PONTYPOOL RFC say the response to their bid to raise £75,000 pounds to fund their appeal against relegation has been amazing – and they are extremely confident the case will be heard.

As the Argus reported last week, the club were ordered by the High Court in London to pledge to cover the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) costs in Pontypool’s appeal against the union’s decision to cut the historic club from the Premiership.

The relegation came as the WRU reduce the Premiership from14 teams to 12, with factors such as stadium standards considered.

Pontypool RFC director, Dai Watt, said: “The response so far to the appeal has been absolutely brilliant – it’s been beyond our wildest dreams.

“We want to be a bit cautious about saying exactly how much we have raised so far, but we are extremely confident the judge won’t throw out the appeal already.”

By the end of Friday, the first day of the appeal, the club estimated around £15,000 of their £75,000 target had been pledged.

Mr Watt said the donations had ranged from £20 to thousands, with not just Pooler fans donating.

Mr Watt, said: “What’s surprised us most is it is not just Pontypool die-hards who are donating, we have received pledges from fans of other Gwent clubs, local businesses and even pledges from places like London.

“Some people have said to us ‘I was going to leave something to Pontypool RFC in my will, but you need it now so here you go’ it’s been amazing.

“We would like to thank everyone who has contacted us, including the Argus, for their fantastic support.”

While the club are confident of success the message to those who want to see Pontypool have their day in court is ‘keep going’.

“The more money pledged, the stronger our position is going to be and there is a greater certainty our case will be heard,” Mr Watt said.

Pledge forms can be downloaded from the Pontypool RFC group on Facebook, from the forum section of pontypoolrugby.org.uk or by contacting Dai Watt at dave.

watt@alcatel-lucent.com or on 07801876310.