Life At The Welfare

Well done Bryon!

lifeatthewelfare — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:29:17 +0000

Our backs coach Byron Hayward would like to thank everyone at the club for their support during his recent London marathon.

£3,600 was raised which will go towards NSPPC, a charity close to Byron’s heart. Commenting on his recent achievement Byron said “I was going really well up until 22 miles, however the last 4 were very challenging. The experience was superb though, and I achieved my target of raising over £2,000 which I am delighted about.”

For the record Byron recorded his time in 4 hours 11 mins – well done Bryon!

Newbridge 13 v Blackwood 21

lifeatthewelfare — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:21:39 +0000

A disappointing game and a disappointing season saw us go down 21-13 to a Blackwood side who look odds on to finish the season in the top three – well done them.

An error-strewn game saw Blackwood’s Jeremy Lloyd kick the opening penalty, which was the only score of a sterile first quarter.

Sean Thomas, and David James exchanged penalties before Sean Emery produced the one piece of quality of the opening stanza, when he collected his own chip to score comfortably.

Thomas kicked another penalty to narrow the half time score to 11-6 in Blackwood’s favour.

In the second half, Owen Williams was bundled out at the corner flag, but Jeremy Lloyd added a drop goal at the ensuing line out to extend Blackwood’s lead.

Former club centre Luke Knight got the killer score, when he broke through to score the winning try. Lloyd converted and the game was all but over.

It didn’t help our cause, when at one stage we were down to 13 men, after successive red and yellow cards. In fact we did manage to gain a consolation try. It was a very popular one, as retiring prop Andrew Oliver was at the bottom of a rolling maul to claim it. Thomas converted to give a final score of 21-13.

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Other results from the division saw bottom placed Fleur De Lys pip near neighbours Bargoed 27-26 whilst Llanharen ended Caerphilly’s title ambitious with a hard fought 24-19 home win. Rumney recorded an away win (21-14) at Newport Saracens and Pontypool thrashed Beddau 53-09. The students from UWIC also rattled up a big score beating Llantristant 54-15.

Our NEW Supporters Shop

lifeatthewelfare — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:09:53 +0000

To promote the NEW supporters shop, throughout the day on Saturday (April 26th) and during the game (v Blackwood) the club will be offering you the supporter the chance to purchase club merchandise at a discounted rate – it’s an opportunity not to be missed!

The NEW supporters shop is now located in the portacabin behind the main stand.

Ambitious Newbridge!

lifeatthewelfare — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:55:01 +0000

The club is currently in the process of contracting players and coaches for the 2008-2009 season.

Our aim is to assemble a squad with the potential to win Division One East and return to the Premiership. Over the next few weeks and months the club will officially announce a number of key signings to bolster what is already becoming a very strong squad.

Thus far, our captain Rhys Bowen, scrum-half Tom Edwards, Rhys Reynolds, Darryl Williams, Nick Tucker and centre Jonathan Hawker have all signed for the forthcoming campaign.

Beddau 16 v Newbridge 29

lifeatthewelfare — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:41:26 +0000

Full match report to follow shortly.

Caerphilly 28 v Newbridge 27

lifeatthewelfare — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:40:24 +0000

In a 55 point thriller, our boys lost by a single point after trailing 13-3 at the break to table-toppers Caerphilly.

Forwards coach Mark Thomas revealed ‘It was a good display, but we lacked a bit of confidence which in the end cost us the game.’

‘We made a few mistakes, which they took advantage of, and we may well have done a lot better.’

Scrum-half Tom Edwards (2) and number eight David Ford touched down for Newbridge, whose other points came from a couple of penalties and a trio of conversions by centre Shaun Thomas.

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Other results from Division One East:

Blackwood 12 v Newport Saracens 19
Fleur De Lys 17 v UWIC 22
Llanharan 03v Pontypool 39
Llantrisant 16 v Rumney 07

Newport Saracens 38 v Newbridge 25

lifeatthewelfare — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:38:49 +0000

Full match report to follow shortly.

Newbridge 12 v 32 Llanharen

lifeatthewelfare — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:35:02 +0000

Confident of consolidating fifth position, the lads came a cropper in losing 32-12 at a sunny Welfare Ground.

“Yes, this was a surprise result but we were dreadful and deserved nothing,” admitted forwards coach Mark Thomas.

“We did, however, create some good try-scoring chances but failed to take them. We are looking to strengthen for next season and have a few players in mind.”

“We believe we have the platform to go on from and build a solid squad.”

Centre Jonathan Hawker plus skipper and flanker Rhys Bowen scored five-pointers while centre, Shaun Thomas, booted a conversion.

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The boys make a quick return to action on Tuesday when we go to Newport Saracens, who gave themselves a huge tonic Saturday by defeating visiting Beddau (19-11).

Joe Calzaghe v Bernard Hopkins (Live!)

lifeatthewelfare — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:52:10 +0000

The club are holding a night of boxing extravaganza on Saturday the 19th of April between Newbridge’s very own Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins. It promises to be a action packed night and this is an all ticket event.

The fight will be shown on the big screen and tickets are available at £10.00 to also include a curry. Tickets are already selling quickly and can be purchased from behind the bar at the club.

The BBC and Setanta Sports will also be recording live from the club with interviews scheduled with the audience.

This is an event not to be missed! Doors open at 12.00am.

Pontypool 33 v Newbridge 10

lifeatthewelfare — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:49:34 +0000

Full match report to follow shortly.

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Other results from the division:

Beddau 22 v 20 UWIC
Caerphilly 05 v 00 Newport Saracens
Llanharan 15 v 16 Bargoed
Llantrisant 17 v 27 Fleur De Lys