The Monty Pythons? Surely not!

 

History was made as the Montgomeryshire Marauders played their inaugural match yesterday – going down to a credible 56-24 defeat to Prestatyn – but it appears that over a post-match beer or three, a new name for the club emerged, and as the lads sleep off their Saturday night excess this morning, the new name is being seriously considered!

 

So don’t be surprised if you see the side take to the field for their next game under the name The Monty Pythons!

 

But while the team has shown their light hearted side, Saturday’s debut was deadly serious as Montgomeryshire introduced itself to rugby league for the first time.

 

And, despite being a man down for most of the game after a player suffered suspected broken ribs, the team, made up of lads from across the shire, gave a great account of themselves with Alwyn Williams (3), Barry Williams and Jack Brady all crossing for tries.

 

The result was inconsequential though for Williams who has worked hard to get the side on its feet and he sent a strong message to the union doubters.

“I'm incredibly proud of what we achieved today,” said the player-coach. “I know the result didn't go our way, but the boys gave it their all, especially considering it was the first time most of them had played rugby league, and I can't thank them enough for it. They made all the hard work worthwhile.

“This is just the starting point for us, and I think we can go on to do great things over the coming years.

 

“There were a lot of people who doubted that we would ever get to this point, and we’ve proved them wrong, and I really feel that rugby league has a great future in Montgomeryshire.”

 

The lads will continue to train throughout the summer and for information, visit the team’s Facebook group by searching for Montgomeryshire Marauders.