Swalec Leagues Round Up

Champions RGC 1404 finished off their Division One East campaign in emphatic fashion, as they maintained their unbeaten home record to run seven tries past Rhydyfelin in a 45-0 demolition at Parc Eirias.

 Over 850 supporters turned out to cheer on their side as they picked up the One East trophy. The home side once again produced the goods as they clinically dispatched the Swalec Plate finalists.

Tom Parry bagged a brace for the Gogs while Maredydd Francis, Aron Gwyn, Llywarch ap Myrddin, Andy Williams and Rhodri Carlton Jones also went over.

Chris Horsman’s charges have surpassed even their own expectations in a season where they have travelled over 5000 miles, won 19 of their 22 matches, and maintained an unbeaten record at their Colwyn Bay fortress.

The North Walians will now look forward to testing themselves against the best teams outside of the Premiership next season when they take their place in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Two East Champions Bedlinog ended their season on a high with a classy 47-15 win at Llantrisant. The Foxes will be hoping they can maintain their winning ways at the higher level next season.

Lower down, South West’s Trebanos sneaked past South East’s Pontyclun 28-24 in one of two Division Three play-off matches.

It was nip and tuck throughout the match but 23 points from talisman Matthew Edwards and a touchdown from Christian Jones was enough to see Banws through.

Pontyclun’s points came courtesy of touchdowns from Adam Court and Nathan Rees, while Rhys Morgan notched up 14 points with the boot.

In the other play-off, West’s Newcastle Emlyn did just enough to see off Newport HSOB. Emlyn crossed three times through Daniel Davies, Shaun Leonnard and Alex Williams, and will now look forward to life in Division Two next season.

In the Division Six play-offs, Nick James booted over six penalties as Pantyffynnon defeated New Panteg 30-27 at Llantwit Fardre. James notched up 20 of his side's points, while Ashley Evans was at the double for the Six West side.

In the other play-off final, Treharris powered over for six tries to thump Sully Sports 43-19 at Caerphilly.

Matthew Meaney and Jamie Lang were both at the double for Treharris, while Liam Williams and Ross Jones also crossed.

Finally, Newtown’s classy 53-7 win over Porthmadog in Three North ensured themselves a place in Division Two next season.

Newtown ran in nine tries with Craig Lewis and Nathan Lloyd both bagging braces, while Andy Marriott, Nathan Jones, Nick Jones, Richard Andrews and Glen Lloyd also went over.

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Ponty outclass Llanelli to secure historic double

Pontypridd beat Llanelli 47-15 at Sardis Road last night to secure a historic league and Cup double that will live long in the memory.

It was the third title clash between the sides in as many years, with Llanelli winning the 2011 tussle and Ponty levelling last time out. This victory for the defending champions by such a large scoreline outlines their dominance of the sport in Wales currently.

The teams run out for the Championship match.

Simon Humberstone starred for the Valley Commandos with a personal haul of 25 points, and when Llanelli’s intuitive backs did break the Ponty line they often found themselves isolated with very little support to keep their momentum going.

A raucous 5,000-plus crowd packed in to the famous old stadium to witness this historic encounter, and although Llanelli brought a fairly sizeable following they were kept largely quiet by an emphatic Pontypridd performance, especially in the first half.

Ponty started the better of the two sides, and two Humberstone penalties in the opening 10 minutes were followed by the opening score through home skipper Chris Dicomidis on 13.

Llanelli were penalised at the scrum and No8 Dan Godfrey’s quick thinking saw him tap quickly and storm through a gap. He fed the giant second row, who left the covering Dan Thomas in his wake to go over in the corner, which Humberstone converted.

Jordan Williams opened the visiting score on 18 with a penalty, but other than a tantalisingly close drop goal attempt minutes later by the same man, they were unable to stop the imperious Valley Commandos in a remarkably dominant first half.

They extended their lead on 24 minutes as Humberstone shone again, somehow squeezing over through a couple of tackles with the help of the supporting Dafydd Lockyer, before dusting himself off to kick another conversion through the posts.

Rhys Shellard then marked his 100th appearance for the club on 36 minutes, reacting quickest to an over-long Llanelli line out to burst through and keep his feet despite the defence’s best efforts to dive over. It was a heart-warming moment for the long-serving flanker and brought a standing ovation from the home crowd. Humberstone again converted, and added a penalty on the stroke of half-time for a half-time lead of 30-3.

