Local refs pass fitness test

8:44am Wednesday 9th July 2008

Two members of the Pembrokeshire Referees' Society have maintained their position as match officials at the top table of Welsh football.

Sageston-based Adrian Wilson and his counterpart from Haverfordwest Jonathan Twigg completed the FAW fitness test with flying colours.

Under the supervision of FAW referees officer Rodger Gifford at Llanelli AFCs Stebonheath ground, the pair had to complete the test under FIFA criteria, which saw them having to complete six 50m sprints in 6.2 seconds, followed by 20 sets of 150m sprints in 30 seconds, with a 40 second recovery over 50m.

This is the first time this fitness test has been taken by Welsh referees in a move away from the original format of the Coopers test. The successful Pembrokeshire pair were joined in their training in recent weeks by Bernie Coyle, Rob Blowes and Gareth Elliot.

Following the success of passing the fitness test both referees were invited to the annual FAW premier league seminar, held in Newtown.