Gair Rhydd

15 Years Of Hurt

The quality of Cardiff’s sporting facilities have been brought into the spotlight as the AU pushes for new investment

AFTER 15 YEARS without significant improvements to Cardiff’s sporting facilities, the Athletic Union is launching it’s ‘Invest In Sport’ campaign for the funding of a £350,000 rubber crumb all-weather surface at Talybont.

The proposal for new training facilities has twice been deferred by the University Board, but this renewed effort is being spearheaded by the AU following the release of figures from The Times Good University Guide 2007.

The crumb of the crop

Dave Menon explores the advantages of rubber crumb pitches and how they have benefited other universities and students in the UK

RUBBER CRUMB pitches offer a fantastic surface and can be used just like a squash court, according to the Head of Sport at the University of Glamorgan, Dr Tudor Williams.

The University of Glamorgan is one of five universities across the UK that have built at least one full-sized rubber crumb pitch, while Manchester, Portsmouth and Newcastle are planning similar investments.

Overhauled

Cardiff Rugby Men’s lose to first class Hartbury

CARDIFF Men’s 1sts 10

HARTBURY 1sts 45

Wicked UWIC

CARDIFF Men’s 1sts 0

UWIC Men’s 1sts 3

Cardiff fire five past UWE

CARDIFF Ladies’ 1sts 5

CARDIFF EXTENDED their unbeaten stretch to nine wins in the league, with a determined performance against UWE.

Number one

Ladies’ rugby firsts secure top spot in BUSA 1A

h2.CARDIFF Ladies’ 1sts 65

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Ladies’ 0

The Player’s View

First XV Rugby player Jon Walder gives his view on Cardiff’s sporting resources

AFTER TRAVELLING around the UK’s finest academic institutions to face various rugby teams, it is instantly apparent that there is great value placed on sport related investment.

For instance, Bath University’s iconic modern multi-purpose sports centre is comparable with any commercial fitness centre I have encountered.

Woody’s word

A note from the AU President

DOES CARDIFF UNIVERSITY currently offer a ‘world-class’ student experience?

Are you satisfied with two tennis courts, no swimming pool, no boathouse, the training facilities or even the gym provision?

Sport hears from AU members about their views of Cardiff University’s sports facilities

Daniel Evans Rugby

“Cardiff Uni needs a gym. The Park Place and Talybont gyms are frankly laughable. Rugby players in particular should be up in arms about this because weight training is an integral part of their sport, and other Uni’s with better facilities gain an instant advantage over ours.”

Medics carved open

SWANSEA 1sts 14

CARDIFF Medics 1sts 11

Happy New Year

h2 . GLOUCESTERSHIRE 1sts 32

CARDIFF’S FIRST GAME of 2007 pitted them against a tough and physical Gloucestershire team.

Rise and fall of the Bluebirds

Mark Smith on Cardiff City’s season of twists and turns

FROM SHEER JUBILATION to complete despair; from the top of the league to thirteen games without a single win; from financial security to fifteen minutes away from administration.

Supporting Cardiff City Football Club this season has undoubtedly been a roller coaster ride, entertaining fans both on and off the pitch.

Hallstars rise above English

U. Hallstars 3 – 1 English

UNI HALLSTARS came through a scrappy game to record a much-needed victory over fellow strugglers English Society.

Dragons breathe sigh of relief

Euros 2 – 2 H. Dragons

HAVANA DRAGONS kept their Premiership hopes alive with an impressive second-half fightback against Euros in Group D.

MOMED secure vital draw against Law

MOMED 1 – 1 Law B

MOMED have virtually guaranteed a Premiership spot after gaining a hard-fought point against Law B.