CHEPSTOW RFC, one of the oldest rugby clubs in Wales, are steaming ahead with their new Rugby League team, the Borderer Boars.

The team's first fixture, a gruelling match last Saturday, finished 48-50 against the Newport Titans.

The rugby league section is a new venture for the community-based club, which has been running since 1878.

The team's implementation came about through the combined efforts of several members of the Chepstow Union club and the Welsh Rugby League, keen to bring exposure to League as a sport in south Wales as well as fresh exposure to Chepstow.

Shane Reece, captain of the Firsts for the Chepstow's senior Union team, applauds the initiative as a good thing for the club as well as for Chepstow business and the surrounding areas.

"Chepstow is the biggest catchment area for a League team" he said.

"It's a really positive thing for the club, especially in the summer when there is no Rugby Union."

He described the atmosphere at the second homegame last Saturday as "really brilliant" with the team being "warmly received by the community".

As a conglomerate of players from different areas, the Borderer Boars are holding their own against stronger and more established teams, something Shane finds impressive.

"Here's an opportunity to play with guys you'd normally play against. It's a real bonding."

He sees the team as a permanent fixture for the Chepstow club. "The Rugby League team is up and running and will continue season to season."

The team will be taking on the Valley Cougars this Saturday in the fourth round of the South Wales conference.