Gwent Dragons 2013/14 thread

by Guest Tue 18 Jun 2013, 19:24

First topic message reminder :

A place for general Dragons chat, etc.

After renewing my season ticket recently, and with Lyn Jones being unveiled as the new DoR (yeah I know, some people thinks he's gash, but whatever), plus the training facilities at Ystrad Mynach, I feel a bit of a buzz and optimism around the Dragons. Saying that I do generally get a feeling of optimism pre season every year which usually goes by about mid October!

Just watched the Wales U20's get to the final of the Jnr World Championships and a couple of lads looked really good - Jack Dixon a rock in midfield, Hallam Amos an elusive runner at FB/wing and Ieuan Jones looking like a very good prospect at 8. Will be good to see how the go next season for the Dragons. I think their regional appearances have certainly helped them in this Jnr cup in terms of experience. Looking forward to seeing them play with the likes of Faletau, Coombes, Talei, T Rhys Thomas, etc. next season.

Anyone want to make a stab at our strongest matchday 15/23 for next season? Will have a stab myself after a bit of thought.

by munkian Wed 14 Aug 2013, 16:05

Code:

maestegmafia wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:Is it just me or does anyone else remember hte start of last season, the Ospreys lost 3 on the bounce, Biggar was totally out of favour with the fans, and Metro Racing wanted him to sign, much to the delight of most Osp supporters.
Something like that...!

Can't remember who we gave a good beating too to get over it, but we started to click well by the end of the fourth game, think it was an away match too..???

Leinster ?

by GavinDragon Wed 14 Aug 2013, 16:47

Stone Motif wrote:
GavinDragon wrote:im just happy they'll be playing in ebbw vale!
Yeah, can't wait to see all the locals turn out in their Ospreys shirts and cheer on the opposition. Not my words, the words of my mate who is an EV supporter who has bought into the Dragons.

In time, and with success that will change Very Happy

by Breadvan Wed 14 Aug 2013, 17:21

Apologies as this is a NGD page....It was only the Glasgow match last season we were totally outplayed. The ulster bench killed us and we butchered numerous chances away in Treviso. Only a few Os fans were giving Dan abuse. The same ones that still do and have done since he made his debut.

by maestegmafia Wed 14 Aug 2013, 18:34

Stone Motif wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:Quick question Maes, how come you're not pontificating about how the O's need to drop Biggar for Matthew Morgan? Same situation really.
Not at all, Biggar has played very well
But he's not as talented an attacking player as wee Matthew is he surely? Even though Morgan is as much use as Barbara Cartland in defence, surely the O's need to get their most talented attacking player and worst defender into the ten slot to get the most out of their young Welsh backline?
Two seasons ago I might have slightly agreed with you as Biggar was in poor form, though since Tandy took over he has been superb in attack and defence.

Oh right so it's form that's important now is it? God help us in the Kingdom of Gwent if Tovey or Stef get the nod as front line ten then.

Why?

They have shown to be very talented young players.

by bedfordwelsh Wed 14 Aug 2013, 19:24

GavinDragon wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:
GavinDragon wrote:im just happy they'll be playing in ebbw vale!
Yeah, can't wait to see all the locals turn out in their Ospreys shirts and cheer on the opposition. Not my words, the words of my mate who is an EV supporter who has bought into the Dragons.
In time, and with success that will change

Time will change but there will be a missed generation so to speak as an Ebbw boy myself who supports my Region (maybe easier as I live wrong side of bridge) I know a fair amount of people who won't go near RP preferring to trek along the Heads of the Valley to the M4 and onto the Liberty.

