This page is part of the archive of the Caerphilly RFC club website as it stood in 2001–2002. It is kept for reference; the journal on this address is independent and not run by the club.
CAERPHILLY 31 - GR.A.N. PARMA 30 
played away at Parma, Italy on Saturday 12th
January 2002, European Shield
Caerphilly ended their Parker Pen European Shield
campaign on a high note last week-end with a win over the Italian
side.
It took a late try from Tongan International, Taunaholo Taufahema
in the dying minutes of the game to give the green and whites a
victory.
The much improved, stronger and more physical Italian side got
of to an early lead with tries coming from Matthew Dowling and Gonzalo
Rodriguez leaving Caerphilly with 15 - 0 deficit after 30 minutes of
play.
Caerphilly fought back with tries from Sione Tuipolotu and Luke
Richards to close the gap. The Italians edged ahead once again with 2 more
tries coming from Nicola Androvandi and Lorezo Beduschi looking to have sealed
their first win in the competition.
With only 4 minutes of play
remaining, the pacey Tongan, Taufahema raced through to steal the Italian
victory and deny GRAN Parma of a win.
Caerphilly outside-half, Luke
Richards was responsible for 21 points on the day with a try, a drop-goal, 2
conversions and 3 penalties.
Source: Phil Whitfield
CAERPHILLY 29 - LA ROCHELLE 32
played at Virginia Park on Saturday 5th
January 2002, European Shield
Caerphilly may have
already been eliminated from the Parker Pen European Shield but that did not
stop the Castletown men putting in a brave performance against their French
opponents, La Rochelle last week end.
Caerphilly dominated the first
half of the game with Mark Workman, Ben Watkins and Taunaholo Taufahema all
crossing for tries and 6 points coming from the boot of Luke Richards to give
the green and whites a 23 - 3 lead with only 3 minutes of normal play remaining
of the first half.
La Rochelle closed the gap in the 37th minute with a
try coming from French International, Jean-Baptiste Elissalde and a try from
Frederico Todeschini to bring the scores to 23 -13 at the interval.
Caerphilly increased their lead with an early penalty in the second
period coming from Richards but La Rochelle made a come-back with winger,
Filipo Toala scoring tries in the 60th and 65th minute and an Elissalde
conversion to bring the scores to 26 - 25.
It looked as though
Caerphilly had sealed a victory when Luke Richards slotted his 5th penalty of
the day with 1 minute of injury time played. But Scottish Referee, Mike Hall
was to make his most controversial decision of the day in the 3rd minute of
injury time.
It was alleged that former Welsh International, full-back
Justin Thomas kicked what seemed to be a perfectly weighted clearance kick from
inside his own 22m line to end the game with a Caerphilly win. To everyone's
astonishment, the officials judged the kick to have been made outside his own
22m line and a scrum to La Rochelle at the place of kick.
La Rochelle
made one last attack at the Caerphilly line and centre, Romauld Pailat
off-loaded to Nicholas Merling to score, with an Elissalde conversion to seal
the fate of the Castletown men.
Caerphilly gave a great first half performance,
pictured here camped on the La Rochelle try-line.
A reasonable lead for the Green Army at Half-time.
The weather followed the mood of Caerphilly's play in the second half, only 6 points scored.
A narrow defeat in the last few minutes,
yet again a great opportunity missed.
Match Report by Phil Whitfield, Digital Photography by John Harris & Mark Tamplin
CAERPHILLY 21 - EDINBURGH 35
played at Virginia Park on
Saturday 29th December 2001, Welsh-Scottish League
CAERPHILLY 33
- 38 NEATH
played at the Gnoll on Wednesday 26th
December 2001, Welsh-Scottish League
Caerphilly still revelling in their recent win over Glasgow, played with confidence to the full and were to lead the game after 12 minutes of play when Liam Mooney scored his first try for Caerphilly and a Luke Richards conversion for a 7 - 3 lead following a Jarvis penalty. Caerphilly full-back, Sione Tuipolotu made a crunching tackle on Neath debutante from Bristol, Dean Dewdney to prevent the winger scoring a try in the opening minutes.
Ex Caerphilly flanker, Alfie Mocelutu was yellow carded in the 11th minute for preventing Caerphilly scrum-half, Andrew Jacobs taking a quick penalty. The lead for the Castletown men was short-lived when in the 15th minute, Neath full-back, Gareth Morris scored his first try of the day coming from a ruck set up by lock, John Slade which went converted by Jarvis. Two more tries for Neath coming from right wing, Kevin James and a second try for Morris to extend their lead.
Caerphilly applied the pressure in the latter minutes of the first period and this resulted in 7 well earned points with a try scored by left wing, Rory Greenslade-Jones and the conversion kicked by Luke Richards. The score at the interval, Caerphilly 14 - 22 Neath.
Caerphilly started the second half in the same fashion as they finnished the first with a try from lock, Neil Watkins. Caerphilly's Taufahema made the 40 metre break but was tackled 10 metres short of the Neath try-line. The re-cycled ball saw a deft reverse inside pass to Watkins to go over and close the gap.
