Wales vs Jamaica - thoughts and feelings of the event

[welshmagpie]

Thought I’d dedicate some time to giving a comprehensive overview of the international down in Neath last night. There’s nothing better than being there, which I was lucky enough to do. For some it’s near impossible and we feed off scraps from social media to follow the sport, so here’s my tuppence worth…

-

Left work in Cardiff at 5PM and got to Neath at around 6PM. One of the great things about Neath’s ground, the Gnoll, is it’s town centre location with a multi-storey car park just over the road - £4 for all day parking isn’t to be sniffed at. Parked up easily and took the short 2 minute walk to the ground.

It’s nice to be in way before kick off, it gives a chance to look around - I’ve not been here since 2013, catch up with people and find a decent vantage point for the game. The ground is old, historic, a little worn but still presentable and comfortable. In terms of layout it’s a bit like Salford - main stand, smaller basic sitted stand opposite, popular terrace behind one goal. 

A quick chat with John Kear, he was impressed by the old-fashioned ground, calling it a proper rugby ground where it only takes a few voices to make an atmosphere - he was critical of a few newer grounds calling them soulless bowls. He was happy with Wales’ preparation and said the boys were in good shape despite missing a dozen regulars. JK was positive about giving youth a shot.

Bailey Antrobus came across to say hello, many years back I made initial contact with Bailey to get him registered for Wales, we’ve stayed in contact since - a very good kid who represents our sport well. To say he was buzzing was an understatement, he simply loves turning up for Wales. A shame to see him hobble off only 10 minutes into the game.

Ashton Golding was on the sidelines for Jamaica, positive and energetic in everything he did, again you could see he loved being there and representing/giving back despite his injury. On 2 or 3 occasions he interacted with kids in the ground: comparing trainers, passing them a ball, even a TikTok dance at one point. An asset to our sport is Ashton, he really stood at as a good-pro giving something back.

Hospitality upstairs in the clubs house had sold out and there were whispers of 800+ tickets being sold on pre-sale for the game - a good sign and one that was matched by a ground filling up fast upto kick off. Two very proud anthems followed some live music from a local singer pitchside.

There was a fascination about the Jamaica team from locals, many questions on who they were, how they got here and why the looked so ‘big and strong’ - I think many were expecting local amateurs. 

The game itself was sloppy and full of errors, the conditions playing a big part in this. Wales overplayed their hand and failed to complete any of their first 5 sets, Jamaica capitalised appropriately. Rush and Jones-Bishop standing out with an element of organisation, shape and class whilst their pack bust a gut to get ahead.

Wales must have had a rocket up them second half as they looked a different proposition, more patient and more cunning around the ruck. Sniping out tired markers and A defenders, Jamaica’s first half onslaught was unsustainable. Both teams suffered casualties, Jamaica finishing the game without any fit and healthy interchange options. Wales’ pack was able to rotate regularly and get a consistent roll on. 

Gil Dudson, despite a pocketful of boos in the crowd for his questionable commitment to Wales over the years, was MOTM and deservedly so - he was everywhere and led a young pack very well. A fitting farewell to his international career it seems. 

The crowd, though in acknowledgment of the poor conditions contributing to a less than flashy style of rugby league appreciated the physicality, which was definitely there in a abundance. 

A sizeable Jamaican support was evident, a handful of flags dotted around and a cluster of Jamaican supporters in the main stand brough boyh voice and passion. Fin Yates’ on debut for Wales had around 20 of his family, he’s a Merthyr Tydfil boy originally and a product of the Cavaliers club in the Cynon Valley. His family couldn’t look or sound more proud - the merits of international rugby league!

A chap (Adrian) sat behind me, a Neath local and Rugby union supporter saw the game advertised locally, and stopped me at half time to find out more about the players, the occasion and the sport itself. He said he popped along to the recent grand finals day and was impressed by the standard of kids playing at U14s and U16s. Neath is a good base and it seems already there are some, like Adrian, who are coming back to RL events held there - this is a definite pro to having a sole base for Wales Rugby League, routines, consistencies and habits get built.

