey, 1) Steve Morgan 2) Graeme Wallace, 3) Paul Coode, 4) Mark Davies, 5) Gareth Symmons, 6) Leon Lewis, 7) Leon Thomas, 8) Mark Gallagher.

The second XV played touring team Enfield Ignatians at the club on Saturday and the teams were evenly matched until the visitors brought on a number of replacements at half time and eventually won by 10 – 38. Our first half tries were scored by Steve Morgan and John Yeomans.

Our second team was:
15) Marc Davies, 14) Matt Williams, 13) Steve Morgan, 12) Russell Jones, 11) Martin Richmond, 10) Lee Hopkins, 9) Ian Mattey, 1) Chris Kelly, 2) Damien Griffiths, 3) Paul Hudson, 4) Chris Porter, 5) Andrew Founds, 6) John Yeomans, 7) Lee Hilton (captain), 8) Chris Smythe

8th April 2006

The first XV had a deserved if hard fought away victory at Bynea on Saturday. The home team had first use of a strong wind and opened the scoring with an unconverted try after just five minutes play and added another twelve minutes later from a driving maul for a 10 – 0 lead, before losing a player to a yellow card after twenty two minutes. We were coming more into the match despite difficulty in securing line out ball with our pack showing six changes (one positional) from the previous match. On the stroke of half time after Andrew Charles took a quick penalty on the 22 metre line, a good angle by Anthony Quick onto Tim Jones’ pass put him in at the posts. Ross Grey added the conversion and at half time we trailed 10 – 7.

Within three minutes of the restart we were ahead. Ian Lewis put pressure on the defence and Steve Founds run back a clearance kick, he passed to Ross Grey who scored at the posts and converted his own try. Bynea regained the lead four minutes later after we lost possession in attack and they broke out for an unconverted try. It took just six minutes for us to get back in front. Spurning a straight penalty from 30 metres out, Andrew Charles tapped and fed Ian Lewis who ran well before passing on to Rob Wixey, who beat the defence for our third try. Ross Grey again made no mistake with the conversion and was narrowly wide ten minutes later with a penalty from 40 metres. With six minutes left, Bynea scored a short range try after again keeping the ball in the pack but at the final whistle we had won by 20 – 21.

Our team was:
15) Martin Reeve, 14) Ross Grey, 13) Marc Lewis (captain), 12) Anthony Quick, 11) Marc Davies, 10) Tim Jones 9) Andrew Charles, 1) Steve Morgan 2) Graeme Wallace (replaced by Kevin Mort), 3) Paul Coode 4) Mark Davies (replaced by Gary Jenkins), 5) Gareth Symmons, 6) Ian Lewis (replaced by Steve Morgan), 7) Steve Founds, 8) Rob Wixey.
Replacements: Kevin Mort, Gary Jenkins, Steve Morgan, Carwyn Jenkins

The second XV fixture was postponed as Abercrave were unable to field a team. The Youth XV lost at home to touring team Earlsdon.

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The first XV played Tycroes at the club on Tuesday 4th April in a rearranged match, which had been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.  The match started with pressure from the visitors who missed an early penalty kick at goal from 20 metres.  After 10 minutes, we moved play up field and following a good run from Paul Beck to within 10 metres of the goal line, we won a quick ruck ball and Mark Davies picked up to drive over beneath the posts.  Ross Grey converted and we led 7 - 0. 

Tycroes hit back with a 35 metre penalty after 18 minutes, but on the half hour, Ross Grey restored our lead with a penalty from a similar distance.  At this point Paul Beck was injured and 5 minutes later had to leave the field with a shoulder injury.  Mark Gallagher who had gone off earlier with a blood injury returned and Rob Wixey stayed on in place of Paul Beck.  Three minutes before half time, we conceded a try after Tycroes won a line out on the 5 metre mark and their heavier pack drove the maul over the line.  With the final move of the half we concede another unconverted try after losing a scrum on our 10 metre line and the score at the break was 10 – 13.

Four minutes into the second half, the visitor’s tight head prop received a yellow card and from the resulting penalty 30 metres out, Ross Grey’s kick fell just under the bar.  Ten minutes later we conceded a try following a quick penalty and after another 3 minutes a further try this time converted.  Tycroes then kicked a penalty and scored their final converted try after 63 minutes.  Gareth Symmons replaced Mark Noall, David Snelling replaced Graeme Wallace and Andrew Charles replaced Ian Lewis and despite a late rally during the final ten minutes, we were unable to score again and the final score remained 10 – 35.

Our team was:
15) Martin Reeve, 14) Ross Grey, 13) Steve Morgan, 12) Anthony Quick, 11) Marc Davies, 10) Alex Brown, 9) Ian Lewis, 1) Steve Morgan 2) Graeme Wallace, 3) Mark Davies 4) Mark Gallagher, 5) Mark Noall, 6) Paul Beck (captain), 7) Dan Cunningham, 8) Steve Jordan.
Replacements: David Snelling, Gareth Symmons, Rob Wixey, Andrew Charles.

25th March

The first XV match against Tycroes was a victim of the torrential rain at the weekend and has been provisionally rearranged for the evening of Tuesday 4th April, 7.00 kick off at the club. The other match scheduled at the club between our under 17 team and Burry Port was also postponed due to the weather.

The second XV played a friendly match at Cwmgors on Saturday in extremely difficult conditions and drew 0 – 0.

Our second team was:
15) Craig Lewis, 14) Steve Joseph, 13) Steve Morgan, 12) Dan Davies, 11) Simon Thomas (replaced by Matt Williams), 10) Lee Hopkins, 9) Leon Thomas, 1) Chris Kelly, 2) Lee Hilton, 3) Tony Gemine (replaced by Adrian Williams, 4) Chris Porter (replaced by Andrew Founds), 5) Chris Smythe, 6) Leon Lewis, 7) Steve Founds (captain), 8) Rob Connor.

Life Membership
At the December general committee meeting, the committee, following a proposal from past club president Derrick Griffiths conferred the honour of life membership on club secretary Richard Gwynn. Richard joins two past Presidents, Derrick and Peter Griffin as life members. The only other members to have received this honour were Tom Erwin and Fred Bourne, both now deceased.

Under 8’s Important News
As I’m sure you are all aware we have been fortunate to have a fixture at the Gnoll this Saturday as well as our game against Penlan on Sunday.

Neath RFC have kindly invited the Swansea Uplands RFC Under 8’s team to play during the half time of the Swansea v Neath fixture this Saturday (25th March) at the Gnoll.

They are expecting a large crowd as its a local derby so there could be as many as 8000 supporters there. I have been given 14 free tickets for parents and all the players as well as any friends or siblings under the age of 16 will gain free entry. If we have more than 14 adults there we’ll split the difference between us (Normal Ticket Price is £10)

The requirements for Saturday are as follows.
1. Please ensure all children come adequetly dressed, because it can get quite cold whilst they watch the game.

