Newport and Wales' day of destiny

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TODAY could be a day of greatness for both County and country as Newport's football team and Wales' rugby team both battle for their place in history.

The Exiles will take on Wealdstone for a chance to play for the FA Trophy at Wembley on May 12, whilst Wales hope to secure a third Grand Slam in seven years.

But they will not do it alone, as the people of Gwent are right behind both them, spurring both teams on to victory. CHRIS WOOD and NATALIE CROCKETT report.

Newport County’s former match day organiser Rob Santwris says a ticket to Wembley would be a great way to celebrate the the team's 100th year.

He said: “I wish the team luck, it’s our centenary year and it would be fantastic to get to Wembley for everybody that has worked hard over the years.

“We have been very lucky to get here, the gods have been with us because we haven’t played well in certain cup games but yes I think we can do it.”

County fan of 66 years, Cllr Hugh Clark, said: “I expect them to win and the idea of going to Wembley is fantastic. For a lot of the players it’s a chance of a lifetime.”

The Beechwood councillor, who hasn’t missed a game except when he was called up for national service, added: “It’s wonderful and I am fully confident they will win it.”

Exiles’ former club chairman Cllr David Hando said getting to Wembley would not only be a tremendous achievement for the club but for the city of Newport.

He said: “Congratulations to the management and players for getting this far. To succeed Saturday afternoon would be a great reward for the amber army of supporters.”

Cllr Matthew Evans Council leader Matthew Evans wished both teams well, he said: "I would like to send my good wishes to Newport County for their game tomorrow. This is an historic occasion as the team are on the cusp of achieving their Wembley goal and I have already spoken to their chairman Chris Bright to wish them the best of luck.

“With Wales also playing to secure their third Grand Slam in seven years, tomorrow is a momentous day for Welsh sport.”

FOR Malcolm Gough, who runs The Halfway pub in Cwmbran, today will bring memories flooding back of the last Grand Slam decider against France in 2008.

Ian Gough Mr Gough’s son, Ospreys and former Newport Gwent Dragons second row Ian, led the team out to win his 50th cap and his dad describes feeling so proud "I found it very difficult to breathe".

Ian was also part of the squad during the 2005 Grand Slam season - he came on as a substitute against Italy - and he visited the pub earlier in the week to talk to regulars about his Grand Slam memories.

Malcolm Gough said: ‘It was a unique experience for him leading the side out, and he talked to people in the pub about what the players will be going through . They will have a lot of time on their hands and will find it difficult trying to focus and stay relaxed."

Howard Stone Chairman of the Newbridge Memo Howard Stone will be in Cardiff with his family - although, some members will be cheering on France.

His daughter Kate Moreau-Stone, 44, is a fluent French speaker and moved to the Loire region in 1997, marrying a local.

She will enjoy the game with husband Richard and French-born children Gabrielle, 12 and Alix, eight.

Mr Stone said:"They are very keen rugby players and while they support us in any other game, they are torn down the middle when Wales play France. They are very pragmatic and if France don't play well, will tell you. But, at elast they'll be able to celebrate whoever wins on Saturday."

Bobby Windsor Former Wales hooker Bobby Windsor will be watching the game in a bar in his new home of Palma, Mallorca.

Another Wales great Tommy David visited for the Italy game and the pair sang Welsh songs with 30 holidaymakers from the Rhondda, bringing the atmosphere of a valleys pub to Spain.

Mr Windsor said the current team are worthy of comparison with the great sides of his generation, adding: ‘"Never mind the 1970s, this is 2012. They were the best side in the World Cup, they play for each other and love each other."

Max Boyce Max Boyce’s songs were the soundtrack to the 1970s golden era of Welsh rugby - but, he counts singing the national anthem before the 2005 success as one of his proudest moments.

He said: "In the 1970s, people expected it and we were almost guaranteed success. But, nobody saw this recent success coming and no-one would have predicted the possibility of three Grand Slams in the last seven years."