Lots of Wales RU, Scarlets RU and Ospreys RU kit in the crowd. A few Warrington and Leeds Rugby League bits also. A very prominent representation of local RL clubs too, especially among kids: Swansea Rams, Aberavon Fighting Irish and South Wales Saints especially. 

Crowd given at around 1,500 but I suspected a few more, as did Adrian, who is a regular to the ground and has seen all sorts of crowds in there. I’d hazard 150 or so we’re missed off the gate through early entrance or the laced hospitality admission checks. 

Edited October 16 by welshmagpie

[RigbyLuger]

Good to read a report from someone who was there. Agree fully on Golding, he's a real credit to the sport who we should use more.

[Gav Wilson]

Great write up! Has there been any update on Bailey Antrobus? 

[OriginalMrC]

Great to read such a positive report. That's an encouraging crowd too and will hopefully have raised money which can be used for further development in Wales. Really shows the benefit of building a base and playing these games in your home country.

[Eddie]

Great stuff thanks @welshmagpie  

[JM2010]

What other games have Wales got lined up this Autumn?

[Barley Mow]

10 minutes ago, JM2010 said:

What other games have Wales got lined up this Autumn?

World Cup Qualifiers in France from next Tuesday:

Wales v Serbia

France v Ukraine

Followed by a final between the winners and a 3rd place play-off between the losers.

[JM2010]

2 minutes ago, Barley Mow said:

World Cup Qualifiers in France from next Tuesday:

Wales v Serbia

France v Ukraine

Followed by a final between the winners and a 3rd place play-off between the losers.

So, hopefully another 2 games with a potential big one against France. 
I’d like to see Wales and the other nations such as France, Ireland, Scotland, Jamaica etc play 5/6 games per year spread between mid season and the end of the season. 
If concrete plans can be put in place for these nations then it gives them a chance to build up their national teams 

[burnleywelsh]

4 hours ago, Gav Wilson said:

Great write up! Has there been any update on Bailey Antrobus? 

Antrobus included in the 20 man squad for Carcassonne. no sign of Gil Dudson though...

[burnleywelsh]

Serbian squad selecting Serbian qualified players from the southern hemisphere. 

SERBIA SQUAD: 
Nicholas O'Meley (Burleigh Bears), Nic Cotric (Catalans Dragons), Andrej Mora (Dorcol Tigers), David Nofoaluma, Sasha Popovic (Glebe Dirty Reds), Jake O’Meley (Lakes United Seagulls), Ilija Cotric (Mounties), Jesse Soric (NZ Warriors), Aleksandar Pavlovic, Djordje Krnjeta, Dzavid Jasari, Enis Bibic, Strahinja Stoiljkovic, (Partisan 1953), Jordan Grant (Penrith Panther), Stefan Arsic (Radnicki Nis), Marko Jankovic, Milos Calic, Nikola Djuric, Rajko Trifunovic, Vojislav Dedic, Vuk Strbac (Red Star), Joshua Coric (St George Illawarra)

[welshmagpie]

13 minutes ago, burnleywelsh said:

Serbian squad selecting Serbian qualified players from the southern hemisphere. 

SERBIA SQUAD: 
Nicholas O'Meley (Burleigh Bears), Nic Cotric (Catalans Dragons), Andrej Mora (Dorcol Tigers), David Nofoaluma, Sasha Popovic (Glebe Dirty Reds), Jake O’Meley (Lakes United Seagulls), Ilija Cotric (Mounties), Jesse Soric (NZ Warriors), Aleksandar Pavlovic, Djordje Krnjeta, Dzavid Jasari, Enis Bibic, Strahinja Stoiljkovic, (Partisan 1953), Jordan Grant (Penrith Panther), Stefan Arsic (Radnicki Nis), Marko Jankovic, Milos Calic, Nikola Djuric, Rajko Trifunovic, Vojislav Dedic, Vuk Strbac (Red Star), Joshua Coric (St George Illawarra)

Serbia are benefiting massively from the Yugoslavia rule with this squad. A good handful are of Croatian descent. Due to it all time back to Yugoslavia Serbia get a chance to call them up.

[Just Browny]

I'll be honest, based on the Croatian people I've met down the years, I'm surprised many are putting their hand up to represent Serbia.

Great readout from last night's game and glad you enjoyed it.