2. We are required to meet at 1:30pm at the cricket end of the ground. (See map below).

3. At 2:15 the children will form a tunnel for the players to run through at the start of the game.

4. At half time the children play tag rugby.

Neath Rugby Limited, (Ground)
The John Smiths Gnoll, Gnoll Park Road, Neath SA11 3BU

Directions to the ground
By Road: Exit M4 at junction 43 and follow the A465 into town. At the roundabout, follow the signs too Cimla and Pontrydyfen. At the traffic lights, go straight ahead until you approach a second roundabout. The Gnoll is directly ahead.

By Rail: Neath Railway Station is approximately 10 minutes walk from the Gnoll (taxis are available). As well as regular regional railway services, the Intercity 125 service from London runs direct from Neath.

Could everybody please email me (paul@bluesky-media.net) or phone/text me on 01773 785354 to let me know if they can make it so I can confirm numbers.

10.03.2006

The first XV played Burry Port at the club on Friday evening in a league match postponed from December due to bad weather.  Burry Port started strongly and continuous pressure brought them an unconverted try after 5 minutes followed by two more by midway through the first half.  We then took a grip on the game and powerful scrummaging drove the visitors off their own ball on a number of occasions.  We were also having the better of the game in the loose and strong running and good support kept play in their 22 for long periods.  Despite this dominance of territory and possession, we were unable to register any score and at half time the score remained 0 – 15.

We started the second half as we had left off the first period, with a number of 5 metre scrums and Tim Jones being held up over the line.  However we had still not managed a score when 15 minutes into the half, a break out from their own 22 and a quickly won ball on our 22 allowed the visitors to score a fourth try which was followed immediately by another, this time converted when we conceded a scrum from the restart which made the score 0 – 27.  At this point, Tony Gemine came on as a blood replacement for Steve Morgan.  Two minutes later Gary Lewis replaced Mark Gallagher who had suffered an ankle injury and shortly afterwards Steve Morgan returned.  With 15 minutes remaining we conceded another converted try and then the final unconverted score with 7 minutes left.  With five minutes to play, Brian Greenslade replaced Matt Walters, the match finished with a 0 – 39 score.

Our team was:
15) Carwyn Jenkins, 14) Ross Grey, 13) Anthony Quick, 12) Ian Lewis, 11) Matt Walters, 10) Tim Jones, 9) Andrew Charles, 1) Steve Morgan, 2) Graeme Wallace, 3) Paul Coode, 4) Paul Beck, 5) Mark Noall, 6) Paul Beck (captain) 7) Dan Cunningham, 8) Steve Jordan.
Replacements: Tiny Gemine, Gary Lewis, Brian Greenslade.

4th March

Our five match unbeaten run ended on Saturday when we were defeated 50 – 17 at Betws on Saturday. What was always going to be a difficult fixture, away at a club unbeaten at home and near the top of the league became harder with the withdrawal of two front row forwards on the morning of the match. This led to a passive scrum situation and us being unable to use any replacements.

We started well when after just 7 minutes, Alex Brown chipped over the defence for Mike Gubb to score and a 5 – 0 lead. Three minutes later Betws took the lead with a converted try and added another from a driving maul on the quarter hour. Another try followed midway through the half, this time unconverted and a further seven points made the score 26 – 5 to the home side. On the half hour we were denied a score when Anthony Quick was tackled without the ball 5 metres out while following up his own chip ahead and although Mike Gubb touched down, the try was not given. We then suffered the loss of our captain Marc Lewis with a dislocated finger and having opted for passive scrums, we were unable to replace him. This meant that we played the remainder of the match with 14 men. A try saving tackle under our posts was in vain as the half ended when a supporting player picked up and dived over to make the half time score 33 – 5.

After just 8 minutes of the second half, Betws extended their lead with a converted try, but despite their numerical advantage, our defence was resolute and some positive play by ourselves brought us the next score when after 68 minutes, we ran the ball from half way and Mike Gubb’s break led to him scoring at the posts for Ian Lewis to convert and a 40 – 12 score line. Four minutes later Ross Grey followed up a clearance kick from our in goal area to gather and run 75 metres for our third try, making the score 40 – 17. Unfortunately this was our final score of the afternoon and we conceded two late tries for a final score of 50 – 17.

Our team was:
15) Tim Jones, 14) Ross Grey, 13) Anthony Quick, 12) Mike Gubb, 11) Matt Walters, 10) Alex Bowen, 9) Andrew Charles, 1) Graeme Wallace, 2) Ian Lewis, 3) Steve Jordan, 4) Paul Beck, 5) Mark Noall, 6) Marc Lewis (captain) 7) Dan Cunningham, 8) Rob Wixey.

The second XV were defeated 12 – 31 at home by Pontardawe, Steve Morgan and Leon Thomas scored tries and Dan Davies kicked a conversion.

Our second team was:
15) Marc Davies, 14) Craig Lewis, 13) Steve Morgan, 12) Dan Davies, 11) Matt Williams, 10) Carl Lawrence, 9) Ian Mattey, 1) Jason Cullen, 2) Lee Hilton, 3) Gary Jenkins, 4) Chris Porter, 5) Chris Smythe, 6) Martin Richmond, 7) Leon Thomas, 8) Steve Founds (captain)
Replacements: Steve Joseph, Paul Hudson, Andrew Founds (for Chris Smythe), Leon Lewis (for M Richmond), Paul Jones, Lee Hopkins, Anthony Hancock, Simon Thomas

25th Feb 2006

The club managed to maintain their one hundred percent record in February with a spirited victory over Irish touring side Cobh Pirates. Still recovering from the night before’s festivities it was surprisingly The Pirates who started the brightest, kicking well for position and placing sustained pressure on the Uplands line. This was to come to nothing however and after one disallowed try play was taken back towards the half way line.

From here it was the Uplands who started to exert a bit of pressure and were soon ahead with a try through Ross Grey. Mike Gubb made the initial burst before moving the ball to Mark Davies. He then passed onto Anthony Quick who took the ball on 10 yards before passing back inside to the supporting Marc Davies. He fed Ross Grey who had followed play well from his wing position. Ross Grey converted in front of the posts.

After this the game seemed to open up a bit. This suited the quicker (and less hungover!!!) Uplands backs and it wasn’t long before Ross Grey was back on the score sheet this time finishing off a move started within the Uplands half. Good contributions from a number of players left Grey with a clear run to the line. The conversion was missed.

The game continued to be played in this open manner with both sides creating good passages of play and it was the Uplands who again struck, Anthony Quick running in a try after good passing from his team-mates. The Conversion was again missed leaving the half time score 17-0.

A number of changes were made half time but it didn’t seem to affect the style of the match as both teams continued to throw the ball about desperate to play a good brand of flowing rugby and keep the ball alive. It was the Cobh Pirates who had the better of the second half with most of the play taking place in Uplands territory, but they were unable to cross the try-line in a scoreless second half. This left the final score, 17-0. There were a number of good performances on the Uplands side, notably Ross Grey with his two tries, Mark Gallagher with ball in hand and flanker Leon Thomas contributing some strong tackling around the fringes. The players would like to thank Cobh Pirates for an enjoyable and committed game of rugby.

