sport
STAKES HIGH FOR CARDIFF AND SWANSEA CITY
AS I write this piece, Cardiff City have just guaranteed themselves a place in this year’s Championship play-offs, with the first game to be played on Sat 8 May and the second leg on Tue 11 or Wed 12. Swansea City, on the other hand, have yet to see off the challenge of Blackpool. I can only hope they gained enough points in their final games to have joined the Bluebirds in these decisive matches. If they have, then we are faced with the tantalising prospect of either one of our Welsh teams competing in the Premiership next season. The stakes simply couldn’t be higher. For Cardiff, promotion could offer a lifeline from the financial problems that have hung over them recently. For Swansea, it would signal the most dramatic of redemptions just seven years after avoiding relegation to the Conference that would have threatened the very existence of the club. Riches await the team fortunate enough to make the jump to the Premiership after the Wembley final. It’s about time a Welsh team made the top division... and there’s no time like the present. DAVE BRAYLEY
Info: www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk / www.swanseacity.net
MAY could prove to be a massive month for Glamorgan if they are to build on the solid foundation the side found in the LV Championship last year. It’s no secret that coach Matt Maynard has targeted success in the Twenty20 this season, especially with the signing of Aussie whirlwind Shaun Tait. But, Maynard also knows that to have any chance of success in the shortest and most unpredictable format of the game, he’ll need to see the side build some winning momentum be- fore that competition begins in early June. With that in mind, May provides a chance for you all to satisfy your cricket addiction and see where this young Glamorgan side are going this season, thanks to an amazing 15 days of cricket at the Swalec Stadium. First up is Worcestershire in the Clydesdale Bank 40 Competition on Sun 9 May, followed by Surrey on Fri 21 May. These two games will provide a decent yardstick to where Glamorgan currently stand in limited over cricket, especially after the disappointments of recent years in the one day game. Around these limited over games are three Championship games against Northants, Gloucestershire and Surrey on Mon 10, Mon 17 and Sat 29 May respectively.
DAVE BRAYLEY
Info: 029 2041 9311 / www.glamorgancricket.com
OSPREYS REGROUP AFTER DISAPPOINTING DEFEAT
I had hoped to be writing about a home Heineken league semi-final for the Ospreys this month, but a failure to take some gilt-edged chances, combined with a very ropey last gasp decision from referee George Clancy, resulted in an agonising one point defeat in a game the Ospreys really should have won. Still, professional sport rolls on, and Fri 7 May sees the final round of matches in the Magners league. Cardiff Blues welcome title chasing Munster in what will be a very tough game, but one the Blues will be desperate to win to end the season on a high. Down west at Parc-y-Scarlets, the home team will be desperate to end a very disappointing season with victory against Glasgow, but it’s at the Liberty Stadium where most of the fireworks may be seen. Their game against Newport could see them drag themselves into the runners up spot – not exactly the European glory they were after, but it would guarantee a place in the play offs, and a chance to finish the season top of the Magners pile. DAVE BRAYLEY
Info: www.ercrugby.com
BUZZ 24
GLAMORGAN CRICKET CLUB HIT IT OFF
THE
LOCKER ROOM
Gareth Bale is emerging as one of Tottenham’s – and Wales’ – finest assets this year
IT finally seems that Wales could well have one of the best players in Britain at their disposal. The form of Gareth Bale in the last few weeks has been nothing short of spectacular. Previously played at full-back for club, Harry Redknapp surprised many by pushing him forward to the left-hand side of midfield, and it is in this role that he has revelled, with his pace and crossing particularly impressive. Many will point to the fact that Welsh boss John Toshack had been playing Bale in this position in recent fixtures, leading many to the conclusion that he has been consistently played out of position since joining Tottenham. Bale, 20, despite being born in Cardiff and educated in Whitchurch, did not sign for Cardiff and began his Southampton career aged just 16 years old. By turning out for Wales in 2006, he became the youngest ever Welsh international, and must be seen as Wales’ key man, given his recent form. Bale was reportedly wanted by Internazionale and Man City last summer, and his progress this season will not have come as a surprise to many within the Welsh set-up. Credit must go to Toshack, who has shown consistent loyalty and support to Bale, despite his lack of first-team football last season at club level. After Redknapp had been critical of the youthful winger at the beginning of last year, the Wales manager publicly backed Bale and reminded many that patience is key in developing potential into genuine talent. With his recent starring roles in Spurs wins over Chelsea and Arsenal, it is clear to see that Bale has the ability to embarrass some of the best full-backs in the Premier League. Along with Aaron Ramsey, he has the opportunity to become a top player, and with the backing of both of his managers, Gareth Bale has the world at his feet.
RICHARD BROWN
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