Pooler team celebrate Christmas in style

Pontypool RFC’s 40 points to 10 victory over Tondu RFC was not the only cause to celebrate on the weekend as Saturday also played host to the club’s inaugural Christmas Dinner, held at the Best Western Plus Parkway Hotel & Spa – the ‘Official Hotel Partner’ of Pontypool RFC.

With over ninety of Pontypool RFC’s coaching staff, squad, volunteers, esteemed guests and family members in attendance, the evening provided an opportunity to reflect on what has been a whirlwind sixteen months for the club and celebrate recent achievements.

Pontypool RFC Executive Chairman, Peter Jeffreys opened proceedings, with Head Coach, Mike Hook and Team Manager, Shaun Rees also offering a welcome. Delivered with good humour, tributes were paid to the sacrifices made by not only all in attendance, but also by the ever-faithful Pooler supporter base.

In typical Pontypool RFC fashion, the occasion was not conducted without the opportunity to support the club’s ‘Name a Puppy’ programme in association with Guide Dogs Cymru - where the aim is to raise £5,000 during the season to support the development of a guide dog puppy.

And thanks to the incredible generosity of those in attendance, a whopping £800 was raised for this great cause via a raffle that offered some fantastic prizes courtesy of club sponsors, the Best Western Plus Parkway Hotel & Spa, Sytner BMW & MINI Newport and Medinet.

Although all prize-winners will be delighted with their successes, it was Pontypool RFC favourite Ben Parry who walked away with the top prize of an overnight stay at The Cary Arms with use of a BMW for the journey, to much applause and celebration from the audience.

The evening eventually concluded following several hours of the dance floor paying witness to some highly questionable dance routines, courtesy of the music provided by Ryan’s Roadshow.

A fantastic evening was enjoyed by all and Pontypool RFC would like to pay particular thanks to the management and staff of the Best Western Plus Parkway Hotel & Spa.