Rugby News . . . from PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

Whitland lasses fly the Pembrokeshire rugby flag with distinction . . .

There were no winners from the rugby fraternity of Pembrokeshire at the Sport Pembrokeshire Awards evening but Whitland Ladies RFC were worthy finalists in the Team of the Year category and certainly deserve a mention.
They are currently the only ladies’ rugby team in Pembrokeshire and won the Welsh League Division Two title in the 2007/8 seasons and although they have to travel far and wide in search of matches they are totally committed, enthusiastic and really enjoy each other’s company.

Suzanne Davies is team manager and her many roles include making sure that the kit and balls are at the ground, putting out the flags and cheering the girls on – and then getting back quickly to the Whitland clubhouse after home matches to cook their meal for them!
But Suzanne would be the first to say that this is not a Borderers’ one man band because, “The club are totally behind our ladies’ rugby teams, with top club men like Dai John and Arwyn Thomas leading the way alongside Richard Merriman, who never misses a match and makes sure we have publicity in the local press. Ceri Newton is a terrific first-aider whilst coaches Meinir Walsh and Andy Webster make sure that the girls are kept busy at Wednesday evening training sessions under the lights at Parc Dr Owen, developing their skills and raising their fitness levels.”

At the moment, Whitland Ladies are the only team in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and West Carmarthenshire, and what with girls going off to college and a few getting pregnant they are always looking for new recruits. As Suzanne says,
“Enthusiasm is far more important than being very experienced or skilful and we are always on the lookout for new recruits. Natalie Walsh travels from Fishguard and others also travel to play for us as we always guarantee a warm welcome. I always tell our players that I am delighted if they win but don’t really mind about the result as long as they come off at the finish with a smile on their faces.”

Suzanne started helping out when her daughter Sara played for Whitland and Wales at under 19 level as a front rower who is now at UWIC and enjoying her sport there. She now is kept busy in her involvement at the club because she also cooks the food for the men’s after-match meal. But it is the ladies’ playing which is her main interest since Suzanne readily admits,
“They are a great bunch of girls to be involved with and we are eager to keep building on the start we have made. We play for fun and are happy to remain in Division Two so that everyone can enjoy their game without worrying about the result. Whitland Ladies Rugby team are a happy bunch and we fully intend that we keep our smile levels high wherever we play.”

Our picture shows the Whitland Ladies Rugby Team prior to a recent match.
Back Row (left to right): Andy Webster (coach); Rosie Hutton; Sian Robinson; Elizabeth Thomas; Vicky Owens; Christina Jenkins; Meinir Walsh (coach); Natalie Bowen (capt); Nina Bishop; Karen Webster (first aid); Lucy Peach; Beth Rees; Suzanne Davies (Team Manager); Alan Jenkins (coach).
Front Row (left to right): Sian Murrow; Natalie Walsh; Emma Mouseley; Lucy Neal; Kate Bowen; Jenny Hawkins; Sian Morgan; Caryl James.