Caerphilly penalised for coming in from the side at a ruck gave Neath a further 3 points coming from the boot of Lee Jarvis. Caerphilly were to take the lead for the second time in the game when right wing, Ken Morris ran in a try from his own try line, while Neath stood around waiting for the referee to call a knock-on. Play went on and Morris scored with a Richards conversion.
The scores were equalised within minutes when Jarvis sat back in the pocket for a drop-goal. Neath increased their lead to 38 - 28 following the incident involving referee, Tony Rowlands. A converted try for Kevin James and a Jarvis penalty. With a minute of full-time play remaining, Caerphilly's Luke Richards charged down a Lee Jarvis clearance kick for a try at the posts. Unfortunately, the easiest kick of the day for Richards went adrift, but the total points for the day standing at 13 and this boosted his personal tally to 101 points for the season so far.
Caerphilly's Tongan full-back or centre, Sione Tuipolotu and Taunahola Taufahema were unlucky not to come away with any individual points for their outstanding effort throughout the game. However, the Caerphilly player of the match was Darren Davies, playing at number 8, superbly supported by a pack of forwards growing in confidence and stature, by the match.
Caerphilly beat the Welsh All Blacks by 5 tries to 4 in the game but were beaten by 5 points at the final whistle. In the five league matches at the Gnoll, there has never been any more than 7 points between the two clubs. Caerphilly were denied the opportunity to come back at Neath in the dying minutes as only 2 minutes of injury time was played by replacement referee, Hugh Banfield instead of a more realistic 6 to 8 minutes.
The first referee left the players confused by some of his decissions and this does not help the crowd either, but some of his decissions around the scrum area showed just how little knowledge there is in this area of the game, in the hands of officialdom. The second referee was not much better, and the assistants were totally "gutless" heavan only knows why they are paid!!
One thing that does disappoint me is the coaching that takes place from the side lines by coaches and assistant coaches, but in this instance the coaching taking place every time there was a stoppage and the assistant coach marches on with a bottle of water that never goes down, The officials are responsible for this, lets pick them up!
Photographs supplied by Mark Tamplin
CAERPHILLY 35
- 16 GLASGOW
played at Virginia Park on Saturday 22nd
December 2001, Welsh-Scottish League
On the field the the Caerphilly players put in a huge performance both defencively and in attack. A Scotsman from Australia by the side of me agreed that the result was fully deserved, and every time Glasgow responded to our scores we came right back to score again. Once we got the lead we never let it go, and the reaction of the cold but loyal supports at the end of the match said it all what a Christmas present for us all.
The result sums up the fighting spirit of Caerphilly and it looks as if we are capable of putting in these performances against all the other Clubs. The players performed like the true professionals that they are. The back row as a unit put in an awesome display both in defence and in attack making in excess of 50 tackles.
Caerphilly at one stage down to fourteen men following the sin-binning of Sione Tuipulotu, for a professional foul, this had the effect of keeping Glasgow in the match, until Luke Richards converted a penalty and David Hawkins and Graham Thomas both scored late tries, highlighting Caerphilly's commitment to the game.
Following last weeks comments about the refereeing team, it has to be said that this week the referee was largely anonymous and felt to have had a good game.
This type of performance epitomises the fortitude of the Club, and now this should be seen as a rallying cry to all our supports in an effort to lift the players every week to winning ways and then to pull away from the bottom spot and all the ramifications that may have for the forth coming season, and all the political happenings there are at present.
Merry Christmas to one and all from everyone at Caerphilly Rugby Football Club.
Scorers; Caerphilly. Tries: Geriant
Lewis, Ben Watkins, David Hawkins, Graham Thomas
Conversions: Luke Richards
3
Penalties: Luke Richards 3
Glasgow: Tries: Allan Bullock, Graham
Beveridge
Penalties: Tommy Haynes 2
Photographs supplied by Mark Tamplin
CAERPHILLY 20 - 46 NEWPORT
played at Virginia Park on Saturday 15th
December 2001, Welsh-Scottish League
Caerphilly commenced the match in positive form
and quicly gained an early lead through a penalty by Luke Richards. Newport
responded strongly after this and followoing a period of scrappy play and some
missed tackles, Newpot scored an unconverted try, which was quickly followed by
a second try giving Newport a 10 - 3 lead. After some good inter play,
Caerphilly scored a well worked try under the posts through Holo, which was
converted by Luke Richards . In the run up to half time we witnessed a lot of
scappy play and several missed tackles during which period Newport increased
their lead to
29 - 13, Luke Richards having converted a second penalty for
Caerphilly.
The second half started with Caerphilly excerting strong
pressure on the Newport line but dropped passes and strong tackling by the
visitors kept the home side out. The score remained the same for the whole of
the third quarter.
