Betws drop a league bombshell
FOOTBALL
BETWS have dropped a bombshell in pulling the plug on Highadmit South Wales Alliance Division One, writes Tony Poole.
The 2003 champions lost Welsh League status two seasons ago, and last winter they finished bottom of the Alliance Premier Division having won just one of 30 league matches.
That was an embarrassing state of affairs for the proud North Site side, and at times even fielding a team was difficult.
But hope seemed to spring eternal, as next season they were set to contest Division One derby matches with Cefn Cribwr Boys Club, Cornelly United, Garw and Porthcawl Town Athletic.
However, a decision was made at a meeting to just go for a team in the Celtic Tyres Bridgend & District League under the possible management of ex-Caerau boss Gareth Darks.
The feeling was that Betws were wiping the slate clean with a fresh start, hopefully leading to a change in fortunes.
It’s a similar kind of move to what next-door neighbours Llangeinor opted for when they withdrew from Welsh League Division Three midway through campaign.
They too threw their lot in with the Bridgend League but six years on, they haven’t budged an inch.
These moves have come on top of former Welsh League giants Maesteg Park folding in 2010, and Lewistown following suit.
Betws will continue to operate out of the Oddfellows public house, but landlord Dave Simons has stood down as chairman.
However, he remains club president and Betws will continue to field teams in Bridgend League mini football. the 2011/12
In all probability, with Betws having withdrawn from the Alliance, it will lead to Cogan Coronation remaining in Division One with only Cwmbach Royal Stars relegated.
And at the really sharp end in Division Two, AFC Bargoed will dodge relegation to parks level, and play alongside the three promoted clubs – Blaenrhondda, Llanharry and Vale United.
But there was general surprise last Saturday during the Welsh League AGM in Cardiff that their 2003 champions have hit such lean times that the slippery slope to parks grade was the chosen option.