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RGC Supporters Club Fanzine Issue 2
Citation preview
From a personal point of view I would just
like to express my thanks to the responses
made to the first Issue of GOG.
The first issue was a li�le experiment.
Par cularly with November being a very
quiet month for RGC and the Autumn
Interna onals.
The responses gave me a lot of
encouragement to con nue and my aim is
to publish a monthly publica on looking
back over the performances of the
preceding month and to look at the fixtures
ahead from the SUPPORTERS.
According to the web-site it’s been read by
1,000 fans and as far away as Mexico!
I hope you like the format but would
always welcome contribu ons from you for
future edi ons or any feedback you feel
compelled to make—both good and bad.
I regret there was a lack of welsh content in
the first issue - this is something I hope to
address with the help and assistance of
fellow fans and officials in future issues.
Hopefully you will have no ced that the
logo has changed. I hope you like it—
designed by Mumph. Many of you will
already be aware of Mumph’s amazing
artwork with his calendars and his design of
‘Gog’ as seen opposite. Mumph is an
amazing supporter of RGC and has
provided and allowed the Supporters Club
to use his work for free. To see more of his
amazing work I strongly suggest you visit
his web-site at www.mumph.co.uk.
Well as I have said the month of November
has been a very quite period with only two
games. The very close and controversial
game when hos ng Beddau and the loss
but excellent game at Bridgend Athle c.
I was very fortunate to be able to make my
third away trip this year to Bridgend and
for a report from Mike, our Mystery Tour
organiser, on the trip please see the later
ar cle.
For the latest news about RGC and the
chance to discuss just visit the web-site at:
www.gogogogs.co.uk
EditorialEditorial By Gareth Peters
Last ResultLast Result
1. Thabiso Monongozulu- Academy
2. Mike Hall- Rhyl
3. James Jones- Nant Conwy
4. Adam Williams- Academy
5. Bryn Williams- Colwyn Bay
6. Huw Worthington- COBRA
7. Tom Parry- Pwllheli
8. Andy Williams- Caernarfon
9. Josh Leach- Colwyn Bay
10. Lewis Barker- Mold
11. Carwyn Ap Myrddin- Nant Conwy
12. Huw Grundy- Mold
13. Harri Evans- Llandudno
14. Afon Bagshaw- Llandudno
15. Llywarch Ap Myrddin- Nant Conwy
16. Tom Hughes- Bala
17. Liam Leung- Caernarfon
18. Aaron Gwyn- Caernarfon
19. Rhodri Carlton-Jones- Llandudno
20. Tom Hughes- Dolgellau
TeamTeam
ScorersScorers Tries: Afon Bagshaw, Andy Williams
Penalty: Lewis Barker
The Bridgend Mystery Tour
W ell, we assembled at Parc Eirias about 09:00 a.m. on the Saturday. The
M.I.B. theme clearly needed with such glorious weather. We transferred all the technical equipment necessary for the success of the trip, together with all the supplies that we would require for such an arduous adventure. We were better equipped than Curry’s Digital store and Starbucks. Having got everyone settled and installed in our four seater people mover we tentatively made some good progress towards our destination. After about thirty five metres we came to our first major decision. Do we go left or right? Phil favoured right, Gareth favoured left and I was boring middle of the road but as the driver I had the casting vote and Gwenda didn’t mind as she was busy sorting out the provisions for the journey. Being a bit of a boy racer at heart (such a long time ago now) I went with speed! Go left with dual carriageways and better roads with no bends and save ½ hour on the journey. Left it was. Headed onto the A 55 and then toe to the radiator reaching the heady speed of 50 m.p.h. momentarily. The back seat cafeteria was already open and the quiet sounds of munching and slurping could be heard above the engine roar. Phil set about the task of commissioning the navigation equipment which he could have done blindfolded following his years or training in the SAS. We felt confident of a successful mission. Staring down the bright sun on it’s low horizon we made good time keeping any fears of failure at the back of our minds, talking up the positives to keep our morale high. We had that quiet feeling of success
that comes with confidence. We crossed the border without being seen, so far so good but the nervous tension in the group had started to rise and the first signs of doubt flickered across the eyes of Gareth as I glanced in the rear view mirror. As communications expert for our group, Gareth was firing off coded messages to the other groups en route to the target. The feedback was positive and helped to allay our silent fearful feelings now we were in bandit territory. We stayed at a good average speed with the other vehicles sharing our route so as not to stand out when a sudden stab of fear, like a huge icicle driving through my heart, uncontrollably hit me when I realised that my car sticker for Côr Meibion Trelawnyd was visible on the rear window. The journey grew increasingly uncomfortable, yet I dare not share my concerns with the group for fear of undermining the operation. I tried to convince myself that because we were driving through a monoglot country they wouldn’t understand what it was and that we could remain undiscovered. We approached the outskirts of Hereford, and with Phil’s past experience to the fore we were on alert for men in black outfits wearing balaclavas. This is, after all SAS HQ. Tension was at a new high with perspiration breaking out, the air con was on full blast to help keep us chilled out and tuned in. Gareth kept communication to a minimum to avoid detection, Gwenda was passing round wine gums to ease our dry throats. Then it happened, out of the blue it looked as though the whole road ahead had been ripped up, traffic ground to a halt and we were surrounded by enemy vehicles. Had the mission been compromised? Had someone recognised my Côr Meibion Trelawnyd sticker?
