Combe
Down
Penallta
Combe Down
Combe Down RFC are based at Hollys Corner on Bramble Way in Somerset and their first
team currently competes in the Dorset and Wilts 1 North Division.
They are led by Chairman Paul Ashman who is
supported by Secretary Steve White and the club
is looking to progress under their guidance. Their
first team put together a solid campaign this time
around, managing to win 11 and lose 8 of their
matches played to date. This sees them sitting
close to the top of the league although they are a
long way off of the table’s top side.
Their form should provide them with a good
platform upon which to build as they look ahead
to the 2014-15 campaign. As long as they are able
to keep their present group of players together
and perhaps make one or two quality signings
they should be well set-up for a title push.
Combe Down is a club that is also committed to
providing as many young people from the local
area as possible with an opportunity to play the
game in a safe and enjoyable environment. It
is with this in mind that they have a number of
youth teams in place. It is important for any side
to be able to produce their own talent, particularly
in the current financial climate and this is an area
that Combe Down appears to have covered. It will
certainly be exciting to watch to see how they are
able to develop over the coming years.
Penallta
Penallta RFC is based on Caerphilly Road in Mid Glamorgan having first been established
in 1952 and their senior team currently competes in League 1 East of the SWALEC Leagues.
They are led by Chairman Gareth Davies who is supported by Secretary Wayne Jones and
the club has made a considerable amount of progress under their guidance.
The club was first formed by a group of miners
from Penallta Colliery and the decision was made
for them to continue running after the Colliery
shut down. Their home colours are blue and
yellow.
They became a full member of the Welsh
Rugby Union in 2004 and have experienced
a considerable amount of success since then
climbing through the leagues.
One particular highlight was winning the Swalec
Plate in the 2011-12 season. The current group of
players will be keen to add to their history over
the coming years.
This time out, Penallta has put together a solid
league record, managing to win 11, draw 1 and lose
10 of their 22 matches.
This saw them finish in a safe mid table position
with 55 points on the board.
With the season now finished they can reflect on
the campaign that they’ve had and it should be
seen as one which provides them with a solid base
upon which to build.
If they are able to retain their current group of
players and perhaps make one or two quality
additions then they should be able to claim a
In order to help their youngsters successfully
make the transition into the senior game Combe
Down also has a 2nd team running. This allows
them to give players experience of adult level
rugby even if they are not yet considered ready for
first team action which can be an important step
in the development process.
Another benefit of having more than one team
is that it allows the first XV to have far greater
strength in depth. If they are ever left short on
numbers through injury or work commitments
they have the option of calling players up with a
limited amount of disruption.
Combe Down is clearly a club that plays a vital role
in their local community particularly in relation
to the development of young players. Hopefully
they will be able to continue in the same manner
for many years to come and Rugby Club Magazine
wishes them the best of luck.
8
ISSUE 45
Proud supporters of
Penallta RFC.
Gelliargwellt Farm, Gelligaer, Hengoed,
Mid Glam CF82 8FY.
Tel: 01443-838121.
Email: [email protected]
www.bryngroup.co.uk
www.rugbyclub.biz
9