CIAC's RFC

NEW WEBSITE

2010-06-29T22:52:00.001+01:00

as from 29/06/10 we have a new website, please visit :

http://www.ciacs.co.uk

Come and join YOUR local Rugby Club

2010-06-12T09:22:00.002+01:00

Pre - season training starts Tuesday July 13the 18.30 at the Marl in Grangetown (pitch next to Channel View Leisure Centre).

New players of all abilities welcome.

for more info email info@ciacs.co.uk

also mini and junior section - train 10.30am every Sunday during the season.

Presentation Night 2010

2010-06-04T14:20:00.002+01:00

During a great presentation night on Saturday May 29th 2010 the following awards were given out :

Player of the year = James Davies
Player's player = Simon Monk
Most promising = Daniel Waldron
Most improved = Owain Ford
Forward of the year = Kevin Evans
Back of the Year = Aled Edwards
Clubman of the Year = Gareth Mahoney / Steve "Dougie" Thomas.

Presentation night

2010-04-30T10:23:00.000+01:00

Presentation night 2010 - May 29th

2010-04-18T20:31:00.002+01:00

Presentation night 2010 - May 29th 7pm till late

End of season presentation night with buffet, disco, singer, and guest speaker.

Open to all, lets get as many people there as possible so invite partners, friends, family.

Dress code : shirt and tie

next game Whitchurch v CIAC's Sat April 10th

2010-04-09T08:57:00.004+01:00

Saturday 10th, we are AWAY to Whitchurch. the game is at Cae Delyn, see map below for details. Meet at Docks Cons at 12.30pm, if you are going straight to the ground can yo make sure you let Jack or Saucy know.

View 09/04/10 CIAC's v Whitchurch RFC in a larger map

CIACs 34 – Pill Harriers 27 - Match report

2010-04-01T18:09:00.007+01:00

Bitter Sweet Pill to swallow for CIACs!

CIACs leave it late to win a hard fought victory against the visiting Gwent side.Following a good victory against the touring North Walian side the previous week, this was an opportunity for the home side to extend their winning run against the side from the South East.

From the kick off, Pill started well, forcing the CIACs back into their own 22. However, despite gaining early territorial advantage the CIACs comfortably contained the initial threat from the opposition and, from an ensuing break in midfield, it was the CIACs who were starting to put on the pressure.

The CIACs put together a series of attacking phases which slowly pushed Pill back deeper into their own half, and with the pack driving forward, led by Kiwi, Zac and Jack, Mavis eventually found a gap and pierced the defence with a short 5 meter run over the line. 5-0 CIAC’s.

With points on the board, the CIAC’s were looking confident and from the restart old head Dez soon created another chance by securing the ball in the loose and, from a quick offload to Kiwi, released Gardiner on the wing, who made good ground before unfortunately running into traffic.

However, this positive spell was sadly short-lived and it wasn’t long until it was the away side that looked more likely to score. After a quick ball from a lineout on the half way line, and sloppy tackling from the CIACs, the Pill centre made easy work of breaking through the midfield, and would’ve scored had the referee not called them back for an off the ball infringement in favour of the home side.

Unfortunately, the CIAC’s did not take heed of this early warning and after patchy period of play, Pill were eventually rewarded for their persistence and, without much of challenge, Pill inevitably broke the fragile defensive line to make it 5-5.

Fortunately for the home side the Pill defence was equally vulnerable, and it wasn’t long until it was the ones in Black and White who were pushing the opposition back, and after consistent passage of play from the forwards, CIAC top try scorer Mavis broke free and dropped over for his second of the game. With a successful conversion from Will the CIACs regained the lead at 12-5.

Some of the funniest, and sometimes disturbing, moments of game, came from watching our five foot something backline try and take down the 30 stone heavyweight in Pill’s 2nd row. Thankfully, appearances can be deceiving and it didn’t take much to topple the man monster, but, unfortunately, as our tacklers slid down the giant’s bean stalks they fully exposed the Grand Canyon beneath, a natural wonder we all could’ve done without seeing!

The match was starting to turn into a game of ping pong, and with the CIAC’s unable to put their stamp on the game, the last 10 minutes of the first half saw Pill score two almost identical tries in quick succession, as they again used width and the strength in midfield to allow their centre and wing to break the CIAC line, and take the lead 12-15.

The CIAC’s, at times, showed that they were capable of playing some entertaining rugby with a number of decisive breaks from Jason Ahmed and Andrew Copland, and just before the end of the half, a series of quick offloads again seemed to have put seasoned veteran James Gardiner through for a try but with half the field to run the winger just fell short. In the end, after an infringement from the Pill forwards, the CIACs had to make do with a penalty in front of the posts, making it honours even at 15-15 at half time.

The CIAC’s made a positive start in the second half and were again first on the score sheet. After a number of well organised phases, the CIAC’s instantly put Pill on the back foot and from some quick hands across the backline the CIAC’s went 20-15 up from a well-worked try. Sorry, due to all the excitement I didn’t see who scorer was!!

It looked like the CIAC’s had turned a corner, and despite finding themselves in their own 22 again, the defence were starting to look more resolute and after weathering ten minutes of pressure, the CIAC’s finally turned the ball and cleared the line. From here, the CIAC’s created a strong platform and with a brilliant clearance kick from 39 year old substitute James Emery, the CIAC’s quickly put them back in try scoring distance again. However, with the CIACs seemingly in no rush to exploit their territorial advantage, from a quick line-out, the ball fell into the hands of the Pill winger, who with all the space in the world ran a the length of the field to score an opportunistic try against the run of play. With a successful conversion the Pill regained the lead 20-22.

