The choir were up early and privileged to make its way, once again to the Wales’ Millenium Stadium to join in with massed choirs to entertain the crowds before Wales took on the might of the Barbarians. Jeff’s Press Release, written in his own inimitable style can be read by clicking on the Newspaper icon above.
Following a James Hook penalty and a 10 minute try by Welsh wing Harry Robinson, winning his first cap, lack lustre and tired looking Wales were hit by three converted Barbarian tries and ten minutes from the end looked like notching up an embarrassing loss after their fabulous Six Nations Grand Slam. Then Caldicot Male Voice Choir took the initiative and struck with a chorus of Rachie, led by Dai Gould and Jason Dawe and were soon joined by another 1000 choral voices to inspire a wake-up call to Wales who scored two tries (James Hook and Aled Brew) to run out eventual winners by 30 points to 21. Whether the chorus inspired Wales or put the Baa Baa’s to sleep is debatable. The crowd of about 60000 was a record for a Wales – Barbarians match. At the end of the game, rousing, well deserved tributes were paid to Welshmen Shane Williams (playing for the Barbarians) and Martyn Williams (winning his 100th cap and captaining the side for the last 20 minutes) who were both making their final appearances on the International stage. In what was probably his final appearance, the Barbarians were captained by Jan Smit, who is retiring after 111 caps for South Africa.
The choirs were wonderfully supported by the Symphonic Orchestra making its debut at the Millenium Stadium and the whole was conducted by Haydn James.
After the game the choir crossed Westgate Street to Castle Gate Wetherspoons where, from the third floor mezzanine, it enthusiastically gave a fabulous afterglow performance lasting over an hour to a packed house of an appreciative, happy Welsh audience.
A report of the choristers who stayed in Cardiff to celebrate the victory will not appear on this web-site. Maybe on Facebook?
Photos by Lyn, Brian and Leon