At the begining of the 4th quarter, Geraint Lewis
charged down Shane Howarth's attempted clearance, the ball flying behind the
Newport line for Luke Richards to follow up and score a well deserved try and
then to convert. Following a few substitutuons and injuries, New port were able
in the last five minutes to increase the score to the final 46 - 20 score line.
Through out the game the inconsistencey of the officials left both players and
spectators confused and frustrated as interpretation of the laws became a
lottery.
Caerphilly Scorers; Luke Richards 1 Try 1
Conversion and 2 Penalties
Taunaholo Taufahemo 1 Try
Newport Scorers
Tries Chris Anthony, Matt Mostyn 2, Mathew Watkins, Jon Pritchard, Shane
Howarth. Shane Howarth 1 Penalty and 3 Conversions.
CAERPHILLY 21 - SWANSEA 36
played at St.
Helen's on Saturday 8th December 2001, Welsh-Scottish League
Luke Richards puts the first points on the scoreboard for Caerphilly
It's obvious for all to see that under the new coaching set up of Terry Holmes, Mark Ring and Charlie Faulkner, who must be the envy of many premier league sides, that their intention of pulling Caerphilly of the floor is working.
Swansea got of to an early start with a penalty kicked by outside-half, Gavin Henson soon to be cancelled out by Caerphilly pivot, outside-half, Luke Richards.
Caerphilly's defence holding-up well on their own line
The All-Whites having to defend their try line
Swansea's line-out ball is challenged
Luke misses
Caerphilly brought the scores back level with a Richards penalty in the 40th minute.
A very flattering half-time 16 - 16 score for the All Whites who should have been 10 points adrift at this stage.
Swansea increased their lead in the 47th minute with a Steve Winne try and Henson conversion.
Caerphilly defending well again
Half time score Swansea 16 - Caerphilly 16
Henson increased the Swansea lead to 26 - 21 with a penalty.
The following 20 minutes saw both sides making replacements and Swansea and Caerphilly both battling to gain valuable ground.
Henson to bring his tally to 21 points with a penalty 2 minutes into injury time.
The Green-army come out strong in the second half
Conversions: Luke Richards (1)
Tries: Justin Thomas, Craig Fitzpatrick
Conversions: Gavin Henson (3)
Tries: Scott Gibbs, Steve Winn, Colin Charvis
Match report by Phil Whitfield, Photographs supplied by Mark Tamplin
Tauna'holo Taufahema
in his Tongan international shirt.
The Caerphilly Rugby Football Club Committee are pleased to announce the appointment of the former Wales and Cardiff captain Terry Holmes as the new head coach for the club.
CAERPHILLY
35 - RUMNEY 0
played at Riverside
Park on Tuesday 13th November 2001
(Friendly Fixture)
CAERPHILLY (Under 21's) 9 - NEATH
(Under 21's) 33
home at Virginia Park on Wednesday 14th
November
Alfie Mocelutu,
former Caerphilly player
now with Neath,
watching the Under 21's
3 penalties by Dai Reed
Tries: Darren David,
Peter Thomas,
Ryan Williams,
Alex Sheehy,
Stuart Barrow
Conversions: Jonathan Owen
Penalties: Richard Davies,
Jonathan Owen
Caerphilly Under 21's are looking
for players, forwards in particular.
CAERPHILLY 15
- COVENTRY 22
played away at Coundon on
Friday 23rd November 2001
(Friendly Fixture)
Caerphilly tries by David
Hawkins, Justin Thomas and Ian Higgins (on trial)
Terry Holmes, the new head
coach for Caerphilly, was pleased with the performance considering the long and
delayed journey to Coventry.
Exclusive CRFC Web-site
Announcement
After much speculation from the media in the past
few weeks, Gareth Nicholas and Simon King have now officially resigned from
their positions as Coaches for the club.
We appreciate the hard work and
dedication that they have put in to the club and wish them both good luck for
the future.
We will publish more information as soon as
it becomes available.