This try turned the game in Pills favour, and minutes later it was the CIAC’s who were again scrambling back. From the kick off, the ball found its way into the hands of the away team and the winger looked to be running in a for a certain try if it wasn’t for a fantastic covering tackle from Zac Williams who ran from over 50 meters to force the ball into touch just short of the try line. However, Zac’s efforts were all in vain and the subsequent line-out led to push over try from the Pill forwards, stretching Pill’s lead to 20 – 27.

The game was now starting to slip away from the CIAC’s, and with less than ten minutes left on the clock, time was running out. At this point, Jack and Saucy decided to bring some fresh legs on in Gareth Rossiter and Chad, which appeared to give the CIAC’s the impetus they needed to start a fight back. Much like their Welsh international peers, it took 75 minutes and the threat of losing to inspire the black and whites to produce the best rugby of the game.

The CIAC’s forwards, with Alan Stone, Dewi Owen and Owain Ford in the front row, drove the Pill back under their own posts leading to persistent penalties from the Pill forwards. Therefore, after seeing another powerful and controlled drive from the CIAC forwards being illegally brought down on the Pill try-line, the referee no option but to award a penalty try. This took the game to 27-27.

With only minutes left, it looked like the game was heading for a draw, but the CIACs had other ideas and could smell blood from the exhausted Gwent side. From the kick off the CIAC’s instantly hit back and were now running the Pill defence ragged in the opposition half. With CIACs dominating territory the crowd could sense a victory and, with only seconds left, the CIACs responded in kind. From a persistent attack, some quick passes through the backline opened up the gap to allow the CIACs to claim victory! Again I have to apologise, nobody seemed to see who scored the try (???), but by that point the win was all that mattered!!

On reflection, the CIACs made hard work of a game they should have won with ease. The CIACs showed at times that they have both the required power up front and the necessary flare in the backs to cause a lot of problems; however this fickle side also lacks consistency, and can all too easily allow teams to exploit basic mistakes and lack of concentration in defence. That said, with the new coaching dynamic duo in place, I’m sure this young crop of players will be a dominant force in the league next season!

Rhodri Davies

Life and times of star Boston chronicled by prolific writer

2010-03-25T10:12:00.002Z

ONE of the most prolific of rugby league writers Robert Gate has just completed a Welsh double.
Gate has moved from his native Halifax to Aberaeron in West Wales and also produced the story of Billy Boston, one of the greatest rugby players ever to be born in Cardiff.
The book, entitled Billy Boston – Rugby League Footballer, has quickly sold out in the hard cover version, but a superb softer-cover book is now available.

Gate is as meticulous as ever, chronicling not just Boston’s career in rugby league, but also his time from birth in Cardiff Dockland to his Army National Service days and his signing in August 1953 for probably the greatest-ever rugby league club.

Boston was still in the Army, but by October 1953 there were more than 8,000 spectators to see his Wigan reserve team debut. He played so well in the following weeks that not only was he capped for Great Britain against France, but was selected for the tour of Australasia while still a teenager.

Billy was the sixth of 11 children born to John and Nellie Boston in Angelina Street, Butetown, Cardiff. John had been born in Sierra Leone and was a seaman who had settled in Cardiff.
It was obvious from the start of his schooling in the famous South Church Street School that he was something special. A big strong lad, who had weighed 15 pounds at birth, he soon came to the notice of schoolmaster Bernard Sullivan. Boston left school at 15, soon representing and captaining Wales Boys Clubs and Cardiff Youth at centre.

Wales Youth honours came next as he played against France at Aurillac in 1952, but no Cardiff senior call was to come to him, though he played in the 1951 opener at the Arms Park for Cardiff and District (while a CIAC's player) that saw him dislocate his shoulder but still return to the play. Instead, it was Neath who recognised a star in the making and he went to the Gnoll. Wigan stepped in and the rest was history. 478 tries in 488 appearances with 24 test tries says it all.

Robert Gate has another best-seller on his hands and his next book is likely to be the story of another Cardiff lad – Jim Sullivan.

Next Game Sat 27/03/10 CIAC's v Pill Harriers

2010-03-23T22:20:00.001Z

Next game is Sat 27/03/10 - CIAC's v Pill Harriers Ko 2.30pm.

All to meet at the Docks cons for 1pm

Also the club is currently looking for volunteers to send on a first aid / physio course. If you are interested then please contact any of the Committee.

Next game Sunday 21st March CIAC's v Porthaethwy / Menai Bridge RFC

2010-03-16T22:30:00.005Z

Next game is on Saturday 21st March at home v's Porthaethwy / Menai Bridge RFC. KO 13.30

Porthaethwy are the home club of Dewi and are down in Cardiff on tour. Larry Ford has promised to make an appearance and if he gets on the field it will mean that he has played for the CIAC's in 42 consecutive seasons (a club record!)

The day Cardiff said its farewells to a CIAC's legend

2010-02-20T13:53:00.000Z

Feb 16 2010 by Dan O'Neill, South Wales Echo

Ask any sprightly young fight fan what the name Joe means in South Wales and he’ll look at you in disbelief. Why, who else but Joe Calzaghe, unbeaten in 46 fights, best Welsh boxer of ’em all.

