Neath Rugby Christmas Newsletter

What an action packed month it has been since we last wrote our newsletter! So much has been achieved on and off the field at Neath Rugby Club, much in part to your wonderful support and dedication- Thankyou!

The boys in black have continued their impressive winning streak with an emphatic victory over current league title holders Newport at the Gnoll, strengthening the challenge set by Captain, Gareth Morris at the beginning of the season for League and Cup glory. The dynamic atmosphere was a credit to you, as everyone enjoyed the pre match entertainment, with a special appearance from Santa at half time and of course the marvelous circus performers, especially the fire breathers who welcomed the Blacks onto the pitch- even though Richard Johnston thought he had lost his eyebrows!!!!

Off the pitch, the sell out evening with a star performance from the No 1 Tom Jones impersonator, left some supporters with a sore head and blistered feet, but a big smile on their faces! Look out for more entertainment news later in the newsletter.

Lastly, Neath RFC would like to express immense pride for our fantastic Welsh International hooker, Mefin Davies, who with his inspired performances in the Autumn Internationals drew some much needed attention to the Welsh Premier League- a smack in the teeth for ‘pundits’ Jonathan Davies and Robert Jones!

Mefin would like to thank the All Black faithful for the support he and the boys received in last weeks Newport game, as he showed his dedication for us by jetting down the M4 straight from the Jail of.. ooops.. I mean, Vale of Glamorgan.

Once again, a big thank you for your continued support of the Club, we really do appreciate it!

RUGBY NEWS

NEATH

Due to the forthcoming Heineken Cup games, the proposed away games for the Blacks against Swansea and Cardiff have been rearranged.

Details of the Swansea game are yet to be arranged, whilst for the Cardiff game, details are as follows:

Cardiff vs. Neath

@ Arms Park

Dec 14^th (Tues)

K.O- 7:15pm

To book your seat on the supporters bus, please contact 01639 622033 or call in and see Dian.

The third round of the Konica Minolta Cup promises an opportunity for Neath to progress in the competition and retain the cup:

Neath vs Penallta

@ The Gnoll

Dec 18^th (Sat)

K.O- 1:30pm

Please note that Season Tickets DO NOT apply for this game, as it is a Cup game. As a one-off special for Christmas we are allowing all under 12’s in FREE OF CHARGE, when accompanied by a responsible adult. Tickets can be purchased on the gate before kick-off or in the club shop and prices are as follows:

ADULT- £8

OAP/CONC- £5

U12-U16s- £4

U12s- FREE

In conjunction with the game, we are delighted to offer a special Hospitality Package:

Adults- £18

Children-£13

(Both prices exclude VAT) Contact Richard Johnston or Anita Davies on 01639 622031.

This offer includes pre-match hospitality, a match ticket to the main stand, cold carvery buffet and for the kids, children’s meal and ice cream. Post match hospitality and Man of the Match Presentation as well as raffles, competitions and prizes. Fancy dress Optional.

Welcome in the New Year and watch out for first home game in 2005 as Neath take on Bedwas at the Gnoll on Jan 15^th (Sat).

OSPREYS

Boxing Day at the Gnoll plays host to an epic battle between the Ospreys and Scarlets, so if you think you can bear anymore Turkey stuffing action, and then come to the Gnoll to witness what is potentially, the clash of the season!!!

Ospreys vs. Scarlets

@ The Gnoll

Dec 26^th (Sun)

K.O.- 2:30pm

Tickets for the game are on sale and available now from the ticket office throughout the week, 9am-5:30pm in The Welsh All Blacks Supporters Shop. Prices are below:

We do have entertainment planned for the occasion, so watch this space................

ENTERTAINMENT

The Christmas party period has arrived, are you ready to let your hair down and join in the fun? If so, the Neath RFC Clubhouse is the perfect place for you!

We are offering you the unique opportunity to join us for a festively filled Oompah night and disco on December 18^th at 7:30pm (after Neath vs. Penallta).

Tickets are only £28, which includes as much food and drink you can possibly consume!

Bored of singing Auld Lands Syne on New Years Eve? Instead, come and sing in the New Year with our fantastic Elvis impersonator on Dec 31^st (Thurs), who was a runner up in the World Elvis Impersonator Competition in Memphis, Tennessee. The fun starts at 7pm, with your meal served at 8:30pm.

Tickets are £35

Christmas day lunch is now available in our clubhouse, with 5 courses for only £35. Lunch will be served from 12:30pm.

After you’ve recovered from New Years Eve, on January 29^th (Sun) we have a special Rat Pack Evening with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin......... watch this space for details of this exclusive evening!

Come and sample our delicious Home Cooked Sunday lunches, available every week from 12pm-3.00pm in the Clubhouse.

All tickets can be purchased from the Welsh All Blacks Shop and office in town, or through our Clubhouse Manager, Colin on 01639 643328.

CLUB SHOP

Christmas presents needn’t be a headache, as our Club Shop has an extensive range of official Neath and Osprey clothing and gifts to suit all the family. We stock rugby kit, leisure, children’s and women’s wear, playing kit and of course gifts and novelty items.

New stock includes, a range of Kooga British Lions 2006 Supporters clothing, with Jerseys from £25 and t-shirts from £15.

Also for the special lady in your life we now stock a fabulous gold and silver jewelry range, with Maltese cross pendants and chains .For the ardent rugby supporter; we have gold and silver Maltese cross cufflinks.

For stocking fillers, you can’t go wrong with Neath rugby welsh slate coasters, glasswear, and our new 2005/2006 Calendar with action shots and player autographs at, with £3 going to the MS Society.

Coming soon............... are Neath Rugby hats, scarves, mugs and pint glasses!

Neath RFC staff and players would like to take this opportunity to thank YOU the supporter for your continued support, and we sincerely hope that 2005 brings everyone as much entertainment and fun on and off the pitch as we have enjoyed this year!

So for more Brian the Bull antics, hilarious Rowland Phillips speeches, and of course thrilling rugby at the Gnoll.......we look forward to seeing you in the New Year! If you would like to continue to receive news letters in the New Year and have an e.mail address, please send this through to us at admin@neathrfc.co.uk.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!