Message
posted at 2:00pm on 5th November 2001
| CAERPHILLY 16 - GLOUCESTER
47 at Virginia Park on Saturday 3rd November 2001, Parker Pen Shield |
|
| All eyes are on Henry Paul |  Luke's penalty - first points to Caerphilly |
| Caerphilly re-group after Gloucester score their first of five tries |  Caerphilly contesting the line-out |
 Caerphilly held up well at the scrum on the Gloucester line |
 Phil Vickery enjoying his day at Virginia Park |
 Andrew Jacobs hacks the ball ... |
 ... and scores a try |
 Justin Thomas touches-down for Caerphilly's second try |
 Gloucester await Luke's conversion |
 Mike Prew working in the Marquee bar |
Caerphilly Captain David
Hawkins with his daughter Sophie |
| After the
disappointment of the previous Saturday it was good to see Caerphilly playing
with far more commitment and determination against a strengthened Gloucester
side. The first 20 minutes consisted of end-to-end play with neither side
making much impact on each others line. Caerphilly were the first to get on the scoreboard with a neatly taken penalty by Luke Richards but this was cancelled-out by a penalty from Gloucester outside-half Ludovic Mercier after about 25 minutes. Soon afterwards Gloucester went over for their first try which was converted from wide out by Mercier. Two more penalties were scored by Mercier before half time and Luke Richards replied with one for Caerphilly. At the start of the second half a penalty by Mercier put Gloucester further ahead as they started to put Caerphilly under a lot of pressure. Some strong tackling kept Gloucester at bay for a while before they scored two fairly quick tries, both converted again by Mercier. Andrew Jacobs scored a try with his solo effort to bring Caerphilly back into the game, another Gloucester try then followed to seal Caerphilly's fate. Caerphilly to their credit did not give up and full-back Justin Thomas, who has been selected for the Wales 'A' squad for the coming game against Argentina, went over for a well worked unconverted try in the corner just minutes from the end. Gloucester went on to score a further converted try with the last movement of the game. Half time score Caerphilly 6 - Gloucester 16. Attendance 3,500. |
|
| Caerphilly Tries: Justin Thomas, Andrew Jacobs Penalties: Luke Richards (2) |
Gloucester Tries: Robert Todd, Chris Fortey, Junior Paramore, Dimitri Yachvili, Joe Ewens Conversion: Ludovic Mercier (5) Penalties: Ludovic Mercier (4) |
| Source: Tony Mayes, Photographs supplied by Mark Tamplin and John Harris | |
Justin Thomas has been selected to play for Wales 'A' in the autumn internationals, we wish him good luck in his return to international status
CAERPHILLY 14 - GLOUCESTER 98
at
Kingsholm on Saturday 27th October 2001, Parker Pen Shield
Half time score 41 - 0 to the home side.
Henry Paul establishing himself under the union code, scoring 28 individual points.
Caerphilly's only response to the one-way traffic were tries scored by Holo Taufehema and Andrew Jacobs (replacement), both converted by Luke Richards.
Attendance: 7,300.
Henry Paul
ex-Super League star
Picture by Bruce Seabrook
Gloucestershire Picture Agency
www.gloucestershirepictureagency.co.uk
CAERPHILLY
25 - EBBW VALE 30
at
Virginia Park on Saturday 20th October 2001, Welsh/Scottish League
"Caerphilly can win this one if the forwards get on top in the scrummages," were the words of Tony 'Charlie' Faulkner before the game on Saturday. The legendary Welsh prop now in an advisory capacity at Virginia Park.
Justin Thomas runs in a try for the Green Army
Luke's penalty puts Caerphilly in front
Pressure was plentiful from the Castletown men from the start, catching Ebbw Vale off-side. This gave Caerphilly pivot, Luke Richards his first points of the day.
Ebbw Vale replied with a try coming from their full-back, Matt James after 13 minutes. The break started by Andrew Wagstaff to Gareth Cull before James diving through at the corner. Ebbw Vale full-back, Gareth Cull missing his first 2 penalties and a conversion got his kicking boots on for his first penalty after 30 minutes of play.
Caerphilly replied with a penalty when Ebbw Vale infringed at the re-start for a Richards penalty.
Caerphilly brought the scores closer with a penalty from the boot of Luke Richards, 5 minutes into injury time. The score at the interval, Caerphilly 9 - 11 Ebbw Vale.
Only 2 minutes into the second half, Caerphilly scrum-half Sione Tuipulotu had his clearance kick charged down by Ebbw Vale hooker, Leyton Phillips for a try and conversion by Gareth Cull.
Ken Morris's try
Caerphilly's little supporter enjoying the match
Caerphilly found their confidence when flighty full-back Justin Thomas made an angled run to score in the corner.
Yellow Cards dished out by referee Clayton Thomas to Ebbw Vale full-back Matt James for being consistently off-side who was followed shortly by Caerphilly's hooker, Dean Colclough.
Ebbw Vale kicked 2 more penalties to Caerphilly's 1 before the estimated 1,600 crowd witnessed the try of the day coming from Caerphilly wing, Ken Morris. A well worked try passing through no fewer than 6 pairs of hands, and this time using a valuable 3 man overlap for Morris to score in the corner.
Caerphilly using every possible option to break through the Ebbw Vale defence in the dying minutes. Ebbw Vale eventually conceding a penalty kicked by Richards with the Castletown men in front for the first time.
"There are a lot of disappointed players in our changing room," said Caerphilly coach Gareth Nicolas. "Life can be hard, but that is sport for you. We had our chances and we could have won. We have come a long way in the last five weeks."
Final score
Source: Phil Whitfield, Pictures by John Harris
WALES
13 - CANADA 13 (Ladies
Rugby)
played at Virginia Park on Sunday 28th October
2001
Wales took on Canada in the final test at
Caerphilly on Sunday. Following last weeks defeat by just one point, the
Welsh team were out to settle the score. After 5 minutes Fly Half, Awen Thomas
put Wales in the lead from a penalty kick, and they continued to pressurise the
strong Canadian pack throughout the half.