He kicked another just again after the restart, but then it was Llanelli’s turn to turn the screw.

On 62 minutes, a flowing move across their backline saw Chris Keenan find Nic Reynolds with a delightful pass. He darted between two defenders to touch down, with substitute Johnny Lewis converting.

A bumper crowd was on hand to see history made.

But almost immediately, Ponty dashed any thoughts of a revival when Adam Thomas burst through the middle with another fantastic solo run. He slipped the ball to Matthew Nuthall, who crossed the whitewash, with Humberstone again kicking the extras.

Llanelli did assert some late pressure, and after consistent phases were halted by astute defending in the Ponty 22, Kristian Phillips finally squeezed over on the right following another flowing move with minutes remaining. Lewis missed the conversion.

Then in injury time, substitute hooker Darran Harris fought his way through with a barnstorming solo run following a team foray down the right, with fellow sub Dai Flanagan converting for the final say.

That brought about the final whistle, and the champagne began to flow as Pontypridd received their prize – the third in their history.

SCORERS:

Ponty:

Tries: Chris Dicomidis (13), Simon Humberstone (24), Rhys Shellard (36), Matthew Nuthall (65), Darran Harris (80+4)

Cons: Simon Humberstone (13, 24, 36, 65), Dai Flanagan (80+4)

Pens: Simon Humberstone (5, 10, 40+2, 46)

Llanelli:

Tries: Nic Reynolds (62), Kristian Phillips (78)

Cons: Johnny Lewis (62)

Pens: Jordan Williams (18)

WHAT THEY SAID:

Ponty’s star man Simon Humberstone: “We just came here for the double and we know that if we play well there’s always a performance like that in us. I think tonight all the little cogs came together and we did play well.

“I think we showed everyone how good we can be tonight which is very satisfying. To do it on this stage and to put that result away, we’re very happy.”

“We’ll enjoy tonight and then we’ll have a couple of weeks off. I think it’s well deserved for a lot of the boys. I’ve only done a half season so I feel fresh but this boy [Dicomidis] has been going for a whole year so we’ll enjoy the next couple of days and couple of weeks and then I’m sure we’ll rock up on July 1 [for pre-season training] and we’ll be just as hungry again.

“I think one of the best things the Chief [Dale McIntosh] has done is assemble a squad of players where the competition within is so strong that you can’t just turn up on July 1 and doddle your way through until the end of September. You’ve got to be ready to go so we’ll have a couple of enjoyable days now and get stuck in on July 1.”

Victorious skipper Chris Dicomidis: “Moments like this take a while to sink in. We said before the game the great players like Neil Jenkins, Paul John, Dale McIntosh, they won the league and they won the Cup but they never did the double.

“We’ve created history and we broke a record tonight as well for the most consecutive wins by a Pontypridd team so we’re double record breakers.”

Llanelli coach Kevin George: “We didn’t match their physicality it’s as simple as that. Rugby is a very physical game and it’s getting more physical by the year. What we didn’t do today was come and match any of the physicality that was coming our way.

“All the periphery stuff, all the nice little rugby bits and the nice intricate moves, they don’t even enter into it until you match the physicality, especially when you go away from home. That’s a lesson we learned today.

“We didn’t match the physicality in the contact area. We only missed about five tackles in the first half. That just shows that they outplayed us in so many different areas.

“I’ve got a young group. They’ll come back hard and hopefully we’ll be in the same place again. As I said in the week, it’s the experience of this. If you’re not in it you don’t get the experience and you learn further down the line.

“When the boys stood behind the posts a few points down, you hope the pain in their belly would not want to make them be in that position again. These are young boys who hopefully will learn from that and kick on next year.

“I think that Ponty had that respect for us. I think they feared that we could come out of our shackles. But ultimately today they were a hungry team and they came after us and we didn’t cope with it and that was the end of us.

“Every time they play us they go after us in those sort of areas and we’ve got to deal with it.”

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Irving's late strike sends Lakesiders into Europe

John Irving’s 89^th minute strike fired Bala into Europe for the first time in their short eleven year history, as the Lakesiders squeezed past Port Talbot 1-0 at the GenQuip stadium.

Bala Manager Colin Caton described the moment as a ‘fairytale’ as the North Walians claimed their 13^th win on the bounce to gain a place in the UEFA Europa League.

 “It means so much to the club, we really have come from nothing. It's phenomenal to think where we’ve come from and now to get into Europe is just a fairytale that I never thought would happen. I’m just so proud of anyone involved in the club,” beamed Caton.