Those people won't go near ECP if the Dragons are there other than in a protest mode with their Os shirts on

by Guest Wed 14 Aug 2013, 19:41

I hope the Ebbw fans don't do that. Though if they want to waste their money doing it, good luck to them. It's their club that lose more in the long run, as it needs to be a relative success to happen again and also they would benefit having a good relationship with the Dragons for when they're in the Prem.

by The Saint Wed 14 Aug 2013, 20:06

Anyone seen the new Ospreys kit? It's embarrassing. The OneTrueRegion resurfaces again. I would love one of the fans or players to tell us how they're the one true region.

by Breadvan Wed 14 Aug 2013, 20:26

Ask the Ospreys PR....doesn't bother me much.

by bedfordwelsh Wed 14 Aug 2013, 21:22

Risca Rev wrote:I hope the Ebbw fans don't do that. Though if they want to waste their money doing it, good luck to them. It's their club that lose more in the long run, as it needs to be a relative success to happen again and also they would benefit having a good relationship with the Dragons for when they're in the Prem.

Rev,

I think the club itself has got a good (ish) relationship and I know the Dragons themselves are working well in the area. RTBs Juniors have been mascots at Dave a few times and other bits n pieces, could they do more? Of course they could as could all the Regions.

As for the fans, some of who are friends and family and ones who I have tried to argue point with til blue in the face would rather cut nose off to spite face and that's the generation thing I mean. That said I am sure there are people of the same era in Ponty that won't step foot in the CAP.

by Guest Wed 14 Aug 2013, 21:41

I totally get it's the generation thing. There's still Newport fans that are fairly similar.

by GavinDragon Wed 14 Aug 2013, 21:51

yes there will always be people like that, just have to keep working at it,, taking games to exp, schemes to engage people in the area and over time youger generations will grow up knowing only the dragons as their professional side

by Stone Motif Wed 14 Aug 2013, 22:46

GavinDragon wrote:yes there will always be people like that, just have to keep working at it,, taking games to exp, schemes to engage people in the area and over time youger generations will grow up knowing only the dragons as their professional side

This is why the most important thing is building a winning side. Five years ago I'd have been overjoyed that we were thinking of taking games 'out to the region', but now I only give a toss if it helps us win games. That's the biggest embarrassment of all in this great Welsh regional experiment. Somewhere along the line engaging with fans and other such political BS has become as important as actually winning games. I don't care anymore what we call ourselves or what colour we play in where as long as we're not feckin last Welsh region again. I don't care if we have to draft in a team of NWQ players to do it, so long as we remember what the point of the game is. It doesn't bode well for Lyn Jones that he can only arrange one pre-season friendly and admits we will face tournament favourites Ulster 'under cooked' yet is devoting so much energy to raking up old wounds.

by Stone Motif Wed 14 Aug 2013, 22:51

maestegmafia wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:Quick question Maes, how come you're not pontificating about how the O's need to drop Biggar for Matthew Morgan? Same situation really.
Not at all, Biggar has played very well
But he's not as talented an attacking player as wee Matthew is he surely? Even though Morgan is as much use as Barbara Cartland in defence, surely the O's need to get their most talented attacking player and worst defender into the ten slot to get the most out of their young Welsh backline?
Two seasons ago I might have slightly agreed with you as Biggar was in poor form, though since Tandy took over he has been superb in attack and defence.

Oh right so it's form that's important now is it? God help us in the Kingdom of Gwent if Tovey or Stef get the nod as front line ten then.
Why?

They have shown to be very talented young players.

Yes, but only someone who has gained all their knowledge of said players from Scrum V or the Fail would refuse to see the glaring weaknesses they have so vociferously. Whilst castigating another player who is less poor in the actual facets of play you believe render him a useless signing, let's not forget. Give me strength.

by GavinDragon Thu 15 Aug 2013, 06:21

Stone Motif wrote:
GavinDragon wrote:yes there will always be people like that, just have to keep working at it,, taking games to exp, schemes to engage people in the area and over time youger generations will grow up knowing only the dragons as their professional side
This is why the most important thing is building a winning side. Five years ago I'd have been overjoyed that we were thinking of taking games 'out to the region', but now I only give a toss if it helps us win games. That's the biggest embarrassment of all in this great Welsh regional experiment. Somewhere along the line engaging with fans and other such political BS has become as important as actually winning games. I don't care anymore what we call ourselves or what colour we play in where as long as we're not feckin last Welsh region again. I don't care if we have to draft in a team of NWQ players to do it, so long as we remember what the point of the game is. It doesn't bode well for Lyn Jones that he can only arrange one pre-season friendly and admits we will face tournament favourites Ulster 'under cooked' yet is devoting so much energy to raking up old wounds.