Our team was:
15) Mike Gubb 14) Matt Walters 13) Marc Davies 12) Lee Hopkins 11) Ross Grey 10) Anthony Quick 9) Ian Lewis. 1) Steve Morgan 2) Graeme Wallace 3) Mark Davies 4) Mark Gallagher 5) Mark Noall 6) Kevin Mort 7) Leon Thomas 8) Rob Wixey
Replacements: Tim Jones for Anthony Quick, Craig Lewis for Ross Grey.

Next Saturday, the first XV’s five match unbeaten run will face a severe test at Bettws, while the second XV entertain Pontardawe at the club.

The first XV extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a hard fought victory over Furnace United at the club on Saturday. On a day when the weather was perfect for rugby, unfortunately the pitch was suffering from the effects of the wet weather in recent weeks and conditions were not ideal for our style of play.

Furnace kicked off and were awarded a penalty immediately, some 30 metres out which was successfully kicked for a 0 – 3 lead. Within six minutes we had taken the lead following a successful charge down of a clearance kick on the visitor’s 22 metre line by Paul Beck. The ball went back over the Furnace goal line and the chase for the touchdown was won by Alex Brown, with Dan Cunningham in close competition and the Furnace defender in third place. Carwyn Jenkins converted and we led by 7 – 3. Following a long period of pressure in the visitor’s 22 and us having opted for scrums after we had been awarded penalties, Furnace had the throw in at a line out on the 5m mark. The ball was knocked down by the visitors and Kevin Mort reacted quickly to pick up and dive over for an unconverted try 5 metres from the corner flag. With five minutes of the half remaining, Furnace ran the ball from their 22 and scored an unconverted try to bring the score to 12 – 8. We then successfully defended this lead until half time.

The second half was only three minutes old when Carwyn Jenkins fielded a clearance kick on the 22m line and opted to run to the open side, good support from our midfield and good handling sent the ball out to Matt Walters on the left wing who outpaced the defence to cross in the corner. The try was not converted and we led 17 – 8. Further pressure from ourselves went unrewarded and midway through the second half, a series of rucks and mauls near our line ended when a Furnace forward squeezed over for a try which reduced our lead to 17 – 13. Our defence dealt comfortably with the dangerous visiting centres as Furnace attempted to outflank us and as the match drew to a close, we were called upon to defend in the increasingly heavy mud as Furnace sought to repeat their earlier method of scoring. Good tackling and organisation prevailed and following the award of a final defensive 5m scrum, Gary Lewis kicked the ball dead to seal our third successive league victory.

Our first XV was:
15) Carwyn Jenkins, 14) Ross Grey, 13) Anthony Quick, 12) Marc Lewis (captain), 11) Alex Brown, 10) Anthony Quick, 9) Ian Lewis,
1) Steve Morgan, 2) Kevin Mort, 3) Paul Coode, 4) Mark Davies, 5) Steve Jordan, 6) Paul Beck, 7) Dan Cunningham, 8) Rob Wixey.
Replacements: Steve Jordan (for Mark Gallagher), Gareth Symmons, Gary Lewis (for Ian Lewis) and Brian Greenslade.

The second fifteen’s recent success came to an end when they were defeated 41 – 0 by an Ystradgynlais team with a number of regular first team players.

Next Saturday at 2.30, the club entertains Irish visitors Cobh Pirates in a friendly match.

12th Feb 2006

The first XV recorded a deserved hard fought victory away to St. Davids on Saturday 11th Feb. It was St. Davids who started the better of the two sides with a sustained period of pressure within the first 10 minutes. Unable to capitalise on this however, it was Uplands who drew first blood. From a lineout within our own half the ball was moved swiftly across the back-line ending with our winger Martin Reeve touching down in the corner for the first try of the game (Who says you can’t score from first phase!!!). The score went unconverted. Ian Lewis replaced the injured Martin Reeve soon after.

After a period of play where neither team took the initiative it was Uplands who came closest to scoring again when following a number of short bursts towards the St. Davids line Ian Lewis was deemed to have fallen short. From the resulting penalty the game was taken back deep into the Uplands territory and minutes later roles were reversed as it was St. Davids who were driving for the line following a 5-metre lineout. This proved more successful and left the scores tied 5-5 at half time.

With the wind behind them in the second half it was Uplands who should have stolen the advantage, but both teams seemed unable to establish any sort of cohesion. The Uplands lineout was misfiring and the running play of the St. Davids team wasn’t penetrating a strong Uplands defence. It was Uplands though, as in the first half, who grasped the upper hand. Following some good handling and strong running, the Uplands backs took play into the opposing 22. The ball was quickly recycled and following an initial break by scrumhalf Andrew Charles, the ball was swung neatly wide for winger Matt Walters to touch down. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

Uplands were then able to exert more pressure on St. Davids, keeping them pinned down in their half and it was from a stolen lineout within their 22 that Uplands got their third try. From the lineout Rob Wixey took play into the centre of the pitch. He was able to get his pass away and quick hands would have secured a two man overlap if it hadn’t have been for the illegal intervention of a St. Davids player. The result was a penalty try, which was converted from in front of the posts by Carwyn Jenkins.

St.Davids replied late in the game with a further score and Uplands went close with minutes remaining but it was 17-10 the score finished. Over the past few seasons St. Davids has been a notoriously bad hunting ground for The Uplands, so to come away with all three points was a big result. The captain stated before the game that a win was all that was wanted from this fixture, and the team duly obliged.

15) Carwyn Jenkins, 14) Matt Walters, 13) Mike Gubb, 12) Marc Lewis (captain), 11) Martin Reeves, 10) Anthony Quick, 9) Andrew Charles,
1) Steve Morgan, 2) Kevin Mort, 3) Steve Morgan, 4) Mark Noall, 5) Steve Jordan, 6) Paul Beck, 7) Dan Cunningham, 8) Rob Wixey.
Replacements: Graeme Wallace (for Kevin Mort), Mark Davies (for Mike Gubb with Paul Beck moving to centre), Ian Lewis (for Martyn Reeve).

The second fifteen also won on Saturday, with a deserved victory over Burry Port at the club. Burry Port took the lead after 20 minutes with an unconverted try and added another before we hit back with a long range solo try by Leon Thomas for a half time score of 5 – 10. In the second half we scored further tries through Craig Lewis and Marc Davies, Dan Davies converted one for a final score of 17 – 10.