[paulwalker71]

32 minutes ago, welshmagpie said:

David Nofoaluma, Sasha Popovic (Glebe Dirty Reds)

Pretty cool team name...

[Jeff Stein]

Thanks for the excellent report. Hopefully it won't be another 8 years until the next home game (and that I will be able to make it).

[fearnowt]

Wales last home game was six years ago, at the Racecourse, not eight years ago as one or two have mentioned (still far too long though). I think last night was the first in South Wales for eight years (I seem to remember a young Regan Grace impressing against Serbia in Llanelli

Was lucky enough to be watching last night's game on live stream in Malta. Not looking forward to flying back on Friday with all the flooding in Wrexham.

Thanks to Welshmagpie for the report, must have been 2013 when I was at the Knoll for Scorpions v NWC. Good to see Wales back on home soil, hope we don't have to wait too long for the next time 

[welshmagpie]

1 hour ago, fearnowt said:

Wales last home game was six years ago, at the Racecourse, not eight years ago as one or two have mentioned (still far too long though). I think last night was the first in South Wales for eight years (I seem to remember a young Regan Grace impressing against Serbia in Llanelli

Was lucky enough to be watching last night's game on live stream in Malta. Not looking forward to flying back on Friday with all the flooding in Wrexham.

Thanks to Welshmagpie for the report, must have been 2013 when I was at the Knoll for Scorpions v NWC. Good to see Wales back on home soil, hope we don't have to wait too long for the next time 

Regan himself was in the crowd. Ben Flower and Courtney Davies also present. 

[Pie tries]

On 16/10/2024 at 11:45, welshmagpie said:

Thought I’d dedicate some time to giving a comprehensive overview of the international down in Neath last night. There’s nothing better than being there, which I was lucky enough to do. For some it’s near impossible and we feed off scraps from social media to follow the sport, so here’s my tuppence worth…

-

Left work in Cardiff at 5PM and got to Neath at around 6PM. One of the great things about Neath’s ground, the Gnoll, is it’s town centre location with a multi-storey car park just over the road - £4 for all day parking isn’t to be sniffed at. Parked up easily and took the short 2 minute walk to the ground.

It’s nice to be in way before kick off, it gives a chance to look around - I’ve not been here since 2013, catch up with people and find a decent vantage point for the game. The ground is old, historic, a little worn but still presentable and comfortable. In terms of layout it’s a bit like Salford - main stand, smaller basic sitted stand opposite, popular terrace behind one goal. 

A quick chat with John Kear, he was impressed by the old-fashioned ground, calling it a proper rugby ground where it only takes a few voices to make an atmosphere - he was critical of a few newer grounds calling them soulless bowls. He was happy with Wales’ preparation and said the boys were in good shape despite missing a dozen regulars. JK was positive about giving youth a shot.

Bailey Antrobus came across to say hello, many years back I made initial contact with Bailey to get him registered for Wales, we’ve stayed in contact since - a very good kid who represents our sport well. To say he was buzzing was an understatement, he simply loves turning up for Wales. A shame to see him hobble off only 10 minutes into the game.

Ashton Golding was on the sidelines for Jamaica, positive and energetic in everything he did, again you could see he loved being there and representing/giving back despite his injury. On 2 or 3 occasions he interacted with kids in the ground: comparing trainers, passing them a ball, even a TikTok dance at one point. An asset to our sport is Ashton, he really stood at as a good-pro giving something back.

Hospitality upstairs in the clubs house had sold out and there were whispers of 800+ tickets being sold on pre-sale for the game - a good sign and one that was matched by a ground filling up fast upto kick off. Two very proud anthems followed some live music from a local singer pitchside.

There was a fascination about the Jamaica team from locals, many questions on who they were, how they got here and why the looked so ‘big and strong’ - I think many were expecting local amateurs. 

The game itself was sloppy and full of errors, the conditions playing a big part in this. Wales overplayed their hand and failed to complete any of their first 5 sets, Jamaica capitalised appropriately. Rush and Jones-Bishop standing out with an element of organisation, shape and class whilst their pack bust a gut to get ahead.

