The first Women’s open-age club Rugby League match in Wales will take place this Saturday when Cardiff Blue Dragons host Rhondda Outlaws at Glamorgan Wanderers RFC (kick-off 1.00pm) writes Ian Golden.
Cardiff named their side following training on Wednesday evening and they can’t wait for this encounter, which will be played before the men’s game between the two clubs (kick-off 3.00pm).
Their interim coach Alf Harvey said: “Being the first club to host an open age women’s in Wales is an amazing feeling.
“It does have its pressures though as we have been very busy to ensure we do the women’s game proud.
“At Cardiff we have seen some amazing enthusiasm for the opportunities Rugby League can offer and as a club we are proud to be part of this opportunity.”
He continued: “We are expecting big support for the fixture as Rhondda’s James Allen and I have worked closely to ensure lots of social media has been posted.
“Success for us as a club and, I’m sure, for Rhondda will be a big upturn after the event in female participation, not just with our respective clubs but across the WRL family.
“All I can ask is that the Rugby League family get behind this great adventure and support our athletes on the day and beyond.”
The encounter kicks off a big weekend of Rugby League in Wales when titles and semi-finals are at stake on the last weekend of the regular season.
Rhondda Outlaws men’s side simply need to avoid a heavy defeat at Cardiff to ensure that they finish top of the Welsh Premier League and qualify for Grand Final day at their own Sardis Road home.
The U12s Championship has matches tonight (Thursday) and on Sunday, with as many as five clubs looking for a semi-final spot to face champions-elect Bridgend Blue Bulls in that Grand Final.
Sides are awarded a bonus point for turning up with a full side, and that’s all Bridgend need to do in their final two matches to qualify!
Bridgend are already in the U14s Final and, in this league, two of four clubs can still make the semi-final qualifier.
In the U16s Championship it looks likely that Cardiff will qualify for the Grand Final as Champions, but with some rearranged matches to be played, they could still slip up.
Aber Valley Wolves and Torfaen Tigers are the only other sides in contention for a Final spot.
In the RFL’s Southern Conference League Western Division on Saturday, unbeaten Valley Cougars travel to strugglers Swindon St George, whilst Torfaen Tigers will hope to keep the pressure up on them at the top when they host third place Gloucestershire All Golds at New Panteg RFC. Both games are due to start at 2.30pm.
Saturday also sees North Wales Crusaders A travel to Ince Rose Bridge Lions in the North West England Men’s League (2.30pm) whilst both of the Crusaders Wheelchair sides are also on the road. Their reserves side travel to Bradford Bulls on Saturday (11.30am) with their Super League side away at Hereford Harriers on Sunday (1.00pm).
