Oakdale RFC & Charleston Outlaws RFC (September 29th 2007)

Oakdale RFC v Charleston Outlaws RFC (September 29th 2007)

Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council Allen Williams presented with
Charleston Outlaws RFC club tie by Councillor Allen Pritchard

Poster used to advertise Oakdale RFC v Charleston Outlaws RFC
(September 29th 2007)

Chairman's Welcome
(Match Day Programme)

Oakdale RFC V Charleston Outlaws RFC
Saturday 29th September 2007

Oakdale Village Centenary Celebrations

On behalf of  the Officers of Oakdale RFC, Players, Supporters and the People of Oakdale,

Croeso I'r Cwmderi - Welcome to Oakdale

I wish to extend a very warm Oakdale welcome to our visitors from Charleston, USA, to Oakdale Recreation Ground today, to help our village celebrate its centenary.  We also look forward to meeting up with the whole Charleston touring party in the rugby clubhouse after the game for an after match reception and forming new friendships.

It is a special honour to welcome back into our community a true 'Son of Oakdale' and now
an adopted 'Son of Charleston', Chris 'Taffy' Greenslade.  I am aware that had it not been for the exchange of ideas with Chris about the possibility of arranging this very special game and  his hard work, then it would never have become a reality.  To organise a 45 person touring party to cross the 'Big Pond' and come to one of the most welcoming countries in
the world at such short notice, speaks volumes for the members of Charleston Outlaws
and for their organisational capabilities, let's hope they are not so organised on the field of play, otherwise our lads are going to be in for a long, hard afternoon.

I am sure that Chris, John Wagner, Jon Leo, Kelly Grant, Jake Fraser, Mighty Joe Young and the rest of the Team Officers have been working their socks of on fundraising and planning what I am sure will be a wonderful tour, that you will all remember for years to come.

Pob Llwyddiant - Every Success

Ian Poulton
Chairman, Oakdale RFC

Brief History
(Match Day Programme)

Charleston Outlaws RUFC was formed in 1973 and play out of America’s Holy City, Charleston South Carolina on the East coast of the United States.  The team plays in Division 11 of USA Rugby South, having gained promotion from Division 111 in 2005.  One of the clubs founding members, Mick Christ is still playing in the front row, at the young age of 54. 

For a small club that competes nationally, the Outlaws boast an impressive playing record reaching the National Championships Elite 8 on no more than 3 occasions with two quarter final and one semi final place over the past 5 years. 

The tour to Wales to help celebrate the 100 year Birthday of Oakdale culminates over 12 months of planning. For many players on this tour, traveling to Wales represents their first foray onto foreign soil.  It is indeed both an honor and privilege to be playing Oakdale today, and to be part of history.  We thank you for the opportunity and hope that our play on the field will not only demonstrate the type of rugby we like to play in Charleston, but more importantly will be worthy of such a wonderful occasion.

Chris Greenslade
Head Coach Charleston Outlaws RUFC