“I didn’t think it was going to be our day when Mark (Jones) and Lee (Hunt) had great chances but couldn’t convert. I thought Port Talbot were going to nick it but all credit to the lads, they dug in and we came up trumps.”

The game was a tense affair from the outset with the Steelmen getting the better of the opening exchanges, and caused Bala all sorts of problems at the set piece with Cortez Belle seeing his header cleared off the line.

As the first half wore on, the Lakesiders' influential captain Mark Jones began to pull the strings and the best chance of the half fell to the midfield maestro. Stephen Brown’s precise pull back found Jones free on the edge of the area, but his effort failed to trouble Steven Hall, as the deadlock remained intact at the interval.

After the break, chances came thick and fast at both ends, with a shot from the Steelmen's Martin Rose well-saved by Ashley Morris, while Jones failed to hit the target from just six yards out for the visitors.

Then came an incredible triple save from Hall, denying Lewis Codling from 20 yards before producing a double stop on the follow-up from striker Lee Hunt.

Referee Mark Petch waved away two penalty appeals, one at either end, and with both sets of teams thinking about the possibility of extra time, Petch was once again under the spotlight.

Bala’s Connall Murtagh bundled Belle over in the box but Petch was unmoved, and as the Port Talbot players remonstrated, the Lakesiders attacked, with Lee Hunt turning well and firing a powerful shot at goal only to be denied by stopper  Hall.

The ball then broke to Irving, who drilled his shot low to evade the maze of players and nestle in the bottom corner and send Bala into dreamland.

Striker Hunt who has tasted European action with former clubs Rhyl and Bangor believes this was a bigger achievement, “This really tops it off, Bala have come such a long way, when I have got to Europe with Rhyl and Bangor it was always expected, so to do it with Bala it is very special for me.”

“When Hall made the double save, I thought it might not be our day but we kept going and John sealed it for us,” added Hunt.

The victory rounds off an incredible second half of the season for Bala and the Lakesiders will now look forward to the Europa draw, that could see them pitted against Wales’ premier outfit, Swansea City, in the preliminary rounds.

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Bedwas hold off Hartridge to claim the Newport and District Cup

WORTHINGTON NEWPORT & DISTRICT CUP - FINAL BEDWAS 26 HARTRIDGE 12

Bedwas 2nds held off a very committed Hartridge side to win an interesting final on the beautiful Rogerstone ground of Whiteheads RFC.

Bedwas celebrate 

The first half saw Bedwas do almost all the attacking yet Hartridge led 7-6 at the break and held the lead until the 58^th minute.

It was an explosive first period but when players were carded, it was Hartridge flanker Lewis Beresford who came out to play splendidly as an emergency full back.

Skipper and full back Kevin McCole put Bedwas ahead with a penalty after 24 minutes, but a sudden Hartridge counter saw No 8 Ross Palmer go clear on the wing for a try that fly half Rhys Yendle converted.

McCole pulled back three points with a penalty but Hartridge scrummed solidly, even though Bedwas had most of the ball.

A good-sized crowd saw replacement centre Tom Morgan eventually score in the corner and his second try from a long run seemingly sealed a Bedwas win at 16-7.

Bedwas countered again with fly half Matthew Minty scoring a good try from another long run-in and McCole converted.

Hartridge threw everything in and centre Andrew Oak appeared at the head of his pack to secure a good try, but McCole added a last-minute penalty to clinch the Bedwas win.

The presentation to Bedwas was made by Mike Perry, president of the Newport and District RU.

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Late drama in Gwent Cup final

WORTHINGTON GWENT & DISTRICT (CYRUS DAVIES) CUP FINAL

TREFIL13-14 ABERTYSSWG

Season after season it seems that few competitions rival the Worthington Gwent & District (Cyrus Davies) Cup final for excitement, and this season brought possibly the most thrilling finish of them all!

Division 6 East winners Trefil took on Division 5 runners-up Abertysswg at Glan-yr-Afon Park, the home of Blackwood RFC.

Abertysswg celebrate with the Gwent & District (Cyrus Davies) Cup.

If Abertysswg were thinking of a SWALEC League play-off in four days’ time it did not show, as they had all the early pressure, but Trefil soaked it up with a great defence.

After 21 minutes the deadlock was broken when Aber centre Richard Theophilus kicked a penalty, while Trefil fly half Matthew Edwards almost levelled with a drop goal attempt.

