Earlier in the week PembrokeshireSport.co.uk wrote an article about the choice of Aberaeron RFC as the venue for this season’s Pembrokeshire Knockout Cup Final, which has always been the Blue Riband event of the county’s rugby season, where the deserved protagonists are Aberystwyth and Tenby United, where we  raised the issue of travelling for Seasiders’ fans as opposed to those from Aber.
 
We have received the letter below from Emlyn Jones, the chairman of Aberystwyth RFC, which, without our being patronising, provides food for thought, whilst not being aggressive or over-critical, which we appreciate because our aim, as ever, was to provide a balanced view but maintaining our constant desire to promote our county’s sport in a positive manner.
 
It has given us with food for thought and he is right when he says we could have contacted both clubs but we did try to say that his club has made incredible efforts over many years regarding their huge responsibility and total commitment to travel – and we have been privileged to watch them play league matches on horribly windy days at Parc Dr Owen in Whitland, or at cup final venues like Fishguard or Haverfordwest.
 
We have also provided them with wide coverage of their junior teams in the special Cup Finals’ Days, and recently commented how great it was to see four teams from one club amongst the participants, all smartly dressed and playing with the high skill levels promoted by Aberystwyth, so on this occasion our article was never designed to make a criticism, especially since their secretary, Brian ‘Stacky’ Issac has always given us every support – and a smashing lady named Nerys Hywel has done the same at junior level!
 
It is the same with Aberaeron, whom we did contact, to explain that we weren’t criticising the club because we had attended their previous holding of the final and it was a superbly organised day out, again with great support for us as a voluntary site, from the likes of Glyndwr and Parry Evans over many years. I regard them as friends and I even made the 120-mile round trip to speak at their annual dinner, turning down their kind offer of expenses and an overnight stop in a local hotel!
 
Moving forward, I am still concerned that supporters of other local clubs sadly won’t make the trip to watch the final but I can assure Aberystwyth and Tenby United that PembrokeshireSport.co.uk will provide its usual detailed match report, team and action photographs.
 
*In the meanwhile, we learn that there is some disquiet about the proposed final dates of May 10^th or 17^th May, which has been feasible in the past but with the WRU League Programmes finishing this season five or six weeks before it could force both  clubs to expect their players to keep up their strict training programmes for a time when they will be looking forward to a rest, after finishing first and second in the National League Division One (West).
 
As usual we at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk will be keeping an eye on this new development and will let you know what happens, with a range of viewpoints from those involved.
 
Dear Sir,
 
I was somewhat dismayed to read your comments in the article about the Pembs Cup Final this week. On one hand you say that the location is of concern to Tenby but then go on  to say that your comments are not printed to upset us.
 
Nothing upsets us but let's look at facts. We have been part of District H for decades and the number of finals held in Ceredigion are only  a couple. We have had to travel down to Fishguard, Haverfordwest and other venues for a 6pm kick off on many occasions and never once grumbled.
 
Our juniors have played countless finals down in Pembrokeshire and have never once moaned and all of a sudden when one is played further north, people start moaning. Why not look at it as a day out at a venue that most will never have been to and show Aberaeron the support that they deserve after putting themselves to host it.
 
Printing such negativity only helps to fuel games being played up here in the future. If we are one district then all clubs should be used. Do you know that a district meeting has never been held up here?
 
it's a shame that you didn't ask Aberystwyth for a quote! We spend over £13,000 on coach travel for all our teams yearly. I'm sure that one away trip won't break the bank for Tenby!
 
Best wishes,
 
Emlyn Jones
Cadeirydd
Clwb Rygbi Aberystwyth