Good work by the Welsh forwards created a
platform for interlinking play in the backs however, the continuous penalties
awarded to both sides hindered a mutli-phase game of running rugby. Possession
was evenly divided with good support play from the Welsh forwards. Further
indiscipline from the visitors lead to a second penalty from Thomas at the
30-minute mark. Canada broke through the Welsh defence with wing Christie
Thompson crossing over after a long pass from open side Katie Murray.
Just before half time,
captain Rhian Thomas committed the defender for hooker Jamie Kift to score on
the overlap. The half time score was 13-5. Despite the dominance of Wales in
the first half, the home side mounted a strong defence to contain a strong
Canadian attack. Centre Julie Foster used her considerable pace to break
through the mid field and distribute a long pass for wing Christie Thompson to
cross the line for the visitors.
Wales failed to capitalise in their lineout
allowing the visitors to dominate possession. Full back Non Evans made a try
saving tackle to prevent a further score from the Canadians. Late in the second
half, the Welsh team defended well and turned over a scrum on their 5m line.
Just before the final
whistle, Canadian fly half Kelly McCallum added a further three points to bring
the final score to 13-13. National Coach, John Williams said, Before
Canada arrived, we would have been pleased with a draw and a loss by one point.
The Canadians have had two weeks training together in comparison with our two
sessions. The match has given us a good benchmark as to the amount of progress
made and this is very encouraging for the World
Cup.
CAERPHILLY 22 - GLASGOW 40
Friday 12th October 2001
Caerphilly travelled to Hughenden Park to face Glasgow last Friday with a number of players missing due to work commitments such as Ben Watkins, Gareth Jones and Justin Thomas.
Caerphilly led game for most of the first half with early points coming from the boot of Caerphilly Outside Half, Luke Richards after only 2 minutes of play, in what can only be considered to be dreadful playing conditions in front of an estimated 2,900 crowd.
Caerphilly playing with bags of pride and passion for the game and leading with only 10 minutes of play remaining in the first half 13 - 5, Glasgow run in a converted try from deep only to be followed by a similar try minutes later.
Glasgow put pressure Castletown men which saw the visitors infringing in their own 22m. The referee had seen enough at this stage and handed a yellow card to Caerphilly Hooker, Dean Colclough 3 minutes before the interval for infringing on his own try-line.
Glasgow made a nervous start to the game and were looking shaky for moments which Caerphilly exploited. The score at the interval was Glasgow 22- 13 Caerphilly.
Caerphilly started the second half with Dean Colclough sitting out the remaining 7 minutes of yellow card.
Caerphilly pivot, Richards closed the gap with a penalty after 3 minutes of second half play only to be followed by a try coming from Glasgow number eight, Roland Reid for his second try of the game.
Converted by Tommy Hayes. Caerphilly kept within range of Glasgow with a third Richards penalty. Glasgow turned on the heat once again but no points coming from this pressure, with Nathan Ross coming close to the green army try-line.
Glasgow's line-out looked poor at times in their own half. 2 more penalties coming from the boot of Glasgow's Tommy Hayes to 1 penalty from Caerphilly's Richards widened the gap to 35 - 22.
Caerphilly Wing, Geraint Lewis came off injured in the third quarter with an injured hip and was replaced by Rory Greenslade-Jones Glasgow were to have the final say with a try coming from Nathan Ross being driven over from the line-out.
Source: Phil Whitfield
CAERPHILLY 39 - LA ROCHELLE 44
Saturday 6th October 2001
It was a fully committed Caerphilly side who pushed La Rochelle, who are also in Pool 7 if the Parker Pen European Shield, to the limits last weekend at the Stade Marcel Deflandre. The previous weekend saw the Castle Town men record their first win of the season, 41-30 against Gran Parma in the same competition.
La Rochelle got off to an early start by scoring 3 tries in front of an estimated 5,000 crowd before Caerphilly had got on the scoreboard. Caerphilly fought back only to be trailing by 4 points at the interval, 27-23. Caerphilly wing, Geraint Lewis was replaced in the early stages of the second half taking a high tackle which left him struggling.
The second half was to be a repeat of the first with Caerphilly playing catchup. Caerphilly could have sealed a win but at times showed a weakness in their defensive line which missed the first tackles to let in a couple of easy tries.
Due to an ankle injury, Caerphilly centre, Roddy Boobyer was replaced with only 10 minutes of play remaining and looks to be sidelined for the next few weeks. At the final whistle Caerphilly were beaten by La Rochelle 44 points to 39. Caerphilly outside half, Luke Richards was responsible for 24 of Caerphilly 39 points with 6 penalties and 3 conversions successfully kicked. Tries for Caerphilly scored by Geraint Lewis, Darren Davies and Damien Geraghty.
It's back to Welsh/Scottish League business in October 20 when Virginia Park, 2.30 kick-off. Caerphilly play the remaining team in pool 7 of the Parker Pen European Shield against Gloucester on the 27th October away.
