Students Pass with Flying Colours

UWA 3 The New Saints Reserves 1
Spar Mid Wales League
Att: 18
Admission: Free
Programme: No

The large old cricket stand that used to dominate the Vicarage Fields ground of Aberystwyth University has sadly finally succumbed to the ravages of time, leaving behind what is now a very basic venue for this level.

There is still a good vantage point to be had from the Western end of the ground (where the stand used to be and the changing rooms/cricket pavilion still stands, as you can watch the game from a good elevated position but the ground itself is just part of the large university sports field and in many ways is rather unispiring. Both sides are roped and posh perspex dugouts installed, but that's about it really.

The pitch though is big and immaculate and where the facilites may have lacked, the standard of the game more than made up for it. This was one of the best Mid Wales League games I've seen, two sides playing good football on a good pitch and well officiated to boot.

Still, it's a tick, just two left to do in that league now (Carno & Newbridge).

It is worth noting that during the later stages of the season UWA play their home games at their Blaendolau complex in Llanbadarn Fawr (when Vicarage Fields is being used for cricket). This is a large playing field with multiple football and rugby pitches and no spectator facilties whatsoever. Do not get caught out (and yes, I did, 5 years ago, hence the need to go back.)

Not the most inspiring venue by a long shot, but the football more than compensated. It'll be interesting to see how UWA fare this season as they certainly impressed on the field.