We had two options, abandon the vehicle and make an uninvited tour around Hereford Town FC’s ground or take our chance and remain in the vehicle? Phil’s experience told, “Stay in the vehicle, stay cool and don’t make eye contact with anyone outside the vehicle!” he urged.
“Good idea” Gwenda nervously whispered, “How I am supposed to carry all these sweets and sandwiches?”
I glanced at Phil, I knew what he was thinking, but he was professional enough to keep schtum. I thought “If we ever get out of this I’ll apologise to him for not taking his advice to turn right out of Eirias” That ½ hour in gain time had been lost and had seriously compromised the operation. I’d owe him big time for this, probably a ½ lager at the Llanharan game, if we got home.
We stayed in the caravan, inching our way south until we came to the hot spot. We had no choice now they were ahead of us, behind us, to our left and right, I’d never been in such a tight spot. I screamed out to everyone to hold tight as I floored the accelerator, wheels spinning we surged across the ripped up tarmac, drifting wide on the loose surface and in that split second we beat the temporary red light as we shot through the roundabout and we were in the clear. The adrenalin surging through the body and heartbeats pounding in our ears we hightailed it south out of Hereford making sure no one was following us as we headed back to the border.
We still had time to get to the RV. Gareth
was busy updating our status to the other groups to co-ordinate our arrival. We reflected on our close call as we passed the dragon back into home territory not long to go as we sped towards our target.
We passed the Celtic Manor and Gwenda said excitedly “Ooh! That would be a lovely place to stay on one our road trips” Phil shuffled awkwardly in his seat as I noticed his hand move silently into his pocket to cover his wallet. I know how he felt. It was one of those unsaid moments when men like us with years of experience know that’s it’s time to take evasive action. Phil nipped the problem in the bud when he suggested, “ We could always stay at your cousins”. You had to admire Phil and how he always acts coolly under pressure.
ETA was 13:30 and we followed the sat nav instruction to the target area. As I was concentrating on finding the street name that Sat nav Sally Saes tried to pronounce “Merithamour Road” Gareth shouted from the back “You’ve missed it”.
“Shoot” said I in an attempt to mimic Sat Nav Sally Saes as I considered the folly of undertaking a hand brake turn in an urban street. As we retraced our steps I saw the road sign “ Merthyr Mawr Road” I just shook my head in disbelief, yet blindly followed Sally’s instructions.
W e turned off the main drag, and a sixth sense told me this was going to be a disaster. We
crept along an increasingly narrowing track until we came to a small humpback bridge with a barrier across.
The sense of déjà vu and the Bridge of Sighs at Llangynidir came flooding back. Luckily we only had the armoured personnel carrier, well a Volvo is well built, rather than the tank on this trip and after ten point turn we able reach the target area within five minutes.
We hid the vehicle in a local municipal car park for the princely sum of £1/hour. We took a gamble that we would make our escape in four hours.
Under cover and shade provided by the surrounding forest, well a few trees, we crossed the fast flowing Ogwr. Phil fired across the grappling line to set up the double hi-lo rope system to negotiate the river and we smiled at him indulgently as we crossed the footbridge.