I take your point and it is tru and valid. However I will point out that there are a minority of fans and more importantly a body that 50% own the Dragons who may argue that winning is not the most important thing - developing players for team wales is

by Stone Motif Thu 15 Aug 2013, 07:56

GavinDragon wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:
GavinDragon wrote:yes there will always be people like that, just have to keep working at it,, taking games to exp, schemes to engage people in the area and over time youger generations will grow up knowing only the dragons as their professional side
This is why the most important thing is building a winning side. Five years ago I'd have been overjoyed that we were thinking of taking games 'out to the region', but now I only give a toss if it helps us win games. That's the biggest embarrassment of all in this great Welsh regional experiment. Somewhere along the line engaging with fans and other such political BS has become as important as actually winning games. I don't care anymore what we call ourselves or what colour we play in where as long as we're not feckin last Welsh region again. I don't care if we have to draft in a team of NWQ players to do it, so long as we remember what the point of the game is. It doesn't bode well for Lyn Jones that he can only arrange one pre-season friendly and admits we will face tournament favourites Ulster 'under cooked' yet is devoting so much energy to raking up old wounds.
I take your point and it is tru and valid. However I will point out that there are a minority of fans and more importantly a body that 50% own the Dragons who may argue that winning is not the most important thing - developing players for team wales is

You're right of course, but whilst not giving much of a toss about Princess Rog, Prickering and "the best rugby fans in the world" and their annual February pish up, producing players for Team Wales is all about winning too. Or at least performing.

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 15 Aug 2013, 08:00

bedfordwelsh wrote:
Risca Rev wrote:I hope the Ebbw fans don't do that. Though if they want to waste their money doing it, good luck to them. It's their club that lose more in the long run, as it needs to be a relative success to happen again and also they would benefit having a good relationship with the Dragons for when they're in the Prem.
Rev,

I think the club itself has got a good (ish) relationship and I know the Dragons themselves are working well in the area. RTBs Juniors have been mascots at Dave a few times and other bits n pieces, could they do more? Of course they could as could all the Regions.

As for the fans, some of who are friends and family and ones who I have tried to argue point with til blue in the face would rather cut nose off to spite face and that's the generation thing I mean. That said I am sure there are people of the same era in Ponty that won't step foot in the CAP.

I did a one-day fire marshal course earlier this year and the instructor and one of the other blokes on the course were from Ebbw Vale. The discussion turned to rugby and they refused to believe that the WRU had had to step in because Ebbw Vale couldn't fulfil their part of the bargain when the regions were formed. They were adamant it was just Newport being greedy. Strangely though, despite being from and living in Ebbw Vale, the instructor was a big Cross Keys fan and was trying to get the other bloke from Ebbw Vale to come to a game at Pandy Park. So he didn't have a problem with supporting another team, just with supporting the Dragons (even though they actually represent Ebbw Vale whereas Cross Keys don't). It's a strange one.

by Stone Motif Thu 15 Aug 2013, 09:39

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
bedfordwelsh wrote:
Risca Rev wrote:I hope the Ebbw fans don't do that. Though if they want to waste their money doing it, good luck to them. It's their club that lose more in the long run, as it needs to be a relative success to happen again and also they would benefit having a good relationship with the Dragons for when they're in the Prem.
Rev,

I think the club itself has got a good (ish) relationship and I know the Dragons themselves are working well in the area. RTBs Juniors have been mascots at Dave a few times and other bits n pieces, could they do more? Of course they could as could all the Regions.

