Welsh rugby team forced to play two matches in 24 hours but have perfect response
'Bad luck' saw the team faced with three fixtures in five days, including two just a day apart
A Welsh rugby team were forced to play three games in five days, including two within 24 hours of each other - but a monumental effort from the club saw all of the fixtures go ahead.
Pontyclun RFC were left with the unenviable task after reaching the semi-final stage of two independent cup competitions, the Malcolm Thomas Cup and the Silver Ball Trophy, run by the East District and Glamorgan County rugby respectively. The two semi-finals fell on consecutive days and so the club asked if the Malcolm Thomas clash could be moved, only to learn that their opponents were struggling to raise a side for the alternative date.
After deciding that they wanted both sides to be able to play that game, Pontcylun later asked if their Silver Ball fixture could be moved instead, but learnt that the arrangements for that match were too far along to change. 25% OFF DEAL NOW: Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Aside from their cup commitments, a League 4 East Central match that had been postponed due to bad weather earlier in the season was also rescheduled for the Easter weekend.
That meant that Pontyclun's 1st XV faced three games in five days, taking on Brackla RFC in the league on Easter Saturday, before facing Old Illtydians RFC in the Malcolm Thomas Cup on the Tuesday and playing Beddau RFC in the Silver Ball on the Wednesday.
"We're not blaming anyone," said club secretary Jamie Herridge. "It was just bad luck really. Usually by Easter you're starting to run things down and giving people weeks off, but it just transpired that last Saturday was the only date we could get the postponed league fixture rearranged for, and then the two separate cup organisations came up with those dates for the semi-finals.
"So, we were confronted with three games in five days and two in two - but the players were determined to not let anyone down. We have a large mini and junior section at the club where the youngsters look up to these boys, and to pull out of a game was something they wanted to avoid at all costs."
With a busy week like no other ahead of them, Pontyclun rallied their registered players and called upon some that had retired as they tried to get three squads together. Thankfully, they answered the call, with former players dusting off their boots and some youth players stepping up to make sure the games went ahead.
A total of 31 players were involved across the three fixtures, with some taking part in all of the matches.
"Some of these boys have families and they all have jobs, and them playing involved sacrifices from their wives, girlfriends and kids over the Easter weekend," said Mr Herridge. "They took time off work for the midweek fixtures and, remember, they're all amateurs, so there is a financial cost as well.
"We even had three 18-year-old youth players - Ryan Harris, Harri Styff and Dafydd Hulse - stepping up against a Division 1 side and performing admirably."
Ultimately, there was to be no fairytale result for Pontyclun as they fell to a narrow 24-27 defeat to Brackla before suffering two further losses in their cup semi-finals. But the results do not tell the full story, with the village bursting with pride at the club's incredible efforts in the face of adversity.
"It has been a testing week, but the players have come away with their heads held high and really enjoyed the challenge," Mr Herridge added. "The club cannot be prouder of them and we have had many members of Pontyclun village, who are not associated with the club, passing on their support.
"Many of those who were at the game from clubs around South Wales came and thanked the boys for their efforts and congratulated the youngsters on their courage.
"We even had members of the Glamorgan rugby group speak to the squad after the game on Wednesday and they told us of the respect they have for all the players, coaches and back room staff for managing to fulfill the fixtures. As they said, 'rugby was the winner'.
"It was a pity we couldn't win one of the semi finals so the boys could have a big day as a reward, but that is sport," he added. "Now, we wish Beddau and Old Illtydians the best in their finals."
Head coach Berwyn Davies echoed Mr Herridge's words, adding: "This week has shown what Pontyclun RFC is all about. Three games in five days, yes, it is ridiculous, but we never waved the white flag, and everyone stepped up and wore the badge with honour and pride. Everyone that played a part in getting to Tuesday and Wednesday's semi-finals should be mega proud.
"As a coaching group we couldn't be prouder. No, we didn't get the results we wanted or probably deserved this week, but on another day in another week then, who knows, maybe we would have."
After a positive league season that has seen them claim 12 wins and one draw from 16 league games, Pontyclun have given their players a well-deserved weekend off. However, they will be back in action next week with rearranged fixtures against Llandaff North and Cardiff Saracens still to be played.