Our second team was:

15) Marc Davies, 14) Steve Joseph, 13) Steve Morgan, 12) Dan Davies, 11) Craig Lewis, 10) Ian Mattey, 9) Simon Thomas,
1) Tony Gemine, 2) Chris Kelly, 3) Paul Hudson, 4) Chris Porter, 5) Martin Richmond, 6) Lee Hilton, 7) Leon Thomas, 8) Steve Founds (captain).
Replacements: Gary Jenkins, Leon Lewis, Lee Hopkins, Anthony Hancock, Adrian Williams.

Gary Jenkins replaced Paul Hudson, Leon Lewis replaced Chris Kelly with Lee Hilton moving to hooker, Lee Hopkins replaced Ian Mattey and Anthony Hancock replaced Tony Gemine with Steve Joseph moving to hooker.

28th Jan 2006
The first XV recorded a comprehensive eight try victory over Pontyates at the club on Saturday. Our defence dealt with early pressure from the visitors and with our first usable possession after 8 minutes, we ran the ball from our 22m line and Anthony Quick who had made most of the running took a return pass from Ross Grey to score. Four minutes later we missed the chance to increase our lead when the ball was spilt over the line.

Following sustained pressure, we were then awarded a penalty for offside which Ross Grey kicked from 20 metres. After winning a line out, Steve Morgan powered to the 5m line and Pontyates conceded two successive penalties, the second earning a yellow card. It was quickly taken by Andrew Charles and following a quick ball from the ensuing ruck, Rob Wixey crossed and Ross Grey converted for a 15 – 0 lead after 23 minutes. Our third try came 4 minutes later when from a scrum 15m out, Rob Wixey picked up and combined well with Andrew Charles to put Ross Grey in for a try which he also converted for a 22 – 0 lead which remained the half time score.

Pontyates kicked off the second half and from the kick, Steve Morgan, Kevin Mort and Dan Cunningham took play on for 40m before the ball was moved along the line for Mike Gubb to score at the posts, Ross Grey converted. From the restart, a similar passage of play almost brought another score, but we lost possession on the 5m line. Seven minutes into the half, Pontyates were fortunate only to receive a yellow card when Steve Morgan was kicked in the stomach. We kicked the penalty to touch, Mark Noall won the line out and the pack drove over for Kevin Mort to score. Three minutes later, Ponytyates hit back with their only score when after a quickly taken penalty, their scrum half crossed for a converted try.

Following a turnover on the opposition 22, we moved the ball left and Kevin Mort got his second try with the conversion going narrowly wide of the near post. As play approached the hour mark, Ian Lewis replaced Andrew Charles and Martin Reeve replaced Anthony Quick. After a further five minutes we again moved a turnover ball left and this time Matt Walters scored. Marc Lewis then replaced Dan Cunningham and shortly afterwards the visitors received a further yellow card at a ruck. With five minutes left, Paul Beck won a line out on our 22 and broke clear, Marc Lewis took play up to the 22 and Steve Jordan supported and we finally conceded a scrum 5 metres out. From the scrum, Pontyates kicked to their 10m line, from where Mike Gubb ran the ball back for an excellent try at the posts, his second of the afternoon.

The conversion went wide and the final score was 49 – 7 in our favour, reflecting a good performance from the whole team with the forwards supplying plenty of good possession, particularly from the line out and the backs running to good effect from all parts of the field.

Our first team was:
15. Mike Gubb, 14. Ross Grey, 13. Anthony Quick, 12. Tim Jones, 11. Matt Walters, 10. Alex Brown, 9. Andrew Charles, 1. Stephen Morgan, 2. Kevin Mort, 3. Paul Coode, 4. Mark Noall, 5. Steve Jordan, 6. Paul Beck (captain), 7. Dan Cunningham, 8. Rob Wixey.
Replacements: Marc Lewis, Ian Lewis, Martin Reeve.

The second XV made the journey to Pontyates and completed a good Saturday for the club with a 15 - 33 victory. In the absence of Steve Founds, the team was captained by Lee Hilton.

Our second team was:
15. Craig Lewis, 14. George Moore, 13. Steven Morgan, 12. Dan Davies, 11. Steve Joseph, 10. Ian Mattey, 9. Nino Williams, 1. Paul Hudson, 2. Grahame Wallace, 3. Tony Gemine, 4. Damien Griffiths, 5. John Yeomas, 6. Leon Thomas, 7. Lee Hilton (captain), 8. Gary Coomber.
Replacements: Matt Williams for John Yeomas, Shaun Field for Steve Joseph and Simon Thomas for George Moore.

Our tries were scored by: Gary Coomber, Craig Lewis, Steven Morgan, Leon Thomas and Simon Thomas. Dan Davies kicked four conversions.

For the observant among you, Moogie does not have a split personality, neither is he moonlighting as a centre in the second XV – there are two Steve Morgans playing for the club!

Unfortunately, our under 17 team were unable to emulate the senior sides as they lost 7 – 29 to the touring Portumna Schools side from Galway in a floodlit match at the club on Saturday evening. The match was evenly balanced at half time with Portumna leading 7 - 10, but the introduction of a number of bigger and older players tipped the balance in the Irish team’s favour. Our try was scored by Daniel Whalley and converted by Dan Anderson.

Next Friday, 3rd February, the first XV will play Bynea at the club with a 7.00 p.m. kick off.

21st Jan 2006
The first XV recovered from an 8 - 0 deficit at half time to record an 8 - 8 draw at St. Clears last Saturday. Our try was scored by Matt Walters and Carwyn Jenkins kicked a penalty.

Our team was: 15. Martin Reeves 14. Matt Walters 13. Ian Lewis 12. Tim Jones 11. Ross Grey 10. Anthony Quick 9. Andrew Charles 8. Marc Lewis (captain) 7. Paul Beck 6. Dan Cunningham 5. Steve Jordan 4. Mark Noall 3. Paul Coode 2. Graeme Wallace 1. Steve Morgan

The replacements, all of whom played were: 16. Kevin Mort 17. Mike Gubb 18. Rob Wixey 19. Carwyn Jenkins

The second XV match at home to Pontarddulais was called off on Saturday as the visitors were unable to raise a team.

Next Saturday, the first XV will be at home to Pontyates in the league and the second XV will be away to the same opposition in a friendly, as Mumbles are not able to field a team for the scheduled fixture.

14th Jan 2006
League leaders Llanybydder were the visitors to the club on Saturday and were seeking their 12th league victory of the season having been defeated only once. Our visitors started strongly and ran in for an unconverted try from 20m out after 5 minutes. There followed a period of even play before after 20 minutes, Llanybydder took a quick penalty 5 metres out to cross for a converted try and a 0 – 12 lead. Despite a lot of pressure in the closing 10 minutes of the first half, our defence was solid and the score remained 0 – 12 at the interval.