As for the fans, some of who are friends and family and ones who I have tried to argue point with til blue in the face would rather cut nose off to spite face and that's the generation thing I mean. That said I am sure there are people of the same era in Ponty that won't step foot in the CAP.
I did a one-day fire marshal course earlier this year and the instructor and one of the other blokes on the course were from Ebbw Vale. The discussion turned to rugby and they refused to believe that the WRU had had to step in because Ebbw Vale couldn't fulfil their part of the bargain when the regions were formed. They were adamant it was just Newport being greedy. Strangely though, despite being from and living in Ebbw Vale, the instructor was a big Cross Keys fan and was trying to get the other bloke from Ebbw Vale to come to a game at Pandy Park. So he didn't have a problem with supporting another team, just with supporting the Dragons (even though they actually represent Ebbw Vale whereas Cross Keys don't). It's a strange one.

Had similar conversations myself, many times, including one with some idiot at a Wales match who was wearing a Man Utd shirt of all things, so obviously well against the more flagrantly capitalist concerns involed in running a pro sport team. Trouble is the victim/underdog mentality is so ingrained in Welsh people they lap this sh4t up, it couldn't possibly be the little guy who jilted the Dragons at the altar after finding out how much the honeymoon would cost, it must be the big bad club from the city who made it all go wrong.

by munkian Thu 15 Aug 2013, 09:53

Stone Motif wrote:Trouble is the victim/underdog mentality is so ingrained in Welsh people they lap this sh4t up

A little harsh, I say Welsh people are very bi-polar - Something is amazing or something is awful, no middle ground.

I don't think the 'victim' menatality is a particular Welsh thing, its crept into British societ in the last 10 years thanks to all these 'no win, no fee' agencies

by Guest Thu 15 Aug 2013, 15:43

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/dragons/10615080.Dragons_to_stay_on_Parade_for_LV__Cup/

As much as I want it to happen, I think the reasoning is fair enough for this season. Next season they can market it as likely before season tickets are sold and then people can't complain about being falsely sold a ticket or such nonsense.

by munkian Thu 15 Aug 2013, 16:25

Risca Rev wrote:http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/dragons/10615080.Dragons_to_stay_on_Parade_for_LV__Cup/

As much as I want it to happen, I think the reasoning is fair enough for this season. Next season they can market it as likely before season tickets are sold and then people can't complain about being falsely sold a ticket or such nonsense.

Hardly 'nonsence' - if you pay for a seat in a particular ground for a guranteed amount of games and they change it then its not exactly what you get on the tin is it ?

Hardly worth alienating their main fan base in the hope of getting an extra what, 10 ? 20 ? Crosskeys fans

I wouldn't have minded visiting a different ground but the transport there is an absolute joke, especially if you are an away fan

by bedfordwelsh Thu 15 Aug 2013, 17:27

munkian wrote:
Risca Rev wrote:http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/dragons/10615080.Dragons_to_stay_on_Parade_for_LV__Cup/

As much as I want it to happen, I think the reasoning is fair enough for this season. Next season they can market it as likely before season tickets are sold and then people can't complain about being falsely sold a ticket or such nonsense.
Hardly 'nonsence' - if you pay for a seat in a particular ground for a guranteed amount of games and they change it then its not exactly what you get on the tin is it ?

Hardly worth alienating their main fan base in the hope of getting an extra what, 10 ? 20 ? Crosskeys fans

I wouldn't have minded visiting a different ground but the transport there is an absolute joke, especially if you are an away fan

Munkian,

I agree the transport is a joke but its a joke both ways yet people from around Gwent are expected to make the journey regularly to support their Region.

