Rugby: Extended 1St Xv Sponsorship Ushers In The Performance Of The Season!

Prior to yesterday’s prestigious fixture against Crawshay’s Welsh, the 1st XV captain Alex Davies was presented with a new set of rugby shirts by Christ College’s Director of Rugby, Jon Goodridge. The shirts are part of an extended sponsorship agreement with Merthyr Motor Auctions (MMA)who are one of the largest commercial vehicle auctions in the UK.

The shirt presentation seemed to inspire the 1st XV to perform to new heights as they secured a famous 6-5 win against Crawshay’s Welsh, that consisted of some of the best players from around the region. Two penalties from fly half James Newey and an incredible defensive effort from the whole team saw the 1st XV home to the narrowest of wins. A full match report will appear soon on the Sports News, Fixtures & Results section.

Director of Rugby, Jon Goodridge, said: “It was simply an awesome defensive effort by the 1st XV today!”

Commenting on the MMA’s extended support for rugby, Christ College Development Director Steve Maggs said: “Rugby has been, and continues to be, an important feature of the sporting offer at Christ College. It is significant that a company experienced in sports sponsorship has identified the potential and direction of rugby at Christ College and sees the value of making this investment.”

MMA were the primary sponsors of Christ College’s 2013 summer rugby tour to Canada when a squad of over 30 players enjoyed an unbeaten run of matches in and around the province of Ontario over a 2 week period. Head of Christ College Mrs Emma Taylor said: “We really appreciate the backing and support of Merthyr Motor Auctions. Initially, their support ensured that over 30 young rugby players experienced the thrill of a major overseas rugby tour which is something they will never forget. This extended sponsorship package has the potential to bring benefits to all pupils who participate and enjoy senior rugby at Christ College.”

As one of the UK’s largest commercial vehicle auctions, MMA has a proud and developed track record of supporting the development of sport and youth in South Wales. Dean Davies of MMA commented: “MMA was one of the innovators of sports sponsorship and we were one of the very first companies in Great Britain to sponsor a football club, when in 1984 we became the principal sponsor of Cardiff City FC. A year later we became the main sponsors of Penarth RFC and Rhigos RFC too. Since then, as MMA has grown, we have reinvested in the local sports community and have helped to develop sports as diverse as cricket, golf, snooker, horse racing and swimming.”

Merthyr Motor Auctions’ transactions take place locally, nationally and internationally to over 100 countries. It has grown into a world-class sales centre with over 3,000 Fleet vehicles and plant auctioned weekly. Established over 30 years ago, MMA is the largest van, commercial, truck, minibus, ambulance and municipal vehicle auction in the United Kingdom.