Within 3 minutes of the restart, Llanybydder again ran in from 25m to score at the posts, but the conversion hit the upright. We conceded a further try after 10 minutes later and following this score, Steve Founds replaced Rob Wixey. A few minutes later, Martin Reeve was denied a score in the corner by a last ditch tackle and as we continued to apply pressure inside the visitors’ 22, they were forced to concede a number of penalties. Play then went back to the other end of the field and we again conceded an unconverted try. With ten minutes left, Anthony Quick scored an excellent try after we had run the ball from our own half. From the kick off, we again ran from our own 22 and took play to within 10 metres of the Llanybydder line before the move broke down. We continued to attack and with 5 minutes left Steve Founds left the field and Rob Wixey returned as a blood replacement. Llanybydder scored their final try in injury time for a 5 – 32 final score.

Our first team was:
Carwyn Jenkins, Matt Walters, Ian Lewis, Anthony Quick, Martin Reeve, Tim Jones, Andrew Charles, Stephen Morgan, Kevin Mort, Paul Coode, Mark Noall, Steve Jordan, Marc Lewis (captain), Paul Beck, Rob Wixey.
Replacements: Grahame Wallace, Mark Davies, Steve Founds, Craig Lewis.

The second XV friendly fixture at Tycroes and the youth XV fixture against Neath Athletic were both victims of waterlogged pitches.

7th Jan 2006

After two weekends without league action, the first XV made the short journey to Gowerton on Saturday for the first return match of the season. We fell behind after 13 minutes when Gowerton were awarded a penalty at a scrum, and the referee added on 10 metres to bring the straight kick to near our 22 metre line. Ten minutes later, we took the lead after good midfield tackling near our 22 caused a home player to lose possession. Ross Grey gathered and outpaced the defence from over 70 metres to score. Carwyn Jenkins converted to make the score 3 – 7. Less than 5 minutes later we extended our lead when following a line out win, Anthony Quick put a well judged cross kick into the corner and Ross Grey won the race for his second try which was unconverted. Five minutes from half time, Gowerton cut their deficit when their forwards drove over from short range for an unconverted try and the score at half time remained 8 -12 in our favour.

The home team started the second half strongly, but our defence was equal to the task and after 5 minutes of pressure we took play out of our half. Over the next few minutes we brought on Steve Jordan for Mark Gallagher, Martin Reeve for Matt Walters and David Snelling for Paul Coode. As the match approached the hour mark, Carwyn Jenkins was narrowly wide with a 35m penalty and then just short with another from near the half way line. Our pack was having much the better of the set pieces with Gowerton being driven back on their own scrums and we also took a number of their throws at the lines out. We then crossed the home try line, but were denied a third try by a foot in touch. With less than 15 minutes left, Paul Beck who was leading the team in the absence of injured captain Mark Lewis was harshly given a yellow card when making a try saving tackle. Gowerton kicked for the line out from close range, but once again our defence held firm and play moved upfield The decisive score came with six minutes left when following a number of attacks close to our line, Gowerton crossed for a converted try and a 15 – 12 lead. Despite our best efforts in the remaining few minutes we were unable to score and on the admission of home supporters were unlucky to not have won.

Our first team was:
Carwyn Jenkins, Ross Grey, Tim Jones, Anthony Quick, Matt Walters, Alex Brown, Andrew Charles, Stephen Morgan, Kevin Mort, Paul Coode, Mark Noall, Mark Gallagher, Paul Beck (captain), Dan Cunningham, Rob Wixey.
Replacements: Grahame Wallace, David Snelling, Steve Jordan, Martin Reeve.

The second XV despite outplaying visitors Gowerton at the club, were held to a 10 – 10 draw.

Our second team was:
Craig Lewis, George Moore, Dan Davies, Marc Davies, Steven Morgan, Carl Lawrence, Nino Williams, Steve Joseph, Chris Kelly, Tony Gemine, Simon Rees, John Yeomas, Lee Hilton, Ian Lewis, Steve Founds (captain),
Replacements: Chris Thomas, Gary Coomer, Leon Thomas

Our tries were scored by: Steve Joseph and Steve Founds.

17th Dec

Following last week’s win at Penygroes, the first XV travelled to Llangwm on Saturday for the final league match of the first half of the season. We fell behind within 5 minutes of the kick off when after we lost possession in the middle of the field, Llangwm ran in for a try in the corner and a 5 – 0 lead. We then came back strongly, but despite strong runs from Ross Grey and Marc Lewis and some sustained forward pressure, we were unable to cross the line. After he had failed with a 35m wide angle penalty kick at goal, Carwyn Jenkins suffered an ankle injury and left the field. As we had no replacements, we were reduced to 14 men until he returned 10 minutes later. Llangwm extended their lead shortly afterwards with another try from 35m out which was also converted. With four minutes left to half time, we conceded a third try and this was repeated with the last play of the half, yet again from long range for a half time margin of 22 – 0 which did not reflect the territory and possession we had enjoyed.

Six minutes into the second half, we suffered a further blow when Steve Morgan injured a shoulder and was unable to continue, leaving us with fourteen men for the remainder of the match. After another score, Llangwm fully exploited both their numerical advantage and their heavier forwards with a try from a driving maul and then scored their best try with 15 minutes left. Having defended doggedly, we then showed our attacking intentions when Marc Lewis and Paul Beck both ran strongly from our half and with set pieces in the home 22, we were unfortunate not to score in the closing stages before our hosts again ran in from long range for a converted try on the final whistle.

Our first team was:
Carwyn Jenkins, Matt Walters, Marc Lewis (captain), Anthony Quick, Ross Grey, Ian Lewis, Andrew Charles, Steve Morgan, Graeme Wallace, Paul Coode, Gareth Symmons, Steve Jordan, Paul Beck, Dan Cunningham, Rob Wixey.

The second XV gave a good display, scoring three tries but lost at home to Cwmgors by 15 – 19.

Our second team was:
Craig Lewis, George Moore, Dan Davies, Marc Davies, Matt Williams, Ian Mattey, Nino Williams, Damien Griffiths, Lee Hilton, Steve Joseph, Simon Rees, John Yeomas, Mark Gallagher, Martin Richmond, Steve Founds (captain),
Russell Jones came on as a replacement.

Our tries were scored by: Dan Davies, Marc Davies and Russell Jones.

Apart from the Odds & Sods match on Boxing Day, our next fixtures will be on 7th January when the first XV visit Gowerton and the second XV entertain the same opposition at the club.

Sat 10th Dec

On Saturday, the first XV recorded an excellent away win in a league match at Penygroes. The match started with uncontested scrums as Penygroes were unable to field a suitably competent front row. After a long period of pressure by ourselves and following repeated similar offences, the referee sent a Penygroes flanker to the sin bin after 25 minutes for coming into a ruck from the side. Shortly afterwards, our pressure was rewarded when Ian Lewis crossed near the posts and Carwyn Jenkins converted for a deserved 7 – 0 lead. On the half hour, Penygroes hit back with a penalty from in front of our posts for offside on our 22 metre line. Despite further pressure from us, the score remained 3 – 7 at half time.