PRESS RELEASE
Neath
& Ebbw Vale
Welsh/Scottish League,
Celtic League,
European Clubs Association,
WRU Committee & Sub Committees
Re: Welsh Premier Clubs Association
It is with great regret that the above clubs have decided to withdraw their recognition of the Welsh Premiership Clubs Association as a Representative and Negotiating Body for the professional game in Wales.
The background to this withdrawal of recognition is the formation of the so called Joint Venture Company, a 'closed shop' of 5 clubs whose stated aim is to exclude all other Welsh Professional Clubs and their Players from the Joint Venture Company, and to seek a reduction in the number of professional clubs and players in Wales. One cannot expect them to argue that this reduction is to come from within their cartel.
Individuals from the 'JVC' who purport to represent the Welsh Premier Clubs Association on various domestic and cross border bodies, can no longer be considered to do so. In our view, there is a clear conflict of interest as to whom they represent. They certainly no longer speak on behalf of Welsh Premier Clubs Association, and can only be regarded as spokesmen for their own particular clubs.
In the short term we call upon the WRU and its General Committee to represent the interests of Professional Clubs and Players on all these bodies, until such a time that the Premier Division Clubs in Wales can form a representative and negotiating body that reflects the needs and concerns of the whole professional game, and not just a group of clubs from within it.
CAERPHILLY 41 - GR.A.N. PARMA 30
Saturday 29th September 2001
Caerphilly's Italian job is their first win this season.
Caerphilly recorded their first win of the season in the Parker Pen Shield last Saturday running out 41-30 winners against a well coached and physical Gran Parma side. The Italian outfit was made of players from Italy, Argentina, South Africa and the UK.
Gran Parma had the edge over Caerphilly in the early stages of the game, with some impressive handling which contributed towards an early lead for the visitors. First half tries for Caerphilly came from centres Geraint Evans and David Hawkins. The Castletown men trailed by 20 points to 15 half time, with anxious looks on the faces of he loyal home supporters.
But in the second half, the Caerphilly forwards took control with Luke Richards marshalling affairs at outside half. Two more tries for Caerphilly, courtesy of flanker Gareth Jones and lock Mark Workman added to the Caerphilly to the Caerphilly score sheet.
The game was in the balance in the remaining minutes until Caerphilly wing Geraint Lewis picked up a loose pass to touch down under the posts for a Luke Richards conversion. This conversion brought Luke Richards points tally for the day to 16.
Gran Parma's tries came from Federico Minello, Diego Colli, Daniel Stead and Filipo Soncini. Conversion by Jonathan Boden (2). The sports Cafe Man of The Match was awarded to Caerphilly wing Geraint Lewis.
A familiar face in rugby circles watching Caerphilly take their first win of the season at Virginia Park on Saturday was that of 32 times capped Cardiff and Wales international, Mark Ring. Mark Ring has joined the Caerphilly coaching set up along side head coach Gareth Nicholas and assistant coaches Simon King and Tony 'Charlie' Faulkner. "Mark Ring is to take on the role of looking after the backs, while Simon is more of a roaming sort of coach and this is no reflection on the work Simon and Gareth are putting in," said Caerphilly director of rugby, Gordon Pritchard.
Attendance: 1,150
PONTYPRIDD 38 - CAERPHILLY 8
Saturday 22nd September 2001 Playing Pontypridd at home Sardis Road, the House of Pain is always a difficult task for any team, but with neither Pontypridd of Caerphilly playing their best rugby at the moment, this fixture could have gone either way. Well it did - it went Ponty's way, who rattled up a 26 point to 0 lead by half time. Caerphilly led the way up front with a drilled pack but unfortunately came second best in the back division that failed to contain the Pontypridd back line. A quick penalty by Caerphilly pivot Luke Richards after 3 minutes of play was charged down by Pontypridd centre, Sonny Parker. Pontypridd outside-half, Ceri Sweeney set up Pontypridd Samoan Wing, Dominic Feaunati on a 35 metre run to score in the left corner. Caerphilly put Pontypridd under pressure in the first quarter, spending long periods in their half but unable to put this pressure into points by breaking through a strong Pontypridd's defence. The second Ponty try, also coming from Feaunati, came in the 16th minute from a line-out ball. Caerphilly's wing , Taunaholo Taufuhona, snapping at the heals of Feanati was handed off for a Pontypridd 10 point lead. Feaunati came close to his third try but for a try saving tackle by Caerphilly full back, Justin Thomas. The ball was spread from the left side of the pitch to the right looking for an opening which was eventually found by Pontypridd's full-back, Gareth Wyatt. Converted by Ceri Sweeney. Sweeney added 2 more penalties to the Pontypridd's score sheet and a drop goal from Wyatt at 35 metres before the half time whistle. A very lack-lustre second half was in store for all those watching who struggled against their heavy eyelids. An early second half penalty for Caerphilly, kicked by Luke Richards, put the Castle town men on the scoreboard. Pontypridd were denied a 4th try when referee, Nigel Owens ruled that Pontypridd had knocked back by Caerphilly flanker, Gareth Jones. Former Ebbw Vale prop, Duncan Bell, charged over from a rolling maul in the 52nd minute with a Sweeney conversation. Dominic Feaunati touched down for his hat-trick 12 minutes later and was also awarded H.S.B.C. Man Of The Match. Caerphilly centre, Geraint Evans, cut through the Pontypridd defence in the dying minutes of the game for Caerphilly's only try of the day. The day was summed up for Caerphilly when Luke Richards took a drop kick conversion in front of the posts which hit the upright and bounced back. This would have not affected the score line but at least would have given Caerphilly double figures.CAERPHILLY 18 - MUNSTER 61
Tuesday 11th September 2001
The Castletown men entered this match knowing that they had no chance of qualifying for the later rounds of the Celtic league competition. Munster who had already taken the scalp of Newport, the previous Friday made 13 changes to the team which entertained us at Virginia Park.