Well, you can argue about that while thinking of Jimmy Wilde or Jim Driscoll, Tom Thomas or Freddie Welsh or – but let’s not destroy the illusion. They can claim that Calzaghe was the best. But there’s no doubt about who was the best-loved – Cardiff’s own Joe Erskine, the finest ring-master since Driscoll, with whom he had so much in common.

When they took Peerless Jim on his last sad journey from a numbed Newtown to Cathays Cemetery, 100,000 men, women and children braved the bleakness of that February day in 1925 to say farewell to a folk hero. And when it was over, and old men still talked about it in the Old Arcade or the City Arms 50 years on, they told each other there could never be another outpouring of grief to match it.

Nope, there could never be another fighter like Jim, whose gloves so unerringly touched the heart of a city.

Until 20 years ago, on the day when they took Cardiff’s own Joe on that same last, sad journey. The sense of loss was just as profound, and in a way Joe’s passing marked, as well, the passing of old Butetown, Tiger Bay if you like, for here was the last of the paladins from that fabled little patch.

Joe Erskine died 20 years ago this week, the glory days long gone. He died alone in his Adamsdown flat, his money gone, his health gone, his second marriage over. But what a legacy he left, what a credit he’d been to the hard old game he graced with such dignity.

“If Joe had owned a punch,” said his old mate, middleweight champ Phil Edwards, “he would have been world champion.” Phil wasn’t alone in that claim.

Well, Joe was British and Empire boss when Britain was pretty well stocked in the beef brigade with Henry Cooper, Brian London, Dick Richardson and up-and-comers like Billy Walker battling each other. But although he went to the top of the tree he never forgot his roots and they went deep, those roots, all the way back to his beloved Bay.

Which is why his coffin was carried back through that Bay – the old Bay – along Angelina Street where he’d been born 56 years earlier, and Bute Street and Mount Stuart Square before going on to Thornhill. That was how he wanted it.

Yes, Joe died broke, the £80,000 he’d earned – a tidy sum 50 years ago – swallowed by a string of busted business ventures. But that was only money. Joe was rich in friends right to the end and they came to see him off.

Naturally, the fight fraternity was there, old ring rival Henry Cooper along with Merthyr’s Eddie Thomas and Howard Winstone and from London, Terry Downes with local fighters Gordon Blakey and Pat Thomas, Eddie Avoth and Malcolm Collins and, of course Jack Petersen, Cardiff’s heavyweight hero of the Thirties who saw Joe take the title he’d once held.

Joe had played rugby for that fine Bay side the CIACs before turning to his bruising trade and there was his old team-mate Billy Boston, who went on to become one of the greatest of all rugby league players. And from union, Barry John and Newport’s Ken Jones.

Most couldn’t get into St Mary’s Church where another Bay boy showed the world they could sing as well as fight. Patrick Williams, Dando to one and all, gave them Panis Angelicus and the Lord’s Prayer in a baritone sending shivers down every spine. Then a small, plump woman wearing a headscarf followed and, as someone said, we heard an angel singing.

Swing low, sweet chariot, sang Edith Bindon and, one by one, the entire congregation joined her, the old church echoed, and that was when the tears flowed. In his pomp, Joe had stirred the crowds in some great arenas but never like this.

Then up to the crematorium where other greats waited: Bleddyn Williams with Jack Matthews and Rex Willis, Cardiff rugby legends alongside City’s Derek Tapscott, John Dawes, the Lions’ captain and coach there as well. And veterans of the old CIACs, banished from their Bay when the old gave way to the new, no longer the Bay where Joe grew up. That was how it was 20 years ago. So worth remembering then, Cardiff’s own Requiem for a Heavyweight

Sea View v CIAC's 20/02/10

2010-02-19T11:27:00.001Z

We are away tomorrow at Sea View in the league, see map link for their pitch :

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=51.416204,-3.282616&spn=0.00914,0.019248&t=h&z=16&msid=104100299034673061745.00047ff25a48f04605a93

Everyone to meet on Saturday at 12.45.

Tour Deposits

2010-02-09T10:43:00.001Z

Please note all tour deposits Have to be in to Gareth Rossiter by this coming Saturday 13/02/10.

cheers

Saturday 30/01/10 Sully Sports v CIAC's

2010-01-28T22:05:00.002Z

After what feels like 6 months without a game we are away to Sully Sport in the League this saturday. 2.30pm KO.

All meet as usual in docks cons by 1pm

loctation of Sully Sports rfc : MAP TO SULLY

Game OFF again!!!!!

2010-01-22T11:49:00.004Z

Yet again the council has called the parks games off , so the game between the CIAC's and Tongwynlais RFC is off.

There will be training instead in the sports hall at 1.30pm

Fixture Updates

2010-01-21T08:46:00.003Z

Due to the recent weather 2 of our cancelled league games have been rearranged for the following dates :

February 20th

Sea View v CIACS

February 27th

CIACS v STAR

Whitchurch v CIAC's postponed

2010-01-15T17:56:00.003Z

Yet again due to the weather the game tomorrow is off. It feels like we havent played a game of rugby for about 5 years!

The sports hall in Channel View is booked for 8.30pm on WEDNESDAY this week.

As expected the game is OFF this weekend.

2010-01-07T13:36:00.001Z

As expected the game is OFF this weekend.