We’d decided to do a recce and fact- find on the opposition but their clubhouse was a ten minute walk away. We strolled nonchalantly so as not to attract the
attention of the locals and quietly entered the clubhouse.
We thought we’d try a Narberth accent to disguise our intentions. We were confident we could get the information we wanted until the barman asked “ ‘Ow long did it teek yiw tu get down then Butt?”
As we scanned the walls for information and saw the photos of several Welsh caps , senior and youth, who had come through the ranks of Athletic, we knew then it was going to be a hard day at the office.
We met with the other groups who had successfully achieved the mission RV in the park and on the co-ordinated sign we simultaneously opened fire with a devastating vocal volley of “ Come on Gogledd!!!!”
For the game detail, view “A Supporters Viewpoint”
Sadly, in one way, the mission wasn’t 100% successful but a hell of good game. Matched the Ireland v NZ game in my view.
Great hospitality provided by the club after the game and plenty of opportunity for a chat and exchange of views. Thoroughly enjoyed their company and buffet.
The return journey was a much more subdued affair, too tired to let our imaginations run away with us again and finally got back to Eirias about 10 p.m. Phil and Gwenda still had a few miles more to go back to Ynys Môn.
Mike Jones
Mystery Tour Organiser
Bridgend Athletic 21 RGC 1404 13 A Supporters Viewpoint
Bridgend Athle�c 21 RGC 13
RGC 1404 13 Saturday 23rd November 2013
A Supporters Viewpoint R GC seemed very nervous from the kick off whereas Athletic started with
confidence. Athletic attacked the RGC line and really challenged the RGC defence which had been excellent in previous games this season. BA’s backline broke through several first-time tackles gaining additional yardage and it was only good re-grouping and cover tackling that prevented Athletic gaining more ground in the opening exchanges. Certainly it made the 20 or so RGC supporters at the game say mmmmm! or ohhhh! with some additional verbal remarks indicating concern. This concern soon led to the home crowd’s elation as another well worked aggressive attacking movement created an opening for Athletic’s left wing to surge through for a try out wide before 10 minutes of the game had passed. Thankfully, for us, the conversion was too far out and the angle too severe for completion. Such was Athletic’s attacking power, RGC infringed at quite a few rucks whilst attempting to slow down a fairly rampant BA side. Out of 4 penalties awarded Athletic only managed to slot one between the sticks. After about 20 minutes RGC seemed to recover their composure and having absorbed a lot of Athletic pressure with some improved defensive structure, they started to apply some pressure themselves to the BA defence. RGC won a few penalties of their own and looked to gain territory and attacking lineout positions in an attempt to close the point’s gap. However, BA’s defence stood up to the challenge and when a further opportunity of penalty came RGC’s way an on field decision was taken to go for the posts and was successful in reducing the difference to 5 points again.
Saturday 23rd November 2013
A Supporters View - by Mike Jones
I t was noted by a few supporters that this decision was frowned upon by Horse. The remainder of the half
was a closely balanced game with both sides playing good attacking rugby which was met equally by robust defence. Hard rugby at its best but played with a great respect for the laws of the game and very fairly. Half time 8 – 3 to Athletic. The game resumed with the same degree of ferocity and some enterprising moves by both sides was eventually snuffed out by great defensive work and where needed covering tackles, but there was just a hint that RGC were beginning to get the upper hand. RGC started to target BA ball carriers with some effective tackling holding them up and gaining scrums. Possession from this change in tactic resulted in a try after some fluid passing including a nice pass out from James Jones to send Afon Bagshaw over in the right corner. Conversion missed. RGC stormed back into the game. RGC also started to vary their game with some good well- judged kicks up field with good chasing putting Athletic under some pressure. After a series of good chases and resultant rucks this pressure started to tell on Athletic and following a number of infringements the referee had no
option but to yellow card a BA forward. From the following touch kick, RGC won the line out and set up a driving maul from skipper Andrew Williams broke away to drive over for a well- deserved try which again went unconverted. The pendulum had swung, finally, or so RGC and their supporters thought. But Athletic were having none of it. If RGC thought their strength of setting up driving mauls was going to work to their advantage, Athletic taught them a major lesson on how to group and counteract the maul, legally driving through the middle and disrupting what could, and should have been good scoring opportunities. They also, following one of their own good kicks up field set up their own driving maul and made some 35 metres on one such occasion resulting in a penalty. The referee allowed advantage and from a later phase of play their no.10 slotted over a lovely dropped goal. RGC made every effort to regain the superiority they had started to display in the 3rd quarter of the game and even with an extra man on the field couldn’t find the advantage. Athletic’s backs with the help of some clever alignment at set pieces and quick acceleration, constantly disrupted RGC possession and RGC succumbed to this pressure and in a resultant ruck were adjudged to have been offside when it appeared the BA scrum had his hands on the ball. Athletic took the penalty and the lead at 14 13 relieving some of the pressure to which they had been subjected by RGC.