Caerphilly, playing Sione Tuipolutu at scrum half for the first time showed enterprise, and through a lovely weighted kick from former Wales full back Justin Thomas, wing Ken Morris picked up and scored in the fourth minute. Penalties were exchanged and the home side looked to be controlling matters. Munster prop Marcus Horan was sent to the sin bin for not allowing Tuipolutu to take a quick tap penalty.
With Munster down to 14 men, it was ideal opportunity for the home side to capitalise, but the visitors were 15-8 up by the time that Horan returned to the field, with tries from lock Donncha O'Callaghan and wing John Kelly. Ken Morris added another try, this side on the other wing after some fine juggling of the ball. Irish international Mike Mullins, a Cardiff target last year, then scored twice in four minutes to put the visitors 30-15 up at half time.
The Green Army did offer some resistance in the third quarter, restricting the provincial full time professionals to a Horan try, but wilted in the final minutes as Wallaby Jim Williams crossed and Mullins twice, waded through the sea of Green.
Not only pride was hurt during the night, wing Nigel Berbillion was stretcher off with knee ligament damage and No 8 Andrew Williams suffering a broken bone in his hand. Gordon Pritchard said the team's defeat "Our supporters deserve better than that. We let ourselves down, we let the fans down and we have let the club down."
Source: Garran Davies
EDINBURGH 27- CAERPHILLY
20
Friday 7th September 2001
Caerphilly travelled North for their visit to Edinburgh by train, apparently the first Welsh/Scottish team to do so, courtesy of their main sponsors Valley Lines.
The Caerphilly side still looking for their first win, hoping to improve from their last encounter with the Scots at Virginia Park, losing 15-5 in a game there for the taking, found themselves under early pressure from a penalty from ex Scotland Stand off Duncan Hodge, after a surging run from centre Kevin Utterson. Utterson then launched and finished a move which led to the first try. Shortly, after much pressure, Scotland back row forward Martin Leslie scored, the score line now 15-0 to the home side.
Caerphilly rallied and after some good play, Scrum half, Allen Chilten, a summer signing from Newcastle Falcons, wriggled through, with Outside Half Stuart Lawrence converting.
Duncan Hodge replied almost immediately when prop Mathew Bolton was sin-binned for killing the ball on the ground. Despite being a man down Caerphilly struck back with a try by 20 year old wing Ken Morris, making his league debut, after a superb run by Tongan full back Sione Tuipulotu. A 35 yard penalty from Lawrence, who scored 280 points for Pontypool last season, just 3 minutes after the restart saw Caerphilly well and truly back in the game.
Hodge, then slotted a penalty of his own over, after an alleged high tackle from centre Geraint Evans on full back Chris Patterson. Evans being yellow carded. Again down to 14 men, after some good rugby, Lawrence scored a try in the corner, but unable to convert it, brought the score to just 1 point.
Lawrence later missed a penalty, but a double drop goal success by Hodge in the last five minutes, sealed it for the home side. Director of Rugby, Gordon Pritchard was pleased with his side's performance, but questioned some of the decisions from the officials.
Source: Garran Davies
CAERPHILLY 15 - CARDIFF 49
Saturday 1st September 2001
The scoreline does little justice to the Castletown Men's effort as they kept in close contention for the majority of the match. Only after 60 minutes would Cardiff run away with string of excellent tries at the well attended match.
Photos courtesy of Paul Anzani
CAERPHILLY
13 - NEATH 43
Saturday 18th
August 2001
Last weekend saw Caerphilly R.F.C. host their first game of the season against Neath at Virginia Park in the Celtic League which also doubled as a Welsh Scottish league fixture.
Caerphilly fielding five of their new signings including Seone Tuipolutu at Full-Back and Stuart Lawrence at Outside-Half, both ex Pontypool. In the pack were Damien Geraghty at Hooker from Cardiff, Darren Davies at Lock and Brett Scriven at No 8. Neath fielding six new signings including Lions and Wales Centre, Allan Bateman. The 36 year old making his return to Neath after an absence from Welsh domestic rugby for more than 10 years. Lee Jarvis at Outside-Half proving himself a valuable acquisition to Neath scoring 16 of their 43 points on the day. It looked a very positive Caerphilly from the kick-off, forcing Neath to concede a penalty in the very first minute but the Castle town men failed to capitalise.
