GARW VALLEY

Send Your News To: 01656 513416 Liz.streatfield@gmail.com

Congratulations To Travis Huntley: Well done to Travis Huntley of Meadow Street, Pontycymer, who on Sunday, August 4 flew to South Africa, to represent Wales under 18s in rugby.

He will win his first international cap, playing in a tri-series competition against South Africa, South Africa ‘A’ and France.

Thank You: What a day! A huge thank you to everyone from the Garw Valley, the Valley Ravens mini/junior section, and everybody from Pontycymmer RFC and Ogmore Vale RFC, who turned up in their hundreds to support the late Alan “Alfie “Parsons fun day at Lawrence Park on Saturday, August 3.

It was a fantastic day with over £5,500 raised for the British Heart Foundation and Kidney Research Wales. Once again, thank you for all your support.

Alan ‘Alfie’ Parsons Memorial Match Report: Pontycymmer Vets 12 - Ogmore Vale Vets 12.

Played in front of a four figure crowd and in memory of the late Alan ‘Alfie’ Parsons, this game proved to be a great spectacle, in keeping with the spirit of the occasion.

It was the visitors who started with gusto and in the 10th minute powerhouse centre, Leon Cosker crossed for the opening score, Cosker himself adding the extras to make it 7-0.

This was the wake up call the home side needed and, just before the interval, the Lawrence Park outfit broke down the Ogmore Vale Rorke’s Drift style defence, the ball falling into the arms of burly wing, Dave Upton, who went on one of his trademark smash and grab runs, touching down in ‘Tubbs Corner.’

When the two sides stopped for a well deserved breather and slice of orange, it was 7-5 in favour of the Ogmore Park outfit.

Pontycymmer old boys started the second half the stronger, and at the 64th minute mark, flying wing Jamie-Leigh Thomas charged over for the home side’s second score, with Bridgend Blue Bulls star centre Gareth Howells converting the try.

Then, with just ten minutes left on the clock, Ogmore’s man with the Midas touch, Leon Cosker rounded off a 24 carat performance, completing a brace of tries out wide, and making it honours even at 12-12.

Eye catching performances came from John Coggins, Neil Smith and live wire scrum half Stevie Gillet, while none worked harder for the Ogmore Valley side than cornerstone Carl Gregory, former Ravens wing Richie Radford, and hooker Gavin Jenkins.

This match was a fantastic advert for grass roots rugby and raised a large amount of money for The British Heart Foundation and Kidney Wales.

A huge thank you also goes to the Valley Ravens mini and juniors for their guard of honour – Two Clubs, Two Valleys, One Valley Ravens.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic: On Saturday, August 17, Parc Calon Lan in Blaengarw will be hosting a teddy bears’ picnic, from 9am5pm. There will be stalls and refreshments etc all day long. Entry is free and all welcome. Just bring along a picnic, as well as your teddy bear of choice in order to enjoy this fun day out.

Bridgend Quiz League: Bridgend Quiz League is inviting teams and individuals to attend a social evening on the Monday, September 2 at 8pm for a free General Knowledge quiz, followed by a free buffet at Tondu Railway Club.

Also, if you are a quizzer with 3 or 4 like minded friends, able to form a team within a pub/club in Bridgend County Borough, and available on Monday nights between late September and April, you are invited to come along and register for the 2019/20 season.

Entry for the whole season is £40 a team – approx 40p a person per quiz.

If you are unable to attend the social evening, then you can register your team by post to: BQL Treasurer, 7 Swn Yr Adar, Penyfai, Bridgend CF31 4GE.

Cheques should be received by 2nd September and made payable to Bridgend Quiz League. Please provide your team details and include a contact name, phone number and email address.

But, why not come along to see what we are all about, buy a drink and take part in the general knowledge quiz with your friends? You can also take advantage of the free buffet!

Remember, there is no obligation to join the League. For more information please visit our website, or contact Steve on 01656 722 754.

Bryngarw Park Volunteer Group: On Saturday, September 7, from 10am2pm, the volunteers will be clearing and tidying the Orchard and Woodland Garden at Bryngarw.

Recent years have seen new enhancements to this area of the park with sculptures, benches and accessible footpaths, as well as an inaugural apple-pressing community event!

September’s event is dedicated to ensuring that these special areas of the park remains in top condition with a hay rake, bramble and scrub clearing, and a general tidy up... and, of course, apple-pressing!

Tools and training are provided for all volunteer events. Meet at Cedars tea room at 10am.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring a packed lunch. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Cricket Feature: With the end of summer on its way, Blaengarw Cricket Club play their final home game of the 2019 season, on Saturday, August 24 at Darren Park, Blaengarw, when they welcome Ton Pentre CC to the Garw Valley. The match starts at 1pm.

Also good luck to the squad, who at the end of September will be touring Weston Super Mare.

Cricket Match Report: Blaengarw & Coedely 134-1 – Crumlin 2nd XI 133 all out.

Recently, in form Blaengarw and Coedely welcomed Crumlin to an overcast Darren Park for this South East Wales division seven encounter, and it was the home team that held all the aces.

When the two sides met last at the start of the season, it was Crumlin that just edged the win in a heart stopping thriller of a low-scoring contest, but this time the Garw Valley outfit delivered in spades, their topsy-turvy season continuing on in an upward spiral.

The visitors batted first and posted 133 all out, with opening bat L Meek top scorer on 51.

The home sides bowling figures read: L Chambers 8-2-20-3, Nik Spooner 8-0-20-0, golden arm Geraint Gillet 8-1-240, Garin Lougher 8-0-304, spin king Nathan Watts 4-1-12-1 and Craig Butler 4-1-13-1.

Blaengarw and Coedely made light work of the run chase, knocking the 133 off with ease. Star bat for the home side was long ball Greg Sinnott (33), with Craig Butler dishing up a classic 52 not out. At the other end, former skipper Lloyd Chambers bludgeoned out an unbeaten 38 runs to take the spoils.

Pontycymmer R.F.C. 2nd XV: After years in the wilderness, Pontycymmer Rugby Club now have enough players to start a seconds team again, and a game has been pencilled in for Saturday 14th September at Lawrence Park. If anyone is interested in playing social rugby, training is every Thursday at 6.30pm in Lawrence Park, Pontycymmer. All are welcome.

Bridgend Castle Players Casting Call: Bridgend Castle Players are looking for committed individuals who would be interested in taking part in this season’s family pantomime, Aladdin.

Some cast members are still on board from the last time we endeavoured to put on the production, however there are a

number of roles that need to be recast/cast.

Please note that we will not start any readings until we have enough interest to cast the entire production.

For more information contact: secretary@ bridgendcastleplayers.org

Bridgend Castle Players Youth: On Thursday 15th August, Bridgend Castle Players are proud to present, BCP Youth - Free taster sessions.

Open to anyone aged between seven and 11 years of age, why not come and learn a little about all aspects of theatre through a variety of fun activities, such as different acting techniques, props & scenery, sound & light, costumes etc.

The sessions take place in the main hall at Bettws Community Club and will run from 10am-2pm, with a break for lunch at 12 noon. Please could all attendees bring a packed lunch.

For more information, contact Kelly Robinson: chair@bridgendcastleplayers.org or see our website: www. bridgendcastleplayers.org