A Welsh rugby club have been left counting the cost of Storm Eunice after their club's roof was completely ripped by high winds.
As well as damage to their roof, Bonymaen RFC's clubhouse has sustained enough water damage to the outer walls that they have fallen apart in places.
However, to their credit, the club have managed to see the comical side of things with a tweet showing the damage going viral on social media.
Referencing the classic Welsh comedy Twin Town, which had scenes filmed at Bonymaen, they posted: "25 years on from Fatty Lewis fitting our roof on behalf of Bryn Cartwright Roofing and storm Eunice has pulled it down.
"As a committee we have decided not to seek any compensation from Mr Cartwright as it didn’t end well for Fatty when he fell off it in ‘97."
Given the iconic scene it referenced, the tweet has been liked and retweeted numerous times. Even when describing what prompted the tweet, the club can't resist another nod to the 1997 film.
"We have a committee whatsapp group and our Head Groundsman, Nick Allen made a reference to the Twin Town film following the storm, which prompted the idea of the tweet," Richard Scannell, Club Chairman told WalesOnline.
"We didn’t think it would have gone viral and have been overwhelmed with the amount of interactions and even some endorsements from celebrities including Brian O’Driscoll.
"We’re happy that people can see we’re not letting this devastation dampen our spirits. At least, our pitch hasn’t been ruined by an AC Cobra…. Again."
Astonishingly, thanks in part to the efforts of Nick Allen to clear the pitch, their youth game against Baglan has been able to go ahead today.
However, while the club have been able to see the comical side of things, the damage is a bitter pill to swallow - with the club now likely to rely on grants to help repair things.
"After reviewing the damage to our multi-use room, it’s seems as if it unfortunately will be irreparable," added Scannell.
"The roof has been completely ripped off and the water damage to the outer walls have rotted them to a point where they have fallen apart.
"As a local rugby club who rely on grants and donations and after the financial impact we have faced from the pandemic, it’s incredibly frustrating.
"The room has multiple uses for our teams. We use it for player meetings, video analysis and it also provides a sanctuary for our players to use for a coffee and a chat with other players and coaches if they are struggling with their physical and mental health.
"We’re hopeful we can gain some support from potential grants in the coming weeks."
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