Rugby Club ISSUE 86 | Page 60

Llanhilleth FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG Llanhilleth RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Llanhilleth, like many communities throughout Wales, is a Community that was built on the Coal mining industry that enveloped South Wales. We are geographically located at the southernmost point of the County Borough of Blaenau Gwent, and the local historians inform us that the Community was the 1st settlement within the Borough of Blaenau Gwent. On the map of Wales showing the castles that existed many centuries ago, Llanhilleth was one of the locations that existed with a medieval Castle that is locally known today as St Illtyd’s. Our club is steeped in a rich history of participating in the game way back in the late 19th Century and was originally known as Llanhilleth All Blacks. The 1st game played was recorded as being 1889. Today we are pleased to say that we have reversed the fortunes of previous seasons via the hard work of a small group of committed administrators and dedicated hard-working coaches, players and back room volunteers. The mantra of the recent success can be put down to commitment, loyalty and teamwork, both on and off the field of play. The base of our administration is a group of former players that have stayed committed and loyal to the cause and with the support of local people we manage to succeed in keeping the club and business going forward that provides the opportunity for the current generation of players to participate in the great game that is Rugby Union. With the current turmoil both nationally and regionally in managing the game of Rugby Union throughout Wales, success on the field is something that needs to be celebrated, as the future is a path that will be explored with great zest and enthusiasm. Within our administrative team of volunteers is the Secretary David Went, a former player, Captain and Coach who represented the Club way back in the 1980’s and resides locally and is in his 23rd year as an Officer of the club. The Current Chairman Geoffrey Musto is also a former player from the 1980’s and has remained loyal to the cause in providing industrious commitment in driving both the Rugby Club and Clubhouse sections forward. Our Vice Chairman, Michael Williams, and Treasurer Mel Yates are both the elder statesmen of our organisation, both former players who played during a time that rugby studs were nailed to the bottom of boots and pig’s bladders were required to inflate the brown leather clad laced up rugby balls. The Clubhouse Treasurer is Aidn Morgan, again a former player and Captain of the club in 1990’s. Also, vital to any organisation is someone to bring revenue into the club, our Sponsorship Secretary Leon Rogers, again a previous player, has doubled up as our linesman, and worked tirelessly for the cause to keep our organisation going. Darren Crosbee of Club sponsor Unitech recently told Rugby Club Magazine, “UniTech have sponsored the club for the past five years and wanted to help support the club and the great work they do within the local community. In particular, I feel Leon rogers has continued to perform a great service to the club. Its outstanding to see the team gaining promotion and I would like to wish them all continued success for next season!” 60 Issue 86