Neath turned the pressure around and put the home side under the cosh catching Caerphilly off-side more than once. Lee Jarvis scored three penalties against the home side all in the space of 10 minutes.
Allan Bateman made a break through the Caerphilly defence, off-loaded to Shaun Connor who paved the way for Shane Williams to score Neath's first try of the day.
Stuart Lawrence got Caerphilly of the mark with a well executed penalty from 38 meters. Lawrence followed the penalty up with a break up the right wing. A short kick and chase for Justin Thomas who showed his footballing skills with a perfectly weighted kick to score for Caerphilly. This was duly converted by Stuart Lawrence. Caerphilly at this stage had closed the gap to only four points.
Neath were awarded a penalty before the break and chose to kick to touch instead of a kick at goal. This paid dividends for the Welsh All-Blacks. They created a rolling maul from the line-out and ex Caerphilly star, Fijian international, Alfie Mocelutu grounded the ball for Neath.
The score at the interval, Caerphilly 10 - 19 Neath.
The weather improved slightly in the second half, but for Caerphilly things were still looking dull and dismal.
Only 2 minutes after the restart, Neath Centre, Dave Tiueti made an angled run through the Caerphilly defence, a quick pass to Allan Bateman to side-step and score which was converted by Lee Jarvis. Lawrence and Jarvis both kicked another three points for their respective sides. Neath Centre, James Storey made a break in the 64th minute and provided good ball for Tongan, Dave Tiueti to score his first try of the day. Converted by Lee Jarvis.
With only seven minutes remaining of the game, Neath Flanker Richard Francis strolled over the Green Army try line to score . Converted by replacement kicker, Shaun Connor.
This was a slightly different scoreline to last season where Caerphilly entertained Neath and resulted in a 33 - 33 draw.
Caerphilly coach, Gareth Nicolas said after the game, "Too many of my players left their games in the dressing room." "We didn't play with any vim and vigour and all credit to Neath." "We are very disappointed with how things went today."
Caerphilly:
Tries: Thomas
Cons: Lawrence
Pens: Lawrence (2)
Neath:
Tries: Bateman, Williams,
Tiueti, Mocelutu, Francis
Cons: Jarvis (2), Connor
Pens: Jarvis (4)
Source: Phil Whitfield
Team News
Apart from the usual pre-season summer training sessions, there have
been many changes for the Castletown club over the last month or so, with a
multitude of rugby talent joining the club.
The forward division have
seen the arrival of Llanelli Flanker, Mike Buckingham. Former Cardiff Hooker,
Damien Geraghty arrives prior to Cardiff Flanker, Simon Grainger. Worcester
Number 8, Brett Scrivens has joined the club on a three month trial. Also
joining the club is lock Darren Davies, Prop Tim Marsden and former Swansea
Hooker Dean Colclough.
The backs have received a significant boost with
the arrival of former Wales Under 21 Scrum Half Matthew Taylor from Ebbw Vale.
Another Wales Under 21 Scrum Half, Allen Chiltern also joins the club coming
from Newcastle Falcons. Utility back, Stuart Lawrence joins from Pontypool.
Adrian Evans arrives from Glamorgan Wanderers and already on-board, Ken Morris,
leaves Bridgend to join Caerphilly, both playing on the wing.
Some of
the players Caerphilly has released are: Mike Wilson, who is now Propping for
Bedwas. Sean Marshall has returned to his old club, Cross Keys. Chris John will
possibly be moving to Pontypridd, and Jonathon Hooper is linked to
Merthyr.
The biggest loss to the Castletown club this season will be the
absence of Alfie Mocelutu who joined Neath this summer.
The new arrivals
at the club, along with the already present squad have played three pre-season
friendly matches over the last few weeks against Saracens, Glamorgan Wanderers
and Moseley. Caerphilly lost to Saracens but were victorious over the Wanderers
and Moseley.
Caerphilly has approached the local clubs with a view to
exchanging resources, such as links with coaching, scouting and lending
players. To date, no club has taken up the offer but Director of Rugby, Gordon
Pritchard said "the first club to take up the offer will receive more help than
they can manage."
Caerphilly is grateful to its sponsors, old and new,
for all their assistance towards the club. At present the club is actively
seeking new sponsorship for the coming season, 2001-2, with a range of
sponsorship deals. Anyone can sponsor the club for as little as £100 for
matchball sponsorship. Also available are Hospitality Packages, Advertising
Boards and the possibility to sponsor a players kit for the coming
season.
For further information, contact Phil Williams or Hywel Cornish
on (029) 2088 2573 or (029) 2086 5077, email us at
or speak to one of the sponsorship committee members on match
days.
Source: Phil Whitfield