I would like to wish all the players, coaches, managers, committee, volunteers, valued sponsors and supporters a Merry Christmas and Happy New year.

From a personal point of view now that my tenure as originally Chairman of the club and formally as a Director of the club is over after 10 years, I would like to thank everyone that I have worked with over these years for their great work and commitment.

As most people know it is always very tough running a rugby club and we have faced many challenges through the years but of course we have achieved a great deal both on and off the field as well.

Speaking with my Director of Rugby hat on, this is probably the most challenging year in terms of our budget constraints on the playing side in a year that 4 maybe 5 teams will be relegated? It’s commonly known that I am not the biggest fan of the WRU plans or indeed the way the game of rugby is run in Wales. What I have learnt in 10 years is there is no point in challenging the way things are run because it only falls on deaf ears, so we just have to get on with it.

So far this season still to be played out I remain positive that we can do enough to stay at the top end of the club game. We have recently shown some good spirit in the games against Pontypridd and Merthyr. It is now critical that this spirit transfers into better performances and indeed wins.

I am hoping to see a 100% committed performance against Ebbw Vale on Boxing Day in what should be a great day all round at The Bridgefield.

Have a great Christmas and I hope to see a bumper crowd on Boxing Day.

Yours in Rugby

Mark Lewis

Director of Rugby