“A STEP BACK IN TIME”
(By Percy Jones)
SEASON 1961/62
Sporting Diary by “Cardinal”
(By permission of the Carmarthen Journal)
CARMARTHEN RFC PURCHASE FIELD
Development of Sports Ground at Abergwili
Carmarthen R.F.C. leaders of the West Wales Rugby Union Championship have purchased an eight-acre field in Abergwili for the development of two rugby pitches and a cricket square. The field, which was purchased for £3,000, will be used only for the sporting activities of the club. The main reason for the purchasing of the field is to have a home ground for the club’s Second and Youth Fifteens.
This is a big step for the future of sport in the town. Controversies have raged over which club has the first rights of use of Carmarthen Park. Although the Carmarthen R.F.C. First XV will still continue to play on the Park and if the occasion arises they will also be able to use their own ground without any interference.
The club also plan to form a cricket square and hope that the cricket square will be ready for next season. Not since the “William Edwards Knock-out Competition” ceased over five years ago has cricket been played in Carmarthen. We must go back 50 years to remember the last time when the town of Carmarthen had a cricket ground, a field adjoining the River Towy below the Parade.
Looking ahead Mr W.D Sandbrook, secretary of Carmarthen R.F.C. to ld me that they may also have a cinder track on the field in Abergwili which will be a valuable aid for the training of players. Carmarthen R. F. C. can be congratulated on the purchasing of the field. At long last a club has stepped forward on its own to foster sport in the town.
CINDER TRACK
It reflects poorly on the local authorities who have contributed little or nothing to encourage sporting activities in the borough. The cycle track remains untouched. It would save the club considerable expense if the cycle track was put to another and better purpose , such as a cinder track. Then players from all the local clubs could do their training on the track. In its present condition the track is not safe even for cycling, as the local authorities concerned are well aware, for they have erected a sign which tells cyclists that they use the track at their own risk.