The first opportunity of the second half fell to the home side, but they were wide with a straight penalty kick from 35 metres. We increased our lead eight minutes after the restart when Steve Morgan took a ball at the front of the line out, we won quick possession at the next three phases and Mark Lloyd crossed wide on the right. Carwyn Jenkins was narrowly wide with the conversion attempt. Four minutes later we increased the lead when Matt Walters scored in the same corner and this time Carwyn Jenkins made no mistake from the touch line to take the score to 3 – 19.

Our dominance continued to produce points and at the mid point of the second half following a line out win by Rob Wixey, the ball was moved quickly through the hands for club captain Marc Lewis to cross at the corner flag. The conversion attempt was just short from the touchline. With less than ten minutes left, Penygroes broke down the left from long range to get an unconverted consolation try. Marc Lloyd then scored his second try, again in the right hand corner, and Carwyn Jenkins completed the scoring when he crossed on the left after we had run the ball from our own half. The last two tries were unconverted to leave the final score at 8 - 34. Gareth Symmons replaced Mark Davies and Paul Coode replaced Steve Jordan in the closing stages of the match.

Our team was:
Carwyn Jenkins, Matt Walters, Marc Lewis (captain), Ian Lewis, Martyn Reeve, Alex Brown, Andrew Charles, Steve Morgan, Graeme Wallace, Steve Jordan, Mark Lloyd, Mark Davies, Paul Beck, Dan Cunningham, Rob Wixey.
Replacements: Paul Coode and Gareth Symmons.

The second XV match was postponed and the youth XV were defeated by Trebanos.

Next Saturday the first XV play at Llangwm and the second XV will be at home to Cwmgors. The first XV league match at Bynea which was abandoned has been rearranged for Friday 3rd February 2006, which is the evening before Wales v England.

Fixture Rearrangement.

The outstanding league match against Pontyates has been rearranged and
will be played at the club on Friday 25th November. This means that we will be away at Pontyates on Saturday 28th January.

The match at Bynea which was abandoned last Saturday will also have to be rearranged.

On Saturday, the first XV travelled to Bynea for a league match. Bynea kicked off in ideal conditions with no wind and were soon on the attack. Our defence held and after clearing our lines, play went to the home 22, when following a scrum, Ross Grey was unfortunate not to be able to follow up a kick into the in goal area. Play then returned to our 22 and we were called on to withstand a number of attacks from our hosts, but again our defence was equal to the task.

After about 10 minutes play we were able to take play back into the Bynea half and a well placed penalty kick brought us a line out 5 metres from their line. Unfortunately we did not secure possession, but play remained at the home 22 metre line and we again attacked securing a number of scrums 5 metres out. We continued to press, with Rob Wixey prominent in a number of our attacks. From one attack near the posts, Ian Lewis was unfortunate to be judged to have run into one of our players when driving for the line. Shortly afterwards, as the match approached the 30 minute mark and with the score still at 0 – 0, the referee abandoned the match, apparently as a result of abuse from home supporters.

Our team was:
Carwyn Jenkins, Ross Grey, Marc Lewis (captain), Paul Beck, Matt Walters, Martin Reeve, Andrew Charles, Steve Morgan, Kevin Mort, Paul Coode, Mark Lloyd, Steve Jordan, Ian Lewis, Dan Cunningham, Rob Wixey.
Replacements: Graeme Wallace, David Snelling, Gareth Symmons and Matt Williams.

The second XV match against Aberavon Naval Club was postponed.

On Sunday, in the only match played at the club over the weekend, the under 15s lost at home to Abercrave in a cup tie.

The first XV lost at Tycroes by 34 - 8. Our try was scored by Paul Beck and Anthony Quick kicked a penalty. The half time score was 11 - 8.

Our first team was: Martin Reeve Matt Walters, Marc Lewis (captain), Anthony Quick, Ross Grey, Alex Bowen, Ian Lewis, Steve Morgan, Graham Wallace, Paul Coode, Mark Davies, Mark Noall, Dan Cunningham, Paul Beck, Steve Jordan.

Replacements: Carwyn Jenkins and Dan Davies

The second XV lost at home to Morriston

16th Oct

The first XV suffered a home defeat against Betws last Saturday in a league match. We started well and some good interpassing and support play saw us run the ball from inside our own 22 to within theirs before losing possession. The first scoring chance fell to Betws after 15 minutes when we conceded a penalty for offside 35m out but the kick never got sufficient height and we were able to clear to touch. Betws opened the scoring 5 minutes later when following a break by their scrum half, they won a second phase to score on the right, the conversion attempt hitting the near post. We hit back with good handling to gain 50m but again lost possession in the 22.

We then opted to kick a penalty to the corner but failed to take advantage of the position when after a good break by Alex Bowen we again lost possession near the line. The next score came when after taking a quick penalty near their own line, Bettws went the length of the field and despite a try saving corner tackle by Ross Grey, Bettws retained possession to cross at our posts. The try was converted to take the score to 0 – 12 after 33 minutes.

With half time approaching, we applied pressure on an opposition line out 10m from their line and were awarded a penalty near touch 5m out. Ian Lewis took this quickly and Steve Morgan crossed 15m in from touch for our first score the conversion was unsuccessful in a difficult wind. A few minutes later and now in injury time we drove the opposition scrummage backwards on two successive scrums in their half and then won a second phase ball. Alex Bowen made another excellent diagonal break near the 22 and passed to Anthony Quick running straight who crossed at the posts. He converted his own try to bring the scores level at 12 – 12.

Bettws regained the lead within minutes of the second half starting, kicking a straight penalty from less than 30m. After 50 minutes, Dan Davies replaced Ross Grey and 4 minutes later, Andrew Charles replaced Ian Lewis. Half way through the second half, Betws increased their lead following a turnover on halfway and a break to within 5m of our line. They won the resulting maul and scored a converted try for a 12 – 22 lead. Three minutes later a quickly taken penalty on halfway led to an unconverted try by the visitors.

We made our final change shortly after with David Snelling coming on for Steve Morgan. With ten minutes left we won a lineout near our 22 and following some good handing and two second phases won, a clever chip through by Alex Bowen was gathered on the opposition 10m line by Anthony Quick who when tackled near the posts got in a pass to Andrew Charles in support for our third try which was converted by Dan Davies. The score was now 19 – 27 and with two scores required for victory we were attempting to run from near our line when an interception led to a final converted try for the visitors and a 19 – 34 winning margin.

Our first team was:
Martin Reeve Matt Walters, Marc Lewis (captain), Anthony Quick, Ross Grey, Alex Bowen, Ian Lewis, Steve Morgan, Kevin Mort, Paul Coode, Mark Davies, Mark Noall, Dan Cunningham, Paul Beck, Steve Jordan.
Replacements: Graeme Wallace, David Snelling, Andrew Charles and Dan Davies.

The second XV did not play on Saturday as Pontardawe were unable to field a team and no alternative opposition could be found. The youth XV suffered a home defeat at the hands of an older Cwmgwrach team.

