News

The club dinner and presentation evening was held last Friday with the guest speaker John Bentley a great success as he wowed the audience with his experiences and anecdotes from his playing days. The event commenced with the audience of over a hundred members and guests firstly warmed up with a video recap of Mr Bentley’s exploits on the 1997 Lions Tour of South Africa. The Chairman Mr Paul McGinn then opened the evening by presenting a club tie to First Team player Alex ‘Tank’ Bloomfield for his first season representing the club since moving to Llantwit from over the Severn in Somerset. Two honour ties were then presented to stalwart members David ‘Wez’ Liscombe and Mathew Mazzitelli for their outstanding contribution to the club. With everyone then settling down to their meals which began with a delicious starter of ham hock terrine served with ciabatta bread.

As the starters were being allowed to digest the Youth Team Awards were presented with the accolades going to Steffan Bugler for Most Improved Player, Callum Stephens for Players Player of the Year and Scott Ankin picking up the coaches Player of the Year. With Steffan Godwin then collecting the last  award, the Will Rimmer memorial trophy for the Youth Team Clubman of the Year.
With the wine which was gratefully sponsored by Richie Builders now in full flow, the attendees were then served a succulent meal of locally produced and handmade pork and leek sausages, served on a bed of mashed potato with a selection of vegetables; and remarkably were such a delight that they later earned their own accolade with a resounding round of applause from diners!
The eagerly awaited guest speaker then took to his feet and provided a thoroughly magnificent and memorable performance as he crossed the age gaps of the audience with his comical and inspiring take on not just rugby but also life in general.
This was then followed by the senior awards ceremony with Dan Bawden winning the Most Improved Player trophy, Geraint David the Players Player award and Luke Dawes the coaches Player of the Year award. The last award of the night then going to Andrew ‘Hal’ Halligan as he was presented with the Darryl Godwin memorial trophy for Clubman of the Year.
The evening officially concluded as Mr Bentley entertained the audience once again with a question and answer session. This though was not quite the end of proceedings as the guest of honour continued to entertain members and guests late into the night with his infectious personality in proper rugby revelry fashion.
A great night then with some senior members claiming one of the best if not the best that they had been privileged to attend. Plans are already well under way for next year’s event with the club having secured the services of former Ospreys Coach and BBC Scrum V pundit Sean Holley as their guest speaker. It sounds though that Mr Holley will have his work cut out in trying to follow Mr Bentley but I’m sure he will be up for the challenge. 
The Chairman would like to thank the Bar Manager Lisa Morris and her staff for their tireless support in the smooth running of the event; and also CML Catering and the Farmers Pantry for the quite exquisite food provided. 
The clubs function room with its bar, stage and dance floor is available for hire together with catering suppliers for dinners or any social events. For enquiries please visit the Clubhouse or phone on 01446 792276.
As the player’s minds then turn to well-deserved summer holidays and putting their feet up, the coaches have already warned them not to go to heavy on the ice-creams as a tough preseason awaits them in late July; and the speedsters in the team will be having an early outing as the club are entering the prestigious Tondu Evs Sevens Tournament on Sat 5 August.