Then came a surprise score as Abertysswg’s pack shoved but rose to find Trefil had scored when David Kearney broke and full back Matthew Harley kicked ahead and regained to cross. Edwards converted.

A 7-3 interval lead was pegged back by another good Theophilus penalty, but flanker Christian Jones replied with a great run at the line for Trefil.

After 54 minutes Edwards placed a penalty for 10-6, but back surged Abertysswg with Rikki Jones running well and, after wonderful defence, Trefil just had to break under the pressure as centre Jamie Parry, having moved to scrum half, dived over to give Abertysswg the lead.

Now Trefil hit back, having superbly handled the threat of experienced Aber fly half Jamie Howells, and centre Lee Brooker banged over a massive penalty via the crossbar.

Abertysswg were down 11-13 with just 10 minutes remaining and hammered away for nine minutes and 30 seconds before replacement centre Josh Perry kicked a splendid goal to win it amidst terrific scenes.

While Abertysswg flanker Liam Buckley was voted man of the match, great credit went to referee Dion Tuck, who though only a district official in his second season, will surely rise quickly up the WRU Referees’ ladder.

Mr Gethin Morgan of Molson Coors presented the Cup to Abertysswg skipper and full back Steven Klein.

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Ponty and Llanelli primed for round three in title clash saga

This Saturday will see Pontypridd and Llanelli clash horns for the third time in as many years in a tantalising fight for the Premiership crown.

Sardis Road plays host to the Principality Premiership Championship Play-off final after the Valley Commandos finished the regular season 23 points ahead of second-placed Llandovery. Yet this match will be no easy task, with both sides having won one of the last two clashes apiece.

The hosts go in to the crunch encounter on the verge of history as they are looking to secure a first league and Cup double having shown great work ethic and spirit to stage a comeback and beat Neath 34-13 in the WRU ‘Finals Day’ at the Millennium Stadium on May 4.

Their coach Dale McIntosh has called on his players not to overcomplicate things as they chase a historic moment. He said: “We need to concentrate on getting the little things right during the course of the game: to be tight in defence; to give ourselves a solid set piece platform; to work through the phases and carry the ball hard; to put players into space.

“We can put a strong 23-man squad into action on Saturday night and we are capable of playing expansive rugby to win the game. It will be one hell of a battle as Llanelli themselves are hitting form and have some dangerous strike players with an abundance of pace and creativity.”

They will agree. They came through a tough semi-final at Llandovery on the weekend 29-20, with Jordan Williams starring throughout with a try, three conversions and a penalty. They also ran in four touchdowns through as many scorers, so they will believe they have the firepower throughout to trouble Ponty.

Head coach Kevin George believes getting this far has matched their objectives over the season. He said: “Our objectives for the year were to get through in the British and Irish Cup, which we did, and then return to the league.

“We’ve had our limitations. We had a lot of boys in the Wales U20s, and with so many Scarlets players called up to the Wales squad they soaked a lot of our players up. So we had a mid-season dip, which we understand, and then came back strong.

“We’re building up nicely after the last couple of performances, but we’ve got to be clinical and a lot sharper then we were against Llandovery. We’ve got to match their passion and physicality, stay with them and then try and get ahead in the second half.

“We’ve got to equal the crowd, the Sardis Road effect and everything else. We have to be good at the basics and see what develops, but we’ve done it before.”

Ponty will start as favourites having won the three clashes between the sides – both in the league and also in the Swalec Cup on route to the final – with an aggregate score of 72-48. But this is a one-off affair, and Llanelli’s 24-18 triumph in 2011 shows that over 80 minutes nothing is certain.

Saturday’s game, live on S4C, sees the West Wales side going for their fifth title. Ponty will be hoping to capture their third, having beaten Llanelli 15-13 last year to gain revenge for the 2011 reverse.

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Royal Show For National with new sponsor Asbri

Welsh golf has received a boost after Asbri Golf agreed to sponsor the Welsh National PGA Championship for the next two years.

The 36-hole event will carry a £10,000 prize fund and be staged at the acclaimed Royal St David’s links from October 17-18 with the Harlech course also hosting it again in 2014.

Asbri, a successful golf accessories company specialising in bespoke and logo merchandise, launched just eight years ago and with dedicated sales teams throughout Europe, has a rising profile in golf and has links with events such as the Ryder Cup, US Open and Golf Live.

It also enjoys strong ties with many PGA Professionals and is looking to strengthen those relationships through its