Nadolig Llawen / Merry Christmas from Pontypridd RFC
Recognising that, on the 25th December, much of the world celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ is unlikely to win one, a point on the television programme, ‘Mastermind’. Knowing that it was the Romans who taught us how to party in December, through their festival of ‘Saturnalia’ or, that it was the Victorians through their music and house parties, that gave us many of the Christmas traditions that we recognise today or indeed that it was William Webb Ellis, who picked up a football and ran with it, at Rugby School in 1823, is more likely to achieve the award of a point on the aforementioned quiz.
According to ‘World Rugby’, no international rugby football fixture has ever been played on Christmas Day, the nearest was when France awarded caps against the Maori of New Zealand upon the Feast of Stephen in 1926. To the more mature supporters of Pontypridd RFC, St. Stephen’s or Boxing Day conjures up images of pilgrimages past, down the Taff, to play the ‘Blue and Blacks’ in some memorable encounters at the Cardiff Arms Park.
As the passage of time rushes inexorably onwards, in one direction only, those memories fade into the mists for now but, thankfully, there is the experience of new encounters to be had, such as travelling for the first time to venues like Llangennech Main Field and Dol Wiber, to receive enthusiastic and warm hospitality from the ‘Bois y Llan’ and ‘Coch a Gwyn’ of Llangennech RFC and Newcastle Emlyn RFC respectively. Last Saturday Pontypridd RFC was able to reciprocate; although the Club first played Ystrad Rhondda RFC 139 years ago, it was the first encounter between the Mid District teams in the Admiral Premiership. Although rugby football faces many challenges, like the ‘spirit of Christmas’, the camaraderie between clubs endures.
Whether your contribution is on the field of play, or off it, whether Sponsor, fanatic, employee or volunteer, your continued support is appreciated and is invaluable. In the words of legendary musician, Nils Lofgren, writing of his sporting hero, the late, great Walter Payton of the Chicago Bears, “keep the faith, tried, tested and true’’. Nadolig Llawen A Blwyddyn Newydd Dda I Chi Gyd.
– Steve Reardon, Honorary Secretary of Pontypridd RFC