Surely once in a blue moon it wouldn't hurt those in close proximity to Dave to work the journey the other way?

by Guest Thu 15 Aug 2013, 17:32

Anybody connected to the Dragons could/should know that grounds aren't strictly as advertised when it comes to the Dragons anyway. When was the last time that a season ticket was sold as described? Besides which, it was already apparent (unless you were living under a rock), that we were going to already lose a seat in a particular ground with the Judgement Day double header happening again.

by GavinDragon Thu 15 Aug 2013, 18:00

gutted about this decision

by Stone Motif Fri 16 Aug 2013, 09:01

Cheer up, news this morning more important than where we get stuffed at scrum time next season. Absolutely overjoyed with the choice of captain Smile

by maestegmafia Fri 16 Aug 2013, 09:04

WELSH INTERNATIONAL TAKES THE LEAD
By Katie Vizard | 16/08/2013

Newport Gwent Dragons second row and Welsh international Andrew Coombs will be leading from the front as he takes over the captaincy of the regional side for the coming season.

In May of this year Coombs signed a new 3 year extension to his current contract which will keep him in the region until May 2017. He came up through the Newport RFC youth teams to play for Pontypool at senior level. He then rejoined Newport RFC making his senior debut against Ebbw Vale in 2006 and then went on to become captain in the 2008/2009 season.

On his recent appointment to captaincy Coombs stated, “It’s obviously one of the biggest achievements that I have had and I am very proud to be captain here at the Dragons. I was lucky enough to be captain of Newport RFC and to move on that one step further is massive for me.

“I have always felt that I have tried my best to lead whether I am skipper or not. It is a big step for me and it’s not an easy job but I know that I have the support of the players around me along with the support of the coaches including Kingsley, Lyn and of course Darren. I couldn’t be in a better place with the support around me. It’s not a daunting thing it’s something that I will embrace and will enjoy doing. As I said I try to lead by example anyway.

Coombs understands the pressure and knows that captaincy doesn’t always guarantee selection, “Whoever is performing deserves to get picked and I stand by that. I always try and play my game and hopefully I will be in full form at the start of season and get that jersey.”

Director of Rugby Lyn Jones is confident that Andrew is the man for the job, “I am delighted that Andrew has accepted to captain the Gwent Dragons for the 2013/14 season. He’s really excelled since his first stint at the Newport Gwent Dragons several years back and he has deservedly represented Wales. He has also shown great example in our pre season training. I think it was important to take my time to clearly identify who would be the right choice to lead us and Andrew has stood out as a natural leader in this environment.”

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 16 Aug 2013, 09:30

It's a great call. You can't question his commitment and if the rest of the players follow his lead, we won't lose games through lack of effort.

I really hope Lewis Evans had a good season. He was on the cusp of a Wales callup the season before last, but it must have been tough to captain us last season and keep spirits up.

by munkian Fri 16 Aug 2013, 10:03

Good man !

by Guest Sun 18 Aug 2013, 08:00

Dragons not playing games at Ebbw Vale now according to the Argus. I had no problems wit this, but seems that maybe people kicked up a stink?

by munkian Mon 19 Aug 2013, 13:37

Was never a valid idea with the transport beign the shambles it is

More importantly, Steff Jones, Darren Waters and Will Harries have all picked up nasty injuries in pre season games - Waters could be out 4-5 months Sad

by bedfordwelsh Mon 19 Aug 2013, 20:12

Munkian,

Please explain why transport isn't viable for Newport people to get around Gwent but if Gwent people want to watch their Region they have to use the same transport to get to Newport.

by Guest Mon 19 Aug 2013, 21:47

Bedford, I was up for a game or 2 at Ebbw Vale to 'spread the word' around the region. However, I think the transport point Munkian is making is that Newport is the population centre for the region, I.e. it has the largest population of people in Gwent. Therefore, to hold a game at Rodney Parade you are asking a few thousand people to walk or travel a very short distance and a few hundred people to travel from Ebbw Vale, whereas a game at EXP you're asking a few thousand people to travel a long distance and a few hundred to walk to the game (I.e. it's more difficult for the majority than the minority). As I say though, I have no problem with this for a game or two.