We have booked the INDOOR hall at Channel View Sports Centre for next Tuesday @ 19.30. There is a circuit training class at 18.30 in the same hall, so everyone to go to that first, we need the fitness with so many games being called off.

Christmas Social

2009-12-16T09:00:00.003Z

Boys,

This years Xmas social will be taking place on Saturday 19th December at the Docks Cons Club from 6.30pm (we should have a game on the same day so straight after the game for those playing). This social is not only a good chance for us all to get together before Xmas but an opportunity to raise funds for Tour.

I hope to see you all there. Partners and friends are also invited so please bring them along. The more the merrier!!

Merry Xmas/Nadolig Llawen

Saucy

Training is OFF!! sat 28/11/09

2009-11-27T15:30:00.005Z

Boys,

Training tomorrow Sat 28/11/09 is OFF, it was hoped the pitch would be better but after the rain again today its even worse.

Social is still on, so instead of meeting at 12.00 its meet at 2pm in Docks Cons instead, at least that wont be flooded, (we hope!) :)

Tour 2010

2009-11-05T12:22:00.002Z

Up Coming CIAC's Rugby Socials

2009-11-04T14:50:00.003Z

Friday November 20th

Ponty v Cardiff British and Irish Cup (Meet at Ponty train station 6.30)

Saturday 28th November

CIAC members day, all meet by 14.00 at the docks Docks Cons (heavy fines for anyone who is late)

Player Profile - Chris Hedley aka Wiggy

2009-10-22T21:41:00.003+01:00

Name - Chris Hedley

Height - 6' 1''
Weight – 13st 10lbs
Age - 27
Position – Lock/Flanker
Previous Clubs - Fishguard Under 9s, Haverfordwest Youth, Toulouse,
Occupation – I.T. Geek
Favourite Food – Curry and Docks cons Buffet
Favourite Drink - Pina Colada
Proudest CIAC Moment – debut
Most Embarrasing Rugby moment – Too many to mention
Who would play you in a film biography of your life? – Jodie Foster
Where should CIACs tour in 2010? - North

Wales

Player Profile - Owain Ford aka Fordy

2009-10-22T21:23:00.002+01:00

Name - Owain Ford aka Fordy
Height - 6ft 3inch
Weight – 24 1/2 stone
Age - 21
Position – Have a guess?
Previous Clubs - canton rfc.-st ablions.-dinas powys rfc. CIACS mins
Occupation – Tax Dodger
Favourite Food – gotta love nans cooked dinners *4
Favourite Drink - cherry cola
Proudest CIAC Moment – 1st game when i beat webber for his shirt against old pens
Most Embarrasing Rugby moment – when i charged down the ball against witchurch and screamed like a 10year old girl
Who would play you in a film biography of your life? – rick waller cause he's my hero
Where should CIACs tour in 2010 ? – ummm gosh tuffy. butlins down minehead ways

Player Profile - Daniel Waldron (Stretch)

2009-10-06T22:41:00.006+01:00

Height - 6ft3 ish

Weight – 12 stone

Age -17 and ¾ ers

Position – flanker

Previous Clubs - only ciacs

Favourite Food – pizza

Favourite Drink - nice cold strongbow

Proudest CIAC Moments – Dancing with Fordy, my hand off v Llandaff and my first try v Whitchurch

Most Embarrasing Rugby moment -when the ball hit my head on a charge down

Who would play you in a film biography of your life? – Danny Devito

Where should CIACs tour in 2010 ? - Blackpool

CIAC v Whitchurch Match Report

2009-10-05T12:40:00.007+01:00

Game of two halves!

With Whitchurch sitting on top of the league, and the stormy weather making for difficult playing conditions, on paper it looked like the home side had a difficult afternoon ahead of them.

However, despite playing against a gale, the CIAC’s hit the ground running and quickly claimed the first points of the game in the opening minutes with a successful penalty kick by full-back Duncan.

Unfortunately for Mahoney the team’s good fortune did not extend to the outside-half, who with his first tackle of the game, was literally left with poo breath after being smeared head to toe in dog mess. However, this proved to be a lucky omen for the CIAC veteran, who soon scored the first try of the match.

A well executed practiced back move released the outside-half, who’s pace and a powerful stench managed to break through a couple of tackles to score just right of the posts. A successful conversion from Duncan extended the CIAC lead to 10-0.

The hard work put in the two training sessions during the week was clearly paying dividends as everything seemed to click for the home side, with both backs and forwards putting together successful passages of play that continuously threatened the Whitchurch defence.

However, it was an individual effort from the No 8 that soon led to the second CIAC try. With a decisive break from the half-way line, Jason Hori cut through the Whitchurch midfield before finally being brought down by a desperate tackle. From the subsequent ruck the ball found its way back into the hands of the kiwi, who stretched his full Maori physique over the line for a try. With Duncan making it 3 from 3 the CIAC’s were striving ahead at 17-0.

Whitchurch tried to fight their way back into the game with a few competitive phases of play in the CIAC half, but visitors repeatedly struggled to cope with the conditions and an unrelenting CIAC pack who didn’t give the opposition much space to create any solid platform for attack.

It was hard to believe that this young CIAC side had only previously played together for three games, as they looked like a well drilled outfit and showed game awareness beyond their years. It was therefore no surprise that it was one of the youngest members of the side, and a product of the CIAC youth academy, who went over for the third at the end of the half.

