Old Penarthians prepare for new season (From Penarth Times)

Old Penarthians prepare for new season

7:40am Thursday 9th July 2009

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WITH THE month of June now at an end, the thoughts of the players at the Cwrt-y-Vil headquarters of the Old Penarthians RFC are about to concentrate upon the preparations for yet another campaign within Division 5 South East of the SWALEC National Leagues programme.

Not that the weeks since the end of last season have been wasted, for goodly numbers have made themselves enthusiastically available for the Thursday evening Touch Rugby sessions that have been taking place under the eagle eye of former Head Coach Mike Glavin. The last of these sessions is scheduled to take place this evening (July 9), although it is not yet clear as to how many will be fit enough to attend following the mass exodus to Latvia that took place last weekend on the occasion of retiring Skipper Alun Haines’s stag party!

Next week, however, sees the start of the serious work with twice weekly sessions due to commence on Tuesday, July 14 and continuing each Thursday and Tuesday thereafter until the start of the season.

After two successful seasons at the helm, Head Coach Mike Glavin has decided to step down and both players and supporters are fulsome in their praise of his efforts whilst wishing him well for the future.

In the meantime, the club is delighted that Mike’s previous second-in command, Jeff Norman, has stepped into the breach and is eager to put his own ideas to the test, as he seeks to ensure that the Old Boys follow a path that could take them into the higher echelons of the division.

Previously associated with Rumney RFC in company with Mike, Jeff has recently achieved qualification at level three of the Welsh Rugby Union’s prestigious coaching programme and has already expressed a desire to instill a change of attitude amongst the players under his wing.

The way in which the Old Boys lost their way in the latter part of last season is a matter of great concern to the new coach and he is determined to try his level best to ensure that there is no repeat this term.

New Skipper Scott McCarthy and Team Manager Tony Purnell have already been in earnest talks with the new supremo.

It is clear that they will all expect total commitment from the players, as they seek to engender a competitive element within the side that will ensure that no individual can be sure of his place unless he is prepared to accept personal responsibility for undertaking the work ethic that will bring about a return to the days when it was a matter of pride to wear the Penarthian jersey.

Coach Norman promises that his sessions will be varied and full of interest, but he stresses that they will make major demands on the fitness of individuals.

He also makes it clear that it is vital that individuals are on board with effect from the very first workout, and that they should be ready to take part at the starting time of 7pm – late attendance not being an option.

As already indicated, the Old Boys are again operating in Division 5 South East although the addition of District newcomers Blackwood Stars means that the numbers have increased to 12, ensuring a 22 match campaign without the disruption of the 'free' Saturday that has been evident in recent times.

The "Stars" earn their promotion from the District based Division 6 East where they finished as runners up to Hartridge HSOB.

With Pontyclun promoted to Division 4 and Hirwaun transferred yet again to Division 5 Central, numbers are completed by two relegated sides in Senghenydd and Cefn Coed, both of whom will ensure the competitive nature of the Division.

Penarthians are continuing to operate their 2nd XV within the competition of the Cardiff and District leagues and will again be under the captaincy of James Williams, whilst a more casual approach to the game is offered through the medium of the occasional outings available under the Vets banner that is organised yet again by Robert Crimp.

New players are assured of a very warm welcome at the St Marks Road site, which also houses facilities such as the gym area and squash courts that are the envy of many other clubs in the area.

If you are interested, just turn up on a Tuesday or Thursday evening and make yourself known to either Jeff Norman or Tony Purnell.

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