But overall it's the whole reason the region is based in Newport - it's the population centre. Just as Leinster are based in Dublin and not Wexford for example, Ulster are in Belfast, etc., etc. If we moved the whole operation up to Ebbw Vale then the law of averages would suggest that you'd struggle to get the same (albeit low) crowd as in Newport as there are less people locally, regardless of people's feelings towards regional rugby.

by The Saint Mon 19 Aug 2013, 21:53

Which pre-season games did those players get injured?

by Guest Mon 19 Aug 2013, 22:20

They went out to play for prem sides I think as we've only managed to secure 1 pre season friendly.

by munkian Tue 20 Aug 2013, 09:12

The Saint wrote:Which pre-season games did those players get injured?

Griff is spot on, playing for club teams - Bedwas, Newport RFC etc

And I have no problem with one or two games away from the parade, but EXP is particulary difficult to get to, but I really don't want to get into this again Hug

by The Saint Tue 20 Aug 2013, 11:42

One pre-season friendly can't be good. An additional game against a Premiership XV would have been handy.

by munkian Tue 20 Aug 2013, 12:00

Le French cancelled our away one

by bedfordwelsh Tue 20 Aug 2013, 20:54

munkian wrote:
The Saint wrote:Which pre-season games did those players get injured?
Griff is spot on, playing for club teams - Bedwas, Newport RFC etc

And I have no problem with one or two games away from the parade, but EXP is particulary difficult to get to, but I really don't want to get into this again

Again though Munkian its just as difficult for any from Ebbw to get to Newport as it is other way around. Yes the numbers travelling to Newport would be less than travelling away from it but once a while wouldn't hurt.

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 21 Aug 2013, 08:12

That's my view on it too, Bedford. I'm lucky that I live ten minutes' drive from Dave Parade, but others have much further to travel and do so for every home game without complaining. I'd be in no position to whinge if I had to get up to Eugene Cross Park for a game or two a season.

Anything that leads more people in Gwent to buy into the Dragons is a good thing, in my book. If existing fans moan, I'd question how committed they were to the regional concept in the first place.

by ScarletSpiderman Wed 21 Aug 2013, 09:52

bedfordwelsh wrote:
munkian wrote:
The Saint wrote:Which pre-season games did those players get injured?
Griff is spot on, playing for club teams - Bedwas, Newport RFC etc

And I have no problem with one or two games away from the parade, but EXP is particulary difficult to get to, but I really don't want to get into this again
Again though Munkian its just as difficult for any from Ebbw to get to Newport as it is other way around. Yes the numbers travelling to Newport would be less than travelling away from it but once a while wouldn't hurt.

Bedford, I think your missing out on the other fans there. It is not just folk from Ebbw and Newport to thing of but fans that travel from other places around the region too (Risca, Caerphilly, Cwmbran etc), as they are far better geared up for travel to Newport than to Ebbw.

by munkian Wed 21 Aug 2013, 10:21

08.21.201308.21.2013

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
bedfordwelsh wrote:
munkian wrote:
The Saint wrote:Which pre-season games did those players get injured?
Griff is spot on, playing for club teams - Bedwas, Newport RFC etc

And I have no problem with one or two games away from the parade, but EXP is particulary difficult to get to, but I really don't want to get into this again
Again though Munkian its just as difficult for any from Ebbw to get to Newport as it is other way around. Yes the numbers travelling to Newport would be less than travelling away from it but once a while wouldn't hurt.
Bedford, I think your missing out on the other fans there. It is not just folk from Ebbw and Newport to thing of but fans that travel from other places around the region too (Risca, Caerphilly, Cwmbran etc), as they are far better geared up for travel to Newport than to Ebbw.

This.

Also, comparatively, theres naff all in Ebw - the ground isn't near the town. The Dave is 5 mins from 3/4 pubs and 10 mins from trainstation

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 21 Aug 2013, 10:27

Even so, we'd only be looking at a couple of matches there a season. It's not asking much.

by munkian Wed 21 Aug 2013, 10:33

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Even so, we'd only be looking at a couple of matches there a season. It's not asking much.

