Old friends, new friends, then back to league (From Penarth Times)

Old friends, new friends, then back to league

SULLY Sports RFC hosted a memorial game and function, following the recent tragic death of a former player, Nigel Westall.

His brother Dale, also an ex-player, led the Golden Oldies XV against the club's current squad.

There was a tremendous turn-out for the game, both on the touchline, - with Nigel's family and friends and most of the club members (past and present) - and on the pitch, where 30 old boys donned kit to play some part in the game.

The game itself was fast and furious and although the current squad ran out winners by five tries to three, the occasion was the real winner, as Nigel's memory was well and truly honoured.

The oldies were all over 35, with the oldest 59 next month, but in the tight they gave the youngsters a hard lesson and it was only their superior fitness and speed behind the pack that surpassed the strength and guile of the golden boys.

To their credit, the Vets kept going and won a moral victory, scoring the last try right on the whistle, and fittingly it was Dale who brought the game to an end with the conversion.

A typical after-match curry and lots of beer were enjoyed by a packed clubhouse.

Tributes and presentations were made, led by club chairman Ray Gallivan, but it was the craic of old acquaintances and stories of the past that paid justice to the memory of a well loved-young man.

Finally, funds raised of around 200 are to be donated to Ty Hafan to commemorate the event, which it is hoped will be repeated on an annual basis.

l Over the weekend of March 17-19, Sports hosted their twin club from Fcamp and, as over the last 18 years, a great time was had by all.

The traditional fixture with the Vets was won 47-17 by the Sports, although following the previous week's exertions, few of the Vets were able to take too much part and therefore they gained an advantage of a younger side.

In the spirit of the fixtures, substitutions were frequent, with players often guesting for the other team. The Fcamp scrum half got on the score sheet with a try while playing for the Sports, while Lee Walters got tries both teams.

The finale was a civic reception on the Sunday morning, hosted by the mayor, Cllr Margaret Alexander, to bid farewell to our French visitors.

The club wishes to thank most sincerely all those who hosted the visitors in their homes and look forward to next year's trip to Normandy.

l On Saturday, March 25, it was off to a very wet and muddy Machen for a game in atrocious weather. Machen got off to the best possible start with a converted try after five minutes, and then the next 70 were a war of attrition, as both sides battered each other up front, although both teams did surprisingly try to play expansively as well.

With 10 minute left, the Sports had been encamped in the home 22 for several minutes with desperate defence keeping them out.

A spilled ball and Machen hacked out to go the length of the field for a very controversial try that virtually sealed the game.

The Sports replied with another heavy assault on the home line which brought a try for replacement flanker Wayne Storey, when he dived over from a close range ruck, and outside-half Mike Mees added a difficult conversion. A final assault was contained by Machen who cleared up to the Sports goal-line and the game was over.

l Deposits/payment for the tour to Blackpool are now required urgently - contact Mike Stafford/ Peter Mees.

l Next Saturday, April 1, the club is due to play at Pontllanfraith, but the game may be switched to Sully. Players must confirm their availability and the venue at today's training session.