National Women’s Club finals day begins at the Cardiff citadel at 1pm when the Blues travel from Pembrokeshire to tackle Merched CRCC – a feat which wouldn’t have even been considerably just over a year ago.
The Blues have had plenty of ups and downs in their recent history but the Bowl final is rich reward for a team bristling with grit and determination.
Back in 2014 Haverfordwest RFC reformed a women’s team and an enthusiastic and talented group of ladies gained some success. Their enthusiasm was tempered by the long distances they were required to travel to fulfil away fixtures which deterred many from fully committing.
In 2020 Covid came along, and in the 2021-22 season the return to rugby was an anti-climax as several players retired. The remaining group were forced to take to social media to appeal for new players for this season and the success of that can now be seen this afternoon.
Haverfordwest’s squad boasts a mixture of experience and newcomers. Former coach Jeff Clout and the new management involving Steve Barnett, Morgan Layton and Tony George deserve huge credit for moulding the team together.
The Blues have played six league games since September, weather affecting a number of missed games, in addition to three away cup matches on the road to The Principality Stadium. Their 22-46 semi-final victory at Blackwood was particularly impressive, including a brace of tries for Rhian Swift and Meg Davies.
The club has done its bit for the national cause along the way with Welsh internationals Jasmine Joyce, Lisa Neumann, Nicola John and Sarah Lawrence having all passed through their ranks while other internationals include Wales and British Lion utility back, Peter Morgan and more recently front rowers Rob Evans and Sam Parry.
