Croeso cynnes iawn i bawb o Glwb Rygbi Y Cwins i Fanc Yr Eglwys heddi! It is with pleasure that we welcome Carmarthen to Church Bank for this Indigo Premiership Cup fixture. It will be a key fixture for both teams in the first half of the season as the winner could well guarantee itself at least second spot in the region and therefore a place in the Cup play offs next spring!
For the Drovers the season to date has been generally very positive with only the disappointment of a significant second half “hick up” against Bridgend resulting in the only defeat so far. The highlights have been some excellent away performances at Carmarthen, Aberavon and Swansea, and what makes them all the more impressive is that each had quite different positive characteristics. At Carmarthen our forwards more than held their own against a strong Quins eight, whilst at Swansea we saw some exhilarating running from the backs and our young wingers in particular and at the Talbot Athletic ground it was a demonstration of character all round. I am sure the rugby management team will be hoping that there is a combination of all of these attributes at the Church Bank today as it will surely be needed.

Clearly the Quins are also confident that they are beginning to build some consistency into their game and feel that they can secure a place in the play offs. They will of course be motivated to turn around the loss at Carmarthen Park and as they say “those that laugh last laughs longest” so all in all we can look forward to an interesting afternoon of rugby. Let’s hope the current dry weather continues to hold so we can enjoy the quality of rugby that characterises the Premiership league and differentiates it from some of the dirge that we see at the regional level.

Due to the uncertainty that led up to the season start we are only now fully launching our new club kit and leisure range. However, we are confident that everyone will feel that it has been worth waiting for and we would like to acknowledge the great cooperation we have had from our new supplier SCIMITAR sportswear. As a result, we have recorded record sales through our online shop, and we are all looking forward to the imminent arrival of the first orders. As part of the deal with Scimitar we will be supplying all our coaching teams across the club, including the Junior Drovers, with some wet weather gear and the early samples look so good we will probably be adding some to our shop range in time for Christmas (hint hint!). Prior to kick off I understand we will be taking a number of team photos etc in the kit and if they can find some good-looking lads in the squad, they will be modelling some of the leisure wear as well. If there is time any of our younger supporters are invited to photobomb the pics with their favourite player (but don’t tell anyone I said so!)

I have previously thanked our generous club sponsors from far and wide for their support again this year but as we have some joining us today, I am delighted to give them further acknowledgment. Without their contributions it would be impossible to compete at this level whilst also supporting all levels of rugby, DIOLCH YN FAWR IAWN.

We have a new match sponsor today in Davies Morgan & Partners, a new company of Chartered Surveyors, Estate Agents and Valuers based locally and operating in Llandovery, Llandeilo and Carmarthen areas. Diolch Jonathan. Our match ball is sponsored by Gina and Huw – such loyal supporters every year and in so many ways.
Er Gwaethaf Pawb a Phopeth Ni Yma o Hyd! Ymlaen Y Porthmyn!
Peter Rees Cadeirydd/Chairman