**Pontyclun RFC Face Gruelling Schedule but Respond with Pride and Determination**
A Welsh rugby club has earned significant admiration throughout the community after taking on the challenge of playing three matches in just five days, including two back-to-back fixtures within a 24-hour window. Pontyclun RFC’s remarkable commitment and response, despite daunting odds, has served as a shining example of club spirit and dedication at the grassroots level.
The surge of fixtures was brought about by an unfortunate combination of circumstances. As the semi-finalists in both the Malcolm Thomas Cup and the Silver Ball Trophy—competitions run by two separate rugby authorities—Pontyclun found their calendar congested. The semi-finals for both cups were scheduled on consecutive days, and efforts to reschedule the matches proved unsuccessful as the alternative dates posed difficulties for their opponents and organisers.
Adding to the burden, the club was also required to play a League 4 East Central match, which had previously been postponed due to inclement weather earlier in the season. The only available slot for this fixture was the Easter weekend, compounding Pontyclun’s already hectic schedule.
Reflecting on the situation, club secretary Jamie Herridge was pragmatic and philosophical. “We’re not blaming anyone,” he said, acknowledging the run of bad luck that led to three games in five days and two within two days. “Usually by Easter, you’re winding things down and granting some time off, but the fixture list conspired against us this season.”
Determined not to concede a single fixture, the club rallied their squad, with registered players stepping forward alongside recently retired veterans and promising youth players. According to Mr Herridge, pulling out of a game was not an option. “We have a large mini and junior section at the club, and the youngsters look up to these boys. Not fulfilling a fixture wasn’t something the players wanted to contemplate.”
Across the trio of demanding matches, a total of 31 players pulled on the club jersey, with several stalwarts featuring in every contest. The sacrifice required extended beyond the pitch, with players securing time off work and making arrangements within their families to participate, especially as all involved are strictly amateur athletes. Notably, three 18-year-olds—Ryan Harris, Harri Styff, and Dafydd Hulse—rose to the occasion, taking on senior opposition with courage and maturity.
Despite their best efforts, Pontyclun were unable to register a win, suffering narrow defeats in all three games—the closest being a 24-27 loss to Brackla RFC. However, the outcome did little to diminish the sense of pride within the club and the wider village. In fact, their stoic response in the face of adversity has drawn widespread praise, with messages of support pouring in from those within and outside the rugby community.
“It has been a testing week, but the players have come away with their heads held high and really enjoyed the challenge,” Herridge added. He highlighted the appreciation shown by spectators from across South Wales as well as the respect expressed by the Glamorgan rugby group, who spoke to the players after their final cup match. “As they said, ‘rugby was the winner’.”
Head coach Berwyn Davies echoed these sentiments, saying, “This week has shown what Pontyclun RFC is all about. Three games in five days—yes, it’s ridiculous—but we never gave up. Everyone wore the badge with honour and pride. Everyone involved in getting the team to the cup semi-finals should be proud.”
Following a league campaign that saw them claim 12 wins and a draw from 16 matches, Pontyclun’s players have now received a well-earned rest. Yet, the demanding season is not quite over, as rescheduled fixtures against Llandaff North and Cardiff Saracens await. Nonetheless, the club’s extraordinary collective effort during this testing run has ensured their status as an inspiring example of the values at the heart of Welsh community rugby.