From a turnover hooker Kevin, much like his No 8 team mate earlier, counter attacked with break away run into the Whitchurch twenty-two, and with quick support at the breakdown, the ball was passed to Fordy who popped the ball to the back-rower Stretch who in-fitting with his name finished the move by extending his body over the line for his debut try for the club and took the CIAC’s into the half-time break with a 22-0 lead.

So good was the first-half performance, that the substitute James Emery judged it as one the best displays he had seen from any CIAC side. However, Coach Jack was not so carried away and asked his side to continue to stick to the basics, play a simple passing game, and continue to spread the ball wide across the back line.

With a healthy lead, the CIAC’s started the second half positively and continued to put pressure on Whitchurch with, as Head Waterboy, Matthew Phillips put it, “a well structured back line”.

The forwards also continued to be a nuisance around the breakdown area, and Whitchurch’s constant frustration finally reared its ugly head during another CIAC ruck, when their No 8 purposely kicked out at Mahoney’s head on the floor. Mahoney decided to respond in kind with a punch, which sparked a one-in, all-in bout of handbags which was quickly dispersed by the other players and the touchline assistance. Both of the key partakers in the incident were yellow carded for their efforts reducing both sides to 14 men.

The CIAC’s continued to push for another score, but the self-assured team of the first half were beginning to make mistakes at key moments denying them a few try scoring opportunities in the Whitchurch twenty-two. However, with the home side still dominating possession, the CIAC’s were finally rewarded with their fourth try and an all-important bonus point.

From and big clearance kick down field from Duncan, the CIAC’s pressured the Whitchurch final quarter, and from multi-phase drive from the CIAC forwards, the ball was picked up by Man of Match Simon Monk, who had been a key player all game turning over valuable possession for the CIAC’s, and deservedly went over for his debut try for the club just left of the posts. With Duncan’s kicking back on form, the CIAC’s pulled away from Whitchurch with a 29-0 score line.

As the rain came down on the hour mark, the game became scrappy with no constructive series of passes from either side. Whether it was, fatigue, or over confidence, the CIAC’s began to lose shape in the last quarter of the game, ignoring the simple instructions from Jack to simply pass the ball wide and hold on to possession.

However, by this time, thankfully for the CIAC’s, the game was too far out of reach for the visiting side who, despite having a short spell of attack at the end of the game, never really threatened the CIAC defence, and in the end held out for the 29-0 win.

In the first half, the CIAC’s for the first time this season looked like real promotion contenders with a confident back-line and a technically strong forward pack that would pose problems to any side in the league. It would be unfair to be over critical of the side after an impressive win against a team sitting on the top of the division, but if the CIAC’s are to go on to become a dominant force in the district and compete on a higher level, they will need to show that they have the discipline and resolve to get the basics right for the full 80 minutes. This was corroborated in Jack’s summation of the game, stating “A good win, but a frustrating afternoon due to a failure to get the ball wide.”

Rhodri Davies, Editor in Chief.

Star 10 - CIAC's 16

2009-09-28T08:34:00.015+01:00

CIACS ‘STAR’ in St Mellons! by Rhodri Davies

After foolishly ignoring Gareth Mahoney’s directions to the ground, my little detour around Tesco’s in Tremorfa meant I missed the first twenty minutes of the game and had to rely on the touchline support for an assessment of the first quarter, which has since been edited for public viewing. The key figure in the opening quarter was STAR’s outside centre who, by all accounts, cut through a series of missed tackles to score the first try of the game.

The powerful centre proved to be the main difference between the two sides which were otherwise evenly matched in the first half. Even the two beautiful blondes brought along by CIAC’s own Hugh Hefner, James Emery couldn’t distract the No13, and no sooner than I finally arrived he scored again.

From a set piece the ball was spread quickly through the STAR backline to the safe hands of the outside centre who’s pace and strength proved too much for the CIAC’s lax defence and he made easy work of breaking through two tackles to go over for his second and extend the STAR’s lead to 10-3 (CIAC penalty earlier converted by Chad).

Towards the end of the half the CIAC’s began to fight back with a short spell of pressure in the STAR’s half, but as the CIAC’s chief mascot, Matthew Phillips, put it “Mounting pressure didn’t pay any dividends”, and a missed penalty from Chad brought a largely uneventful first half to a close.

There were lots of areas for the coach Jack to address in the his half-time team talk, and whether it was Jack’s vocal tirade or the inspirational words from veteran scrum-half Dez who tried to motivate the troops with the commanding “it’s all downhill now boys”, something seemed to click with the CIAC’s starting far more positively in the second half.

A good scrum in the first few minutes set the standard for a better second half from the CIAC’s, pushing the STAR pack backwards, which was quickly followed by a successful penalty kick from replacement full-back Duncan, reducing the deficit to 10-6.

The CIAC’s newfound confidence led to a sustained period of pressure, and it wasn’t long until they were rewarded with their first try scoring opportunity. A loose kick from a STAR back was swiftly closed down by the young winger Chad and with the support of the ensuing forwards they pushed the STAR defence back, resulting in a CIAC scrum on the opposition’s touchline. Mavis picked the ball up from the back of the scrum creating an overlap which would’ve led to the first CIAC try if it wasn’t for an unfortunate forward pass at the end.