Next Saturday the first XV visit Aberaeron for a league match and the second XV travel to Morriston for a friendly.

8TH OCT

The first XV suffered a last minute defeat at Furnace last Saturday in a league match. After only 10 minutes play, we lost Mark Lloyd with a back injury and as a result, Andrew Charles came on as a replacement (at scrum half), with Steve Jordan moving into the second row and Ian Lewis to number 8. After Furnace had earlier missed a penalty from the 22m line, with 17 minutes played we exerted pressure on their line and Anthony Quick touched down at the posts, Carwyn Jenkins adding the conversion.

Eight minutes later Furnace were successful with a penalty from in front of the posts, 20m out. After 30 minutes play, a try saving tackle in the corner prevented Matt Walters from increasing our lead, but 5 minutes later we extended it to 3 – 12 when Martin Reeve scored on the other wing after we had won quick ball and moved it along the line to the left. This remained the score at half time.

Six minutes after the restart, Furnace scored a disputed try near our posts and converted it to bring the score to 10 – 12 in our favour. We continued to suffer from some dubious penalty awards to the opposition and after 55 minutes another such penalty in front of our posts led to Furnace taking the lead for the first time in the match. This led to more pressure from us and a five metre scrum after the home defence was forced to carry over their own line. After 62 minutes, Ross Grey replaced Martin Reeve on the left wing and just 3 minutes later, he finished off a good move, when again good handling to the left following a quick second phase win on the opposition 22 led to our third try.

Carwyn Jenkins again narrowly missed the touchline conversion and our lead was 12 – 17. We were now called on to defend this lead and twice we were grateful to Ian Lewis for tackles just short of our line to keep out the home team. However in injury time, Furnace ran a penalty from their own half and crossed at the corner flag for a try which with the conversion missed, gave them a fortunate victory by 18 – 17.

Our first team was:
Carwyn Jenkins, Matt Walters, Marc Lewis (captain), Anthony Quick, Martin Reeve, Tim Jones, Ian Lewis, Steve Morgan, Graeme Wallace, Mark Thomas, Mark Lloyd, Mark Noall, Paul Beck, Dan Cunningham, Steve Jordan.
Replacements: Andrew Charles for Mark Lloyd and Ross Grey for Martin Reeve.

The second XV lost 0 - 28 at home to Abercrave in the first round of the Swansea and District Cup.

Our second team was:
Craig Lewis, Russell Jones, Dan Phelps, Ian Mattey, Anthony Hancock, Brian Greenslade, Steve Founds (captain), Damien Griffiths, Lee Hilton, Paul Coode, Paul Davies, Gareth Symmons, Leon Lewis, Gareth Jones, Mark Gallagher
Rob Connor came on as a replacement.

Next Saturday the first XV host Bettws in the league and the second XV travel to Pontardawe in the merit table. The youth XV who last Saturday lost their first home match of the season to Seven Sisters despite a good comeback to win the second half, are again at home this week, this time their opponents will be Cwmgwrach.

Swansea Uplands U11

Sunday’s away fixture at Pontyates proved that any signs of the summer cobwebs had been well and truly blown away and that our new joiners have really found their feet with a convincing 53 / nil win over Pontyates U11s. The forwards showed significant domination up-front, with 5 of the 9 tries to their credit. Strong in both defence and attack our maul drives were so well organised they just overpowered the opposition, the result being a match played most of time in the opposition half.

Our backline played an open and flowing game with good offloads in play and some very strong individual breaks, all backs at one time or another testing their opposition to their limits. A comprehensive performance from the backs saw another 4 tries run over in style. Add to that four conversions and the scoreline reflected the run of the match.

A good away fixture at a very hospitable and pleasant club which we hope will provide a useful springboard for our next two tough fixtures at home.

Results for Juniors were
U8 – 12 – 8 loss
U9 – 4 – 1 Loss
U10 – 28 – 19 Win
U11 - 53 – 0 Win

A few other things for you:-

1. Kit , There will be items of SURFC merchandise available for sale from Club on Wednesday nights such as socks and jackets. Please see either Anne or Judith. Any profits made are returned to the junior section.

2. Parking. With the juniors playing at home as well on Sunday I would advise careful planning in your parking for your matches.

You will likely want to leave earlier than the junior matches. If the weather is kind parking will be available on the side of the pitch.

3 . Sunday Help. With The U11’s being away the girls running the catering are going to be a little shorthanded. Please can you lend a hand

for ten to 15 mins. Cathy and Jane will quite happily explain where everything is.

3. Lost Kit. We starting to grow a small collection of kit left by our own teams. Please help us to keep it small and check on top of the locker behind the pool table area door if you think “junior” has donated it somewhere.

4. Swansea Schoolboys. The Club has had number of our mini members taking part in trials for the U11 Schoolboy of late. From the

original 6 or 8 taking part in trials just three of the lads got to the final stages and we are very pleased and proud that one member of the U11’s has finally been selected for the 27 strong squad. Congratulations to Steve McMorran.

4. U11’s Change of Captains. After some consideration I have decided to re-organise the U11’s team structure and as such it is also a opportune time to make some changes to the Captain and vice captain positions to help bring some fresh ideas into the team play making.

Before I welcome our new Captain and Vice to the team I would like to personally thank both Steve Mc Morran and Matthew Lane for the job they have done in their roles as Captain and Vice over the last two seasons. Well done lads. You’ve both given your top effort in your roles and the team has benefited from your talents. The team and I give our sincere thanks to you both.

That just leaves me to give a warm welcome Tom Crowley and Tom Osborne to the position of Captain and Vice captain respectively for the SURFC U11 Season 2005 – 2006.

"Tom and Tom" (no jokes about navigation software please) will be a strong pairing giving us strong drive and dimension in the backline and sheer strength and determination in the forwards. Good luck lads.

PONTYATES RFC

• FROM CLUB HEAD FOR GOWERTON
• IN GOWERTON HEAD ON THE A484 LLANELLI
• AT ROUNDABOUT GO LEFT SIGNED A484 LLANELLI
• STAY ON THIS ROAD PAST CORUS PLANT (TROSTRE) TO ROUNDABOUT
• TAKE EXIT SIGNED A484 LLANELLI
• AT NEXT ROUNDABOUT EXIT SIGNED CARMARTHEN A484.
• ALSO BROWN SIGN WITH CHEQURED FLAG ON.
• NEXT ROUNDABOUT RIGHT FOLLOW BROWN SIGN
• AT JUNCTION HEAD FOR CARMARTHEN FOLLOW BROWN SIGN
• BARE RIGHT FOR CAMARTHEN
• 100YDS ON TURN RIGHT SIGNED PONTYATES (TURN IS OPPOSITE KILKENNY PUB)
• IT IS NOW 6 MILES TO THEIR CLUB
• STAY ON THIS ROAD INTO FURNACE
• AT MINI ROUNDABOUT GO STRAIGHT ON SIGNED PONTYATES
• STAY ON THIS ROAD ALL THE WAY TO PONTYATES
• AT PONTYATES GO DOWN THE HILL AND ROUND A RIGHT HAND BEND OVER A RAILWAY CROSSING
• ON YOUR LEFT IS THEIR CLUB

That’s all for now. Good Luck for Sunday!

