The Toronto Welsh Dragons were pleased to host a touring side from Penarth RFC in South Wales for a 'Thursday night lights' game on the 30th May, as the sole game on Penarth's tour of central Canada. Despite it being a Thursday night, the Dragons had a better turnout that they would have had ordinarily for training, with a strong 22 man side named. Despite a valiant effort--and the probably concomitant effects of almost ten straight days on the beers--the visitors came away with the win over the Dragons, with the final score being 14-58 to Penarth.

The post-match performance from the Dragons, however, was far superior, with both teams having repaired to the Cat pub, where the Dragons were the victors in both boat races.

Club vice president Ralle Rivera said of the match itself 'It was really great to host the visiting side and to get back in touch with our club's Welsh roots. Penarth are pure class, a great team with great players, and a quality organisation to celebrate rugby with. We fought hard but Penarth was the better side on the day, and we hope to continue the relationship going forward' This sentiment was echoed wholeheartedly by Matt Boulton, Director of Rugby for Penarth, who said 'our huge thanks to the Toronto Dragons for a competitive game and it was great to see that the Toronto boys did not give up, they showed great endeavour. We are really pleased with our own result and we hope to see you guys in Wales once more.'

The Penarth tour's reception was a true club effort, with club President Emeritus Jon Sowerby leading the effort and coordinating the logistics. Despite some last-minute hurdles, it was a resounding success and a great opportunity for the club to reconnect with its roots, as was evidenced by the extensive turnout of Toronto Welsh old boys such as Jon Rosenberg, owner of Two Loons brewing.

The Dragons continue their season with two teams out most Saturdays, and new players are always welcome regardless of rugby experience. Please email admin@torontodragonsrugby.ca or come out to training every Tuesday and Thursday at Eglinton Flats (northwest corner Jane Street and Eglinton Avenue West) from 6.30pm.