Well, what a weekend that was. Wales’ removal from the Rugby World Cup was gutting to all those that got up on Saturday morning with hope and excitement. Referee Alain Rolland (Irish-born, FRENCH father) dismissed Wales’ captain Sam Warburton in the 18th minute for what was deemed to be a dangerous tackle otherwise known as a ‘spear’ tackle. Controversial at best and one that a multitude of former players from all over the world have condemned as a bad decision and declared that a yellow card was the appropriate action to take meaning that Warburton would have spent 10 minutes off the field instead of the entire game and therefore not leaving Wales to fight it out with 14 men against the 15 man complement of the French team.
Wales have without doubt been the most exciting team of the tournament and it is a big loss to the game of rugby that a French side full of what their own coach described as ‘spoilt brats’ should get to the World Cup final. Such is the rollercoaster of sport but what cannot be denied is the wealth of young World Class players that Wales now possess in the Under 25 year olds of Jamie Roberts, George North, Leigh Halfpenny and Captain marvel himself Sam Warburton a mere slip at just 23. The real genius of it all has been one of man-management from Coach Warren Gatland who spotted the potential of these youngsters and threw them into the
team. What has been discovered are some gems that will serve Wales and the British & Irish Lions for many years to come. Some incredible lessons can be learned from Gatlands’ management and nurturing style for us all in business in the way he has developed these players into not only World Class rugby players but also great ambassadors for Wales off the pitch and whose behaviour and dignity have been exemplary particularly after the injustice dished out last saturday.
Another incredible performance was that of the Beaumaris brass band who finished 4th in the UK National Championships at the Albert Hall in London against the creme de la Creme of established British Brass Bands. Congratulations to them and their Musical Director Gwyn Evans who has been the undeniable inspiration behind the bands’ rise from the 4th section up to the highest echelons of Brass Bands.A monumental effort from a band based in the small seaside village on the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales.
Until next time…..
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