1st October

The first XV returned to winning ways on Saturday at the club with a 33 – 7 win over St Davids in a match where despite the score line, we were not really firing on all cylinders and on our day, we would have prevailed by a bigger margin. Two players made their first appearance of the season, Mark Thomas at tight head and Mike Gubb as a replacement for Dan Davies in the centre. Our tries were scored by Ian Lewis, Paul Beck, Ross Grey, Alex Bowen and Martyn Reeve. Carwyn Jenkins and Dan Davies both kicked two conversions.

Our first team was:
Carwyn Jenkins, Ross Grey, Dan Davies, Anthony Quick, Matt Walters, Alex Bowen, Ian Lewis, Steve Morgan, Kevin Mort, Mark Thomas, Mark Davies, Mark Noall, Marc Lewis (captain), Paul Beck, Steve Jordan.
At half time, Andrew Charles replaced Mark Davies, with Steve Jordan moving into the second row and Ian Lewis to flanker. Mike Gubb replaced Dan Davies and Martyn Reeve replaced Carwyn Jenkins for the second half.

The second XV went down to a 45 – 0 defeat away at Pontarddulais in a merit table match, the Pontarddulais team being much changed, particularly amongst the forwards from that which we had defeated two weeks ago.

Our second team was:
Craig Lewis, Anthony Hancock, Tommy Stains, Dan Phelps, Matt Williams, Gareth Jones, Nino Williams, Damien Griffiths, Chris Kelly, Paul Coode, Simon Rees, Gareth Symmons, Leon Lewis, Martin Richmond, Steve Founds (captain).
Russell Jones came on as a replacement for Tommy Stains.

Next Saturday the first XV visit Furnace and the second XV will play their first home match of the season (after two postponed merit table matches) when they entertain Abercrave in the Swansea and District Cup.

27th September

The club made an early exit from the Konica Minolta Cup with a 58 – 0 defeat away at Porth Harlequins on Saturday on our first visit to the club who narrowly missed out on promotion last season on try count.

Porth opened the scoring with an unconverted try after just 5 minutes. There followed 20 minutes of see saw action when we failed to convert a number of chances before Porth increased their lead with second try this time converted by No8 Scott Eggar, who was to feature further on the score sheet. Following a 50 yard break by Paul Beck, we surrendered possession in the Porth 22 and they broke away to make the score 17 – 0. With the last play of the half, we spurned a shot at the posts and opted to go for a lineout from a penalty, but were unable to capitalise on the position

With the advantage of the slope and the wind in the second half, the bigger home pack made their superiority tell and despite some heroic defence, further tries followed at regular intervals in the second half. Four of these tries were scored by No. 8 Scott Eggar, the former Pontypridd and Treorchy player and he also converted 3 of his own tries for a personal tally of 28 points.

The Swansea Uplands team was:
Carwyn Jenkins, Ross Grey, Dan Davies, Anthony Quick, Matt Walters, Alex Bowen, Ian Lewis, Steve Morgan, Kevin Mort, Chris Kelly, Steve Jordan, Mark Noall, Dan Cunningham, Paul Beck, Marc Lewis (captain).
Mark Gallagher, Graeme Wallace, Gareth Symmons and Gary Lewis replaced Steve Jordan, Chris Kelly, Paul Beck and Ian Lewis respectively during the second half.

The second XV’s home match was postponed as Mumbles were unable to field a team for the merit table match.

Next Saturday the first XV host St. Davids and the second XV return to defend their unbeaten record at Pontarddulais, the scene of their last victory.

RUGBY CLUB NEWS (19th September)

The club tasted success on Saturday when the first XV registered their first win of the season. Following two defeats, we finally clicked and ran in six tries in a 36 – 7 victory over St.Clears at the club.

We opened the scoring when early pressure led to Ian Lewis crossing in the corner. With the conversion going wide, our lead was short lived as our visitors scored a converted try for a 5 – 7 lead. Tries from Matt Walters and Ross Grey and a conversion by Carwyn Jenkins gave us a 17 – 7 half time lead, which could easily have been doubled had we taken full advantage of our dominance of possession.

With former Swansea back row and now St Clears coach Alan Reynolds coming on at half time, the visitors looked to slow down our possession and play. Although this worked for a while, a further try from Ian Lewis and one each for Brian Greenslade and Paul Beck with two more conversions from Carwyn Jenkins wrapped up the match.

The second XV made it a double celebration, with their second away win in two matches. Following their 24 – 31 victory at Gowerton on the opening day of the season, they recorded a 17 – 19 win at Pontarddulais with tries from Matt Williams, Martyn Reeve and Gareth Durke. Gareth Jones kicked two conversions.

On a weekend when many players were unavailable for selection, the teams who represented the club were:
1st XV
Carwyn Jenkins, Ross Grey, Dan Davies, Anthony Quick, Matt Walters, Brian Greenslade, Ian Lewis, Steve Morgan, Kevin Mort, Paul Coode, Steve Jordan, Mark Lloyd, Marc Lewis (captain), Paul Beck, Rob Wixey.
Mark Noall and Gary Lewis replaced Rob Wixey and Mark Lloyd during the second half.

2nd XV
Martyn Reeve, Matt Williams, Gareth Durke, Dan Phelps, Ian Mattey, Gareth Jones, Andrew Charles, Damien Griffiths, Grahame Wallace, Chris Kelly, Martyn Richmond, Gareth Simmons, Lee Hilton, Leon Lewis, Steve Founds (captain).

Unfortunately our youth team suffered a heavy away defeat against a much older and more experienced Pontardawe team.

On Sunday, the under 15s lost to Cwmavon and the under 14s defeated Mumbles, both at home.

Our Coaching Staff 2005 -2006 Season:

Under 8’s ( 5 yrs plus, 6yrs for WRU registration.)
Paul Drewson (tbc) Assisted by Phil Brown.

Under 9’s (Year 4)
Julian Edwards (Tel 554819) Assisted by Andy Hulbert

Under 10’s (Year 5)
Phil Owen (Tel 2801910) Assisted by Peter Williams

Under 11’s (Year 6)
Malcolm Lane ( Tel 427310) Assisted by Dave Mc Morran & Ceri Davies

Section Administration.
Mini Section Contact:
Malcolm Lane Tel 01792 427310.

Junior Fixture Secretary:
Brian Greenslade Tel 01792 520010.

Junior Secretary:
Paul Davies Tel 01792 872786.

Junior Treasurer:
Martin Luckwell Tel 01792 520752.

Junior Section Committee
Chairman Phil Holohan.

Training Pitches
Due to the number of the teams and their respective needs this