The momentum was now with the CIAC’s who began to set up camp in the oppositions half, creating a series of chances that should’ve put them comfortably in the lead if it wasn’t for a few silly handling errors.

However, with the CIAC’s beginning to dominate the territory and possession, it was only a matter of time before the STAR’s resilient defence began to crack, and first CIAC try eventually came on the hour mark.

Another failed clearance from the STAR full-back was quickly chased down by the centre Gareth and outside-half Mahoney forcing a CIAC turnover on the STAR try-line. With the attacking team perfectly positioned either side of the posts, the winger Gardner screamed “F***ing spread it” but Hooker Kevin wisely choose to ignore the call and drove over for his second try of the season and, thanks to a successful conversion by Duncan, put the CIAC’s into the lead 10-13.

STAR soon had a rare chance to level the score during the team’s brief spell of possession in the CIAC half, but despite being given two opportunities to convert, due an infringement by Fordy, the kicker twice missed the target. .

With a slim three point lead The CIAC’s didn’t let up and continued to suffocate STAR,. The CIAC forwards controlled the final quarter, perfectly demonstrated by a brilliant line-out steal from Chris Headley and Stretch’s dogmatic tackling at the breakdown.

Another successful penalty “toe poke” kick from Duncan marked the end of the game, with the CIAC winning 16-10.

Although it wasn’t a complete performance from the young CIAC team, with two wins in two the young side are starting to show that they have the character to grind out wins when it matters. Player coach Jack, commented after the game “A strong STAR side was subdued by a powerful CIAC pack and persistent tackling, which in the end went beyond the16-10 score line.”

Rhodri Davies – The Guardian

Next Social / Fordy's 21st

2009-09-22T22:02:00.007+01:00

The next CIAC's social is.......

Event - Fordy's 21st birthday. Fancy dress party (see fordy for details)

When - Sat Oct 3rd
Where - Grange Albions, Grangetown

Everyone to meet straight after the game in Docks Cons, and then go over to Grange Albions for 7.30pm

Thought this would be of interest to anybody who has or had the honour to represent the CIACs,

2009-09-20T10:50:00.003+01:00

by Alan Robertson 22nd July 2009

I recently returned from South Africa where I had a short holiday with my son. We were based in Cape Town at the time of the British Lions tour to South Africa. During our stay we made a visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent most of his jail sentence along side many other political prisoners.

On my return I read in the South Wales Echo that Mr Hanef Bhamjee O.B.E. was to travel to South Africa to receive the prestigious “Mahatma Ghandi” award for reconciliation and peace. When we were on Robben Island we met a former political prisoner who knew Hanef and his work, he was now acting as a tour guide and indeed lived on the island, and was a former member of the banned Pan African congress.

I explained to him that I had met Hanef Bhamji on a few occasions over the years and was well aware of the work he had done in organising the growth of the South Wales Anti – Apartheid movement in South Wales from the time he came to Wales in 1972. I told him that Hanef had received the O.B.E. for his services to race relations, the charity and voluntary sector and for developing the Wales Anti – Apartheid movement. In fact he was still serving as secretary of the Anti – Poverty Group for Southern Africa.

I explained that both my son and myself had played rugby for a team in Cardiff who were formed in 1946 and whose whole being was based on multi – racial and religious tolerance. Cardiff International Athletic Club, known my most as the C.I.A.C.s was formed by black servicemen who had returned from fighting for this country in World War II. The C.I.A.C. badge incorporates the clasping of black and white hands and the club motto is “UNUS ET IDEM”, meaning “ONE AND THE SAME”.

He was amazed that this could have been possible at a time when the Apartheid laws were being introduced in South Africa, I am in the process of sending him a club polo shirt which hopefully he will wear and make future visitors aware of the significance of the badge.

My son and myself also toured the area and our guide again was a mine of information, he was an articulate Asian man who had been through the Apartheid years. We talked about the transition from Apartheid policy to Democratic freedom and it’s positives and negatives. I told him that I had marched through the streets of Cardiff in 1969 in protest at the touring of the white only South African team. 12,000 people marched through Cardiff that day including Trade Unions, Church groups, Student groups, the Wales Anti – Apartheid movement and of course the C.I.A.Cs.
There is an image from that day that has always stayed in my mind. Banners had been made for the march and one in particular was designed by the Murrell family. It showed a black hand on a rugby ball on the try line and the banner read “DON,T DENY THEIR RIGHT TO TRY”

He wanted us to know how important this was to them and how instrumental sporting isolation was in breaking down the Apartheid system. The Apartheid laws although only framed after 1948 had been in force in Rugby Union unofficially for many years. New Zealand excluding George Nepia from their team in 1928,this was a high profile example. In 1976 South Africa toured New Zealand and this attracted great criticism, 28 countries boycotted the Summer Olympics. The world’s conscience had been stirred but sadly the Rugby Union authorities largely ignored this. In 1977 the “Gleneagles” agreement was signed which discouraged sporting contact. In defiance New Zealand invited South Africa to tour in 1981 where massive civil disruption took place.