The pressure was now back on RGC with about eight minutes to go and some clever backs moves were repulsed by Athletic’s defence. Their alignment and
line speed took its toll on the RGC attack and in the last few minutes of the game the supporters groaned when a pass whilst under pressure was intercepted by one of the Athletic centres who was able race past a last line of defence to score between the posts. The try was converted, thus effectively finishing the game putting them two scores ahead.
However, RGC battled on and again came close to another try but an odd decision gave possession back to Athletic who kicked to touch to end the game with RGC within 5 metres of the try line.
Fantastic effort by RGC, but also by Athletic. Great game. Another great learning experience for RGC in the
importance of controlling driving mauls, seeking out angles of attack in backs moves, quick support to the ball carrier when a break is made and considering what advantage can be gained with interpretation to alignment in defensive set pieces by the backs. As has been quoted on another forum, “You get away with whatever you can”. Maybe not the most sporting of interpretations but if others seem to apply it to their advantage and our disadvantage then…………..
Next MeetingNext Meeting Meeting to Discuss the Direction & Future of Clwb Cefnogwyr RGC Supporters Club 12:00 p.m. Pre-match Saturday 7th December. Registered website members only. Anyone can join (free at www.gogogogs.co.uk)
No fica on of Mee ng of Clwb Cefnogwyr RGC Supporters Club. Pre- match
12:00 p.m. Sat. 7th December 2013.
The current steering group wish to hold a mee ng to discuss the following
agenda items. All exis ng members will be invited to this mee ng. Should any
other supporters wish to a�end this mee ng you must register as a supporter/
club member/parent.
Agenda:
1). Cons tu on, direc on and purpose of Clwb Cefnogwyr RGC Supporters Club.
2). Crea on of an official commi�ee.
a). Nomina on and vo ng procedure.
b). Expressions of interest for official roles.
c). Roles and responsibili es.
3). Income genera on.
a). Sponsorship
b). Adver sing/Marke ng /social media. Publicity.
c). Bank account. Set up and signatories.
d). Sales of CCRGCSC souvenirs, scarves, hats, mugs, shirts, RGC shirts etc.
Partnership agreements, shop.
e). Website running costs, now and in the future.
4). Meet and Greet .
5). Clubhouse.
a). Exis ng bar area – request to add say no ce board, photographs. Customise
it to represent RGC
b). Use of private suite which may be used as a clubhouse.
c). Future clubhouse – Long term, crea on, si ng, etc.
d). Use of clubhouse facili es. Wherever sited, will it be well used? Record
numbers using it, evidence
of use of exis ng bar area to help determine if a separate clubhouse would be a
feasible op on.
6). Entertainment.
a). Pre-match warm up, music, ac vity to get the supporters in an upliLing
mood. Use of pa system.
b). Half- me entertainment.
c). Local musicians who may become supporters who could a�end with their
instruments to rouse the crowd.
7). Transport, home and away.
8). Incen ves to increase CCRGCSC membership. – Sugges on. Adver se a
season cket for 2014/15 which will be given to the first person drawn from all
those who post 50 posts/season on the website.
9). End of season dinner.
10). Interna onal Ticket Alloca on for members of Clwb Cefnogwyr RGC
Supporters Club
FFFF or a region drawn from among
more than 30 clubs, seven
coun es and even two languages
RGC fans tend to be quite a
sa sfied bunch.
Whether the industrial east or the rural west
is the place you call home, unlike some of the
regions, we all seem to be content to surf the
wave that is the RGC success story and get
along.
