Last Saturday saw two firsts for Oakdale Rugby Club. The Senior team hosted for the first time, Furnace United from the Llanelli area in a second round WRU Division Four Cup tie and the Youth made the considerable journey to play their WRU Youth Cup fixture against a combined Bro Ffestiniog/Dolgellau side, again a first for the Club. The Youth set off early at 08:30 from the Club and preparations for the Senior fixture started around the same time, such was the desire to make it a memorable day. Furnace didn’t stick to the script and went ahead 14-00 within the first quarter of an hour of the home tie before Oakdale got a grip on the game, scoring seven tries and taking an unassailable lead at 43-17 before Furnace rallied with three tries and two conversions of their own to make the final score, 43-36.

The first half in the Youth game was a tight affair with the home side going into the break 10-05 in the lead. No matter how hard the Youth fought back they came up against a resilient host who scored a further 12 points in the second half to make the final score 22-05 to the home team.

But it was the after-match festivities that will last long in the memory of all that attended. Both sets of sides coming together after the games to celebrate the game of rugby in the only way that they know, drinking games. The beer flowed at both clubhouses and each away team left with glowing praise of their hosts, something all clubs aspire to. Ther was even agreements of pre season friendlies and possible tours in the future such was the connection that was made on the day.

Oakdale Rugby Club would like to give their immense thanks to Furnace United and to Bro Ffestiniog/Dolgellau for playing their parts in two thoroughly enjoyable afternoons of rugby and we wish you every success in the future.