The ensuing sporting isolation hurt the white South African sporting psyche, he stressed that one of the pillars of the Apartheid policy was white sporting supremacy particularly in rugby union where the Afrikaans were dominant. They tried to counteract the sporting isolation by tempting “Mercenary Teams” to visit South Africa. The South American “Jaguars” toured in the early 1980s and in 1986 the New Zealand “Cavaliers” came to South Africa against the wishes of the New Zealand Rugby Union” On their return they were banned from representing the “All Blacks” for 2 games. In 1989 a “World XV” approved by the International Rugby Board toured South Africa, shamefully the largest contingent were from Wales, 10 players then 8 French, 6 Aussies, 4 English, 1 Scot and 1 Irishman. They were widely believed to have received substantial secret payments in offshore currencies, this at a time when Rugby Union was supposedly an amateur sport.

Our guide was adamant that we should know what happened next and I must admit I did not. An important breakthrough took place in achieving multi – racial rugby union, this against a backdrop of Apartheid which translated means separateness.In 1988 Dr Danie Craven, South Africa’s most prominent administrator, then Chairman of the South African Rugby board had seen South Africa isolated from genuine sporting contact with the rest of the world. He made an unprecedented move when he met leaders of the banned ANC, the African National Congress in Zimbabwe. The Afrikaners especially, to whom Rugby Union was a symbol of power saw this as an act of treason. Although denounced by the then President P.W.Botha Dr Craven agreed to form a single Rugby association fielding an integrated team for foreign tournaments.

In 1990 – 1991 after the release of Nelson Mandela the legal apparatus of apartheid was abolished and in 1992 South Africa were re – admitted to International rugby. At the end of the trip our guide asked us to thank those who tried to make a difference. I have written this letter in the hope that some who did will see that they were appreciated. I personally only took part in one march but other C.I.A.C. families continued to support the Anti – Apartheid movement in South Wales and further a field until it was dismantled. I will not name them but they know who they are and they should be proud.

After coming home and having a period of reflection is everything now positive in the new South Africa? Of course not, they have 43% unemployment and are in recession as we are.It is still a society of great wealth imbalance and crime is a sensitive and growing problem. They have already achieved miracles with the peaceful transition to a genuine multi – racial, multi – party democracy founded on human rights. The Truth and Reconciliation committees are seen as a blueprint and are credited in some part in bringing peace to Northern Ireland. In Nelson Mandela they have an Icon who embraced those who persecuted him and who is today the most respected figure in the world. They may or may not succeed in moving this beautiful country forward but as Mrs Beattie Murrell and her families banner proclaimed in 1969 they do have “THE RIGHT TO TRY”

That Rugby team from Tiger Bay, by Arthur Duarte

2009-09-05T09:02:00.006+01:00

Below is a brilliant (and lengthy!) poem recently written by Arthur Duarte (one of the founding players of the 1946 side). This is what the CIAC legend is all about ...

That Rugby team from Tiger Bay, by Arthur Duarte

Cardiff International Athletic Club

We were formed in Nineteen Forty Six
And played our rugby just for kicks
UNUS ET IDEM was on our crest
To be just that we did our best
One and the same was it meant
To be just that was always our intent
James and Neil and Sullivan
All were players when it began
There were many more I could go on and on
Like George Percy, Fred Campbell and Sammy John
Others came to run and pass
The Acties, Ernests and Billy Douglas.

When we went up the valleys to play
You are not Internationals they would say
You’re THAT RUGBY TEAM FROM TIGER BAY
As we sat in the clubhouse after the game
And tried to explain why we had than name
So when our story it unfurled
That our fathers came from all around the world
It’s a good name for you they then would say
And we do like the way you play.

We put our rugby to the test
As far as Hendy in the west
Tried to be true to our style
Whether in Cefn Cribbwr or the Dingle at Pyle
Rugby League scouts followed wherever we went
Be it Tondu or Blaenau Gwent
Some of them could tell the tale
How we gave them the slip in Ebbw Vale.

Magic rugby players we did groom
Like Boston, Freeman and Willicombe
They went north to ply their trade
We are mighty proud that they made the grade
International players trod the same road
But failed to make it in that code.

Most of our players were from the bay
And South Church St. School where they learned to play
Sievewright, Phillips, Nogan and Austin
Players you could put your trust in
Some they came from other places
But always welcome were new faces
A Newtown boy was John O’Connor
He wore our jersey with pride and honour
Stretch Williams, Phil Collins and Davy Maunder
Played for us all around the Rhondda
I must not forget a prop we had
Was there all through the good and bad
Got on with the game without much fuss
His name was Eustace but we called him Gus
Even footballers came on board
Like “Hooky” Harris and “Dango” Ford.

When we marched in that demonstration
There were rumblings and accusations
But we were there for what we stood
And thought that it would do some good
Our colours they were black and white
And for what that signified we would fight
We are proud that we stood tall that day
Along with other people from the bay
We didn’t think that it was right
Not to be able to play for your country
If you weren’t white
Now there is no segregation
They are known the world over as the RAINBOW NATION
If things had not been turned around
Bryan Habanna would not be found
Parading his talent on the world stage
Like a cheetah just released from its cage
We are not trying to claim any credit
But we are proud that we were there to do our bit
Everyone connected with the CIAC side
Walk with your head held high and filled with pride.

South Church St. School was down and gone
Where would our future players come from
It was plain for everyone to see
That school had been our Academy
Soon on our faces would be a smile
For not very far, about half a mile
Was a school called Clarence Road
Where we would get players by the load
Carpin, Kuck the Murrell’s and Pengelly
And from Adamsdown came Billy Kelly
What a journey they took us on
Under the captaincy of Phillip John

Eleven times they won the Mallet Cup
The club was on the up and up
And “Bonzo” John was doing fine
His winner’s trophies counted up to nine
There were clever backs for all to see
And the lineout skills of Jimmy Corsi
I am proud of this new generation
Who followed in the founders’ creation
He running game is what we played
And the showed us of what they were made
They also played at 7-a-side
What they won at that filled us with pride.