There is, however, one love-it or hate-it topic
that seems to divide us, and this RGC
marmite is the music that signals the start of
the aLernoon’s business about eight minutes
before kick off each home game… Safwn yn y
Bwlch.
The song, wri�en for and recorded originally
by Llanberis group, Hogiau’r Wyddfa in 1969,
is based on a rousing speech from 1937 radio
play Buchedd Garmon where Welsh prince
Emrys Wledig calls upon Garmon, Bishop of
Auxerre, to join him and defend the country
against the Pict enemy, and didn’t take long
to become a firm favourite among Welsh
audiences.
Hogiau’r Wyddfa front-man, Arwel Jones
explains: “We weren’t known as a group that
sang about poli cal issues – we tended to try
to set exis ng poetry to music, but Safwn yn y
Bwlch is different. It’s full of fire and takes a
firm grasp of audiences.
“Without a doubt it’s the most powerful song
Hogiau’r Wyddfa sing and has an anthemic
feel to it. When audiences start to sing along
in concerts it can be very emo onal. But its
secret is that it’s not a sing for one poli cal
perspec ve – it’s a song for all of Wales. More
patrio c than na onalist.”
Dafydd Evans, who plays the music at Eirias
confirmed, “it’s a strange one. We get a few –
mostly posi ve - comments about the
incidental music for when there’s a fight or a
yellow card but apart from that people just
want to know about Safwn yn y Bwlch… what
it’s about and why we play it. It’s more my
taid’s era than mine but you see lots of the
crowd singing along when we play it. It get’s
people going.”
There is no denying the song’s uncanny
similarity to preparing for a rugby match. The
lyrics talk of ‘standing united with steel in our
gaze’, ‘no inch will be yielded and no
backward step’ is more reminiscent of a team
talk than a folk song.
RGC General Manager Rupert Moon, gave
some of the background:“ At the Scarlets we
had a few songs, especially Yma o Hyd, which
SAFWN YN Y BWLCH Music: RH Morris
Lyrics: Glyn Roberts
Article by: Huw ‘y mic’ Evans
were linked to the club.I happened to tell
Robin McBryde that I was looking for a similar
song for RGC synonymous with the area and
he men oned it.
“The more he spoke about it the be�er it
sounded - a song by a group from the foot of
Snowdon which was wri�en when Welsh
rugby was in its heyday. It works on so many
levels…patrio c, with so many images that fit
in with rugby and a tle about filling the gap
– it’s what RGC was set up to do.”
SAFWN YN Y BWLCH
TRANSLATED
We defend the breach together
In Wales’s hour of need
Dawn is breaking aLer a long, black night
The first shaLs of the light of our freedom
We defend the breach with steel in our gaze
Loyal, devoted to her
Commi�ed to protec ng her. This land’s in
our blood.
We will demand her freedom.
Together we stand united
Together we stand united
For our language, for our land, for our people,
for our children
Together we stand united
We defend the breach together
The flame of hope burning in our soul
Not an inch yielded, no backward step
Un l we are a free na on
We defend the breach together
Our cause is irresis ble
Wales is calling, we must strain every sinew
Un l we can see the first light of freedom
Safwn yn y bwlch gyda’n gilydd yn awr
Mae Cymru ein hangen ni
Torrodd y wawr wedi’r hirnos ddu
Daeth gwawrddydd ei rhyddid hi
Safwn yn y bwlch gyda her yn ein trem
Yn ffyddlon yn driw iddi hi
Mae Cymru’n ein gwaed gofalwn am hon
A mynnwn ei rhyddid hi.
Gyda’n gilydd fe safwn ni
Gyda’n gilydd fe safwn ni
Dros ein hiaith, dros ein gwlad
Dros ein pobl, dros ein plant
Gyda’n gilydd fe safwn ni.
Safwn yn y bwlch gyda’n gobaith yn fflam
Mae’r tân y nein calon ni
Na ildiwn un fodedd na symud ‘run cam
Cyn ennill ei rhyddid hi.
Safwn yn y bwlch ac ennillwn y dydd
Ni all unpeth ein rwystro ni
Mae Cymru yn galw ymdrechwn dros hon
Daeth gwawrddydd ei rhyddid hi
Gyda’n gilydd fe safwn ni
Gyda’n gilydd fe safwn ni
Dros ein hiaith, dros ein gwlad
Dros ein pobl, dros ein plant
Gyda’n gilydd fe safwn ni.