Wales must have had a rocket up them second half as they looked a different proposition, more patient and more cunning around the ruck. Sniping out tired markers and A defenders, Jamaica’s first half onslaught was unsustainable. Both teams suffered casualties, Jamaica finishing the game without any fit and healthy interchange options. Wales’ pack was able to rotate regularly and get a consistent roll on. 

Gil Dudson, despite a pocketful of boos in the crowd for his questionable commitment to Wales over the years, was MOTM and deservedly so - he was everywhere and led a young pack very well. A fitting farewell to his international career it seems. 

The crowd, though in acknowledgment of the poor conditions contributing to a less than flashy style of rugby league appreciated the physicality, which was definitely there in a abundance. 

A sizeable Jamaican support was evident, a handful of flags dotted around and a cluster of Jamaican supporters in the main stand brough boyh voice and passion. Fin Yates’ on debut for Wales had around 20 of his family, he’s a Merthyr Tydfil boy originally and a product of the Cavaliers club in the Cynon Valley. His family couldn’t look or sound more proud - the merits of international rugby league!

A chap (Adrian) sat behind me, a Neath local and Rugby union supporter saw the game advertised locally, and stopped me at half time to find out more about the players, the occasion and the sport itself. He said he popped along to the recent grand finals day and was impressed by the standard of kids playing at U14s and U16s. Neath is a good base and it seems already there are some, like Adrian, who are coming back to RL events held there - this is a definite pro to having a sole base for Wales Rugby League, routines, consistencies and habits get built.

Lots of Wales RU, Scarlets RU and Ospreys RU kit in the crowd. A few Warrington and Leeds Rugby League bits also. A very prominent representation of local RL clubs too, especially among kids: Swansea Rams, Aberavon Fighting Irish and South Wales Saints especially. 

Crowd given at around 1,500 but I suspected a few more, as did Adrian, who is a regular to the ground and has seen all sorts of crowds in there. I’d hazard 150 or so we’re missed off the gate through early entrance or the laced hospitality admission checks. 

Brilliant write up - cheered me right up !

[gogledd]

Thanks to @welshmagpie for the excellent report.

I was there too. I set off from Wrexham at 1:30pm and parked my motorhome directly across from the Gnoll in a small car park as I couldn't find anywhere else for a local stop over. I decided to risk staying there rather than having to move after the game and trying to find somewhere else in the dark and wet!

I last went to the Gnoll in 2013 for a South Wales Scorpions vs North Wales Crusaders game....not a lot has changed...maybe the stand had a coat of black paint but agree with John Kear - its a proper rugby stadium with a list of captains many rugby clubs would die for.

The only thing magpie didn't mention was the food truck - they did an excellent special - beef, onions and hot sauce on chips. Lovely!

 

[gogledd]

On 16/10/2024 at 21:38, welshmagpie said:

Regan himself was in the crowd. Ben Flower and Courtney Davies also present. 

I thought I saw Regan as I was heading to the bar at the end but wasn't sure if it was him!

[Wolford6]

I watched the game on YouTube.

Standard was poor but  the terrible weather suited John Kear's usual 5 drives -and-a-kick style of play. Wales will put a shift in over in France but, on the face of it, will be without Gil Dudson and  up against a better drilled opposition. Full marks to  Dudson, he did eighty minutes and was easily the best player on the field.  

I think Wales would be better served by switching Rhys Williams to centre and Louis Roberts to wing. Roberts is tall and better under the high ball, Williams is much harder for one man to tackle. 

Edited October 18 by Wolford6

[Gav Wilson]

On 16/10/2024 at 16:47, burnleywelsh said:

Antrobus included in the 20 man squad for Carcassonne. no sign of Gil Dudson though...

Antro was down at York Acorn watching the U18s derby against Heworth last night with his shoulder in a sling.

[Gomersall]

On 19/10/2024 at 11:33, Gav Wilson said:

Antro was down at York Acorn watching the U18s derby against Heworth last night with his shoulder in a sling.

 

[Pen-Y-Bont Crusader]

Well deserved Harry. Top lad who

always gives 110%.

[stookie]

On 17/10/2024 at 04:17, paulwalker71 said:

Pretty cool team name...

Actually Australia's very first rugby league club (RU defection).