I have already mentioned “Dango” Ford
But there were many more, in fact there were loads and loads
As one joker once said to me
The CIAC has more Fords than the motor company
In recent years within this club
Larry has been right there at the hub
Another name that rhymes with Ford
Is our won Mr Teflon “Tiger” Borde
Someon who has been with us for quite some time
I’ll have to try and make his name rhyme
No it’s not another Ford
It’s “Scatter”, known as Keith Huxford.

Many have served this club in spades
Big Jack, Michael Sunni and Elvin Blades
Trotmans have been with the club since way back when
They served us well and both of them named Ken
They came from the West Indies I know not where
Carl Smith and his brothers from Loudoun Square
Santos, Silva, Soares, Brito, Duarte and Rodrigues
People all called them Portugese
So just in case you haven’t heard
Their fathers came from the islands of Cape Verde
Reggie and Nellie I remember them both
And George Hoskins and his brothers who came from Roath
“Biffo”, “Jonah” and “Tinman” too
Joined us to show what they could do
There are so many names I could go on and on
Alan Robertson, “Jonno”, Patrick Venn and Russell John
Before I finish this preamble
Let’s not forget Frank Parris, Roger Clarke and Stuart Campbell
So if you meet me in the street
Don’t rant and rage and stamp your feet
If your name has been left out
Please don’t punch me on the snout.

It is time to close and I would like to say
To the players of the present day
When your playing days are gone
And you no longer put that jersey on
I hope just like me you will have the pleasure
Of memories that you can treasure
Of the games you’ve played
And the friends you’ve made
Not just the old familiar faces
Who were there when you first tied your laces
But the players who came from other places.

PARTLY because of demonstrations like we went on
Apartheid now is dead and gone
So when you play your next game
Just be proud of the CIAC name
And never forget from where it came
I may be no longer there
But that does not mean that I don’t care.

Arthur Duarte – 1 August 2009

Forthcoming Events

2009-08-18T09:16:00.008+01:00

Sept 5th - CIAC's v Cathays (fixture list)

Sept 5th - First Club Social of the season

Oct 3rd - Fordy's 21st

Our first league game of the season is on Sept 5th v Cathays. That evening is the first club social of the season, strating in the Docks Cons straight after the game. Club Shirt and tie to be worn.

On Oct 3rd its Fordy's 21st Birthday and there is a fancy dress Party at the Grange Albions, 7.30pm start, then on and into town.

Pre-season Rugby Training starts Tuesday July 7th 6.30pm

2009-06-09T14:14:00.000+01:00

2009 awards

2009-06-07T21:13:00.000+01:00

At the end of Season presenation night in the Docks Cons Club Dan Baugh presented the following awards :

2009 awards

Player of the year - Gary Ward

Forward of the year - Kaid Hassan

Most improved - Josh Ward

Clubman - Aled Edwards

Dates for the diary

2009-05-06T21:36:00.000+01:00

May 23rd - Next Social - 300 theme.

June 6th - End of Season Presentation in Docks Cons, Presentation, buffet and disco, inc WAGs

July 7th - Pre-season training , the Marl 6.30pm

Next CIACS Club Social

2009-05-06T11:10:00.000+01:00

Event – CIACS – Club Social
When : Sat May 23 2009 - 4.30 pm
Location : Docks Cons

300 Spartans (CIACS, maybe a little less then 300 going by this season) will be defending the cardiff lands by showing that we are not defeated and we stand as one. It is also the heinekan cup final to entertain us. Fancy dress is required by ALL and you may be a persian if you wish.

Mavo.

2009-05-06T11:03:00.000+01:00

Make sure you join our facebook group!

Final social of the season

2009-05-01T08:38:00.002+01:00

Guys

The final social of the season, where we will be devouring what is left of the social kitty is to be held on Saturday 23rd May, which is the date of the Heineken Cup Final, and is also a bank holiday weekend I think.

Hopefully the Blues will be there so we can all (inc Mahoney) get wrecked and cheer them on.

Mavis will have a think about theme, location etc and we'll get back to you.

There will also be a bit more respectable end-of-season presentation night which is being organised by Jack and Doug. This will be held upstairs at the Docks Cons and will include a buffet and a bit of a disco and the usual awards for player of year, forward of the year etc. WAGs will also be invited.

Any ideas or comments, let Mavie or myself know.

On a rugby-related note, thought we finished the season on a very positive note with a big (too big actually) squad and a gutsy intense performance against a very accomplished Rumney side.

If we can keep everyone from that semi final squad and attract 4 or 5 newcomers over the summer then it bodes well for next year, particularly with big Jack pulling the strings and youngsters like Stretch, Car javascript:void(0)Crash, Josh, Fordy and Dewi coming through. I am also looking into booking a permanent slot at Leckwith's astro turf court for the winter months.

Rant over ... until next season.

Tidy.

Aled

End of Season Presentation 2009

2009-04-30T20:45:00.000+01:00

Jack and Dougie are currently sorting out the end of season presentation night, full details will be confirmed shortly.

Pre-seaso0n training will resume early in July, watch this space for details.....