HeroicGreen&GoldPippedAtPost
Long trip North not in vain with losing bonus point gained
Yes, it was every bit as close as the score suggests. Perhaps RGC can claim to have made the clearer openings but Beddau were resilient where it was needed and ambitious, too, when opportunities arose. RGC scored in the opening minute and won it in the closing minute. In between times Beddau had seen three excellent strikes by Tom Benjamin take them to a 9-5 lead, a lead which, increasingly they looked likely to protect. It wasn`t to be. Flying from the blocks, the North Wales side were immediately on the offensive. A penalty was conceded under the posts but the hosts spurned that in favour of a scrum. Two passes later and right wing Tom Blackwell was diving over. The conversion failed but already Beddau`s supporters were fearing a long hard day at the office. Some biting tackles made the hosts stop and think a bit and though clever half backs Leach and Carlton-Jones continued to delight the home support with their inventiveness it was Beddau who were beginning to eke out the territory. The wind was a help, but mercifully the heavy rain that had preceded events had now largely turned its back. When Beddau pressed after a good lineout take some illegal entry into the second phase gave Tom Benjamin his first sight of goal and the full back made no mistake. A scrummage penalty at halfway was advanced for a little back chat and Tom Benjamin duly slotted what was still a long kick. A short while later Benjamin saw an effort from his own half fall short but was back on target when landing a fine 50 metre strike. As the half had progressed Beddau had slowly, but surely drawn the sting from a big RGC pack but there was still pace and precision in their back play and what the forwards had failed to secure in the tight was compensated to a degree by some great physicality and mobility in the loose. It made for a consuming spectacle. If RGC had opened at speed it was now Beddau`s turn. Taking a 9-5 advantage into the face of the wind may not have instilled confidence but Glen Slater was leading a determined young outfit. From the kick off it was Slater and open side Dave Ellis who forced a turnover. Dai Francis probed the defence from scrum half and a dash from young Jordan Odgers all but unlocked the door. The ball was recycled but with veteran Simon Wilde now leading the charge the ball was spilled and the siege lifted. The wind was still a force even if some of its intensity had abated. RGC rang the changes but with Tim Lunn replacing the tiring Wilde Beddau were still holding off all attempts in the collisions. Some rash activity from outside half Deon McIntosh, son of The Chief, on his first outing led to his sin binning with about 12 minutes left to play. Beddau not only survived but almost snatched it when it was only the touchline that came to RGC`s rescue when Tom Benjamin and Garan Pearce had briefly escaped down the left. With RGC now throwing the kitchen sink Beddau were holding out when a combination of good fortune and great opportunism won the match. A ball popped erratically from a pile up and an RGC hand reacted quickest. The speculative flip reached ever alert scrum half Josh Leach who plunged over in the corner. This was already past the 40 minute mark but Beddau still had the time to force a penalty. The award was at the angle of touch and halfway but, against the wind, it was a most unlikely prospect and Beddau opted to tap and go. A kick to the wing though was overcooked and RGC had won. Reflecting afterwards Glen Slater expressed himself very pleased with the way a young side was now, in his words “playing for each other.” In Jack James, Aled Rees, Joe Popple and Tom Payne, Beddau are fielding forwards who have barely reached their 20th birthdays and with important figures like George Lee, James Cashin and Owen Cotton not available here coaches Brett Daveyand Duane Goodfield can look forward with a great deal more optimism. Report by Lynn West h�p://www.pitchero.com/clubs/beddaurfc/s/match-centre-17529/0-1864834
A VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE
Y GOG VERDICT : VERY FAIR AND HONEST ASSESSMENT OF GAME
10 - 9 RGC Beddau
Next GameNext Game D
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Interim OfficialsInterim Officials
Mike JonesMike JonesMike Jones WebmasterandMysteryTourorganiser
Contact:[email protected]
@MikeJon27973708
Philip Henry WilliamsPhilip Henry WilliamsPhilip Henry Williams WebmasterandChoirMaster
Contact:[email protected]
07773979910
@philhen1404
Gareth PetersGareth PetersGareth Peters Webmaster,TheGogPublisherandGadgetMan
Contact:[email protected]
07876337165
@GarethWynPeters