No problem playing a few games away from the Dave but Eugene Park isn't a viable option at the moment. Like it or not the majority of the Dragon's fans live in Newport and they are the ones that put money into the club and turn up on cold and rainy Friday nights.

Trying to lure out a few CrossKeys fans is putting the minority over the majority all so that they don't have to come to the hated Newport. Sort out coaches or whatever to get the majority of regular loyal fans there and it wouldnt be a problem

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 21 Aug 2013, 10:42

munkian wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Even so, we'd only be looking at a couple of matches there a season. It's not asking much.
No problem playing a few games away from the Dave but Eugene Park isn't a viable option at the moment.

And I'm guessing they've realised that, hence it won't be happening this season. You might be right about the need to lay on coaches from Newport up to Ebbw Vale, but that's something they can look at between now and next season.

by munkian Wed 21 Aug 2013, 10:46

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
munkian wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Even so, we'd only be looking at a couple of matches there a season. It's not asking much.
No problem playing a few games away from the Dave but Eugene Park isn't a viable option at the moment.
And I'm guessing they've realised that, hence it won't be happening this season. You might be right about the need to lay on coaches from Newport up to Ebbw Vale, but that's something they can look at between now and next season.

Yup, definately, unless the trainlines are sorted, I think Ebw is pretty high on the list.

Again, thats my issue with playing there, not because I'm a 'one eyed Newportonian who wants the Dragons to just be the Black and Amber's superclub' as anyone who doesn't love the idea is constantly told censored

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 21 Aug 2013, 10:52

In fairness, it does sound like EXP isn't that easy to get to even from Ebbw Vale itself.

by Guest Wed 21 Aug 2013, 13:06

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:In fairness, it does sound like EXP isn't that easy to get to even from Ebbw Vale itself.

Nah, it's a couple of mile walk from Ebbw Vale Parkway to EXP, I think.

I would be happy for a few beers on the train and a shuttle service from Parkway to EXP, which really the Dragons would have to put on (the coach service).

by GavinDragon Wed 21 Aug 2013, 14:01

from the railway station to the ground is a pain,

from the ground to the town centre is probably the same distance as RP to Newport Train Station...

The ground is fit for purpose btw, I do feel that enough people kicked up a stink to cause the Dragons to "delay" it to next year, short sighted IMO. This has to happen only 1-2 games a year not asking much

by The Saint Wed 21 Aug 2013, 14:04

I'd happily go to ECP to watch a game if I was in Wales. I've never been there, as a player nor fan so I would look at it as another experience. Someone in my street plays for Ebbw Vale, I could try and pinch a lift up with him Smile

.

by munkian Wed 21 Aug 2013, 14:05

GavinDragon wrote:from the railway station to the ground is a pain,

from the ground to the town centre is probably the same distance as RP to Newport Train Station...

The ground is fit for purpose btw, I do feel that enough people kicked up a stink to cause the Dragons to "delay" it to next year, short sighted IMO. This has to happen only 1-2 games a year not asking much

Was there really that much of an organised stink ? A few disgruntled fans on messageboards ? There was nothing in local news or Facebook etc about organised protests etc

by GavinDragon Wed 21 Aug 2013, 16:14

munkian wrote:
GavinDragon wrote:from the railway station to the ground is a pain,

from the ground to the town centre is probably the same distance as RP to Newport Train Station...

The ground is fit for purpose btw, I do feel that enough people kicked up a stink to cause the Dragons to "delay" it to next year, short sighted IMO. This has to happen only 1-2 games a year not asking much
Was there really that much of an organised stink ? A few disgruntled fans on messageboards ? There was nothing in local news or Facebook etc about organised protests etc

Fair point maybe that is my disgruntled perception. I still feel it could have gone ahead this year.

But ah well still looking forward to a good season! Fingers Crossed

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