Memorial match will become annual fixture
THOUSANDS turned out as two rugby players were remembered in a special tribute game played between their clubs.
The game between Beddau RFC and Pontyclun RFC was played in memory of Daniel Palk and Luke Hole, and the Palk-Hole Memorial Game will now become an annual fixture for the teams.
Mr Palk, 32, an electrician, died in June. He was the seventh member Beddau RFC has tragically lost in the space of just six months.
Pontyclun player Mr Hole, 29, died in Spain in May. He was there while taking part in a Majorca Beach Rugby Sevens tournament.
According to Beddau’s Brendan Lyons, who helped organise the fixture that took place at Beddau RFC, over 2,000 people were there for the special occasion, including a total of 60 players for both teams.
Balloons in the colours of both teams were released ahead of kickoff, which saw Beddau and Pontyclun’s “legends” face off in the first half, before a Palk vs Hole “selects” match in the second.
Speaking on behalf of the group that organised the event, he said: “It was all worth it to see how well the event went, so many happy faces and families enjoying themselves and to celebrate two special lads whose names will never be forgotten.
“We had over 100 volunteers helping, ranging from cooking and cleaning all the way up to security. Everyone had gruelling shifts and some even slept there overnight Friday to protect the tents and stock.
“We’d like to thank all of the people who have helped make this day so special, there’s so many, but literally everyone from Beddau Rugby Club mucked in, playing their roles.”
Beddau’s teams emerged victorious on the day, winning 21-12.
Speaking before Saturday’s game, John Gilbert, chairman of Pontyclun Rugby Club, said: “The whole of Rhondda Cynon Taf is coming together, it’s the whole rugby community coming together.”
Mr Gilbert said money raised from the game will be in the thousands.
The body of Mr Hole was found in his hotel room in May this year. It was reported he had died of a heart attack.