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Hundredth Appearance, Tata and Bye-bye to Bwye

Safe in the knowledge their inaugural season in the WRU Championship will not be the last, there is an underlying regret among the coal black and blood reds’ faithful followers, that this magnificent season is coming to an end.

What has made playing in the Championship so special?

Four going down added a somewhat unwanted, but nonetheless compelling interest. Venturing to different places has been extremely refreshing, plus the forging of new friendships. Playing former Whitbread Merit Table giants has been a massive positive. Punching way above their weight has been extra special. Possibly the greatest reason to enjoy 2018-2019 was the absolute necessity for the team to play at least to ninety percent of their ability.

Counteracting potent opponents and finding ways to win, often coming from behind has been enthralling. A feat the Quins have managed eleven times so far. An absolutely superb return. However, pack all these together with the added ingredient – the team achieved this as total amateurs.

It would be brilliant to go one better with a win in the final game. What would it mean? Fifth spot. Some may scoff at celebrating such a finish indeed, some have. These people know little about sport and competition.

Fifth spot would make the Quins the second-best amateur club in Wales, behind Cardiff Met. If you consider the Met are guaranteed a talented young squad and don’t operate under the same framework as club teams, it could be claimed fifth position would mean the Quins are the best totally amateur club in the country.

Standing between the Maesteg men and this goal are Tata Steel, who would leapfrog the Quins should they win.

In mid-April a top-drawer performance gave the Quins the spoils at Margam. It was the first win over the Steelmen since the 35-10 victory at South Parade in 1996. Such was the manner of Quins’ triumph that day, British Steel (as they were then) began attracting players to their ranks.

More of the same from the earlier fixture is needed if the hosts are to prevail. The same defensive tenacity, control and accuracy are required once again. The Steel will be mightily motivated to redress the balance.

Aled Evans will notch up a match milestone when he turns out on the flank, as he becomes a centurion. Making his senior debut in 2014-15, the back-rower who has played more than his fair share in the second row is turning into a finer forward month on month.

Apologise must be made to Lewis Francis who accumulated his half century in the away match versus Bedlinog away, but an oversight prevented highlighting this… he can always do the ‘Cider Challenge’ a little late!

It is always sad to see a good one go and whatever happens, the club knows it will be saying goodbye to one of its key performers.

Saturday will see Rhodri Bwye don the blood and coal for the last time. His first five appearances were on permit from Maesteg Celtic. Helping the Quins out during a fixture congested, injury ravaged end of season, before signing the dotted line and arriving at South Parade in 2014-2015.

During his time up town, Bwye collected a Division 1 winners medal and was a Silver Ball finalist. Even at 37 he has been a revelation this season, rolling back the years to return to his initial role of propping the scrum. In testing circumstances, Rhodri has shone. Not just propping but still making his trademark explosive runs.

Bwye is not giving up the game, he will return to Maesteg Celtic to see out the remainder of his playing days. If only to allow his grandfather, true gentleman and Celtic stalwart John, to finally rest in peace!

Wherever Rhodri has gone he is highly respected by friend and foe alike. So after 77 games and sixteen tries, it will be time to say bye-bye to Bwye who will lead the team on Saturday. Celtic’s gain, is Quins’ loss.

For Maesteg Harlequins it has been a long season, a tough campaign. The players have competed bravely and proudly for the badge, the badge alone. They are indeed a special group, who have found in one another a bond they all share and will share until the last one disappears. A bond that can only exist when you experience highs and lows, the rough and the smooth - together.

The players have shared with each other dire moments, moments of euphoria and let their followers into a world they never thought they’d witness in coal black and blood red. They are proud to have seen these moments with each and every player outstanding.

Go out, win one more time and get that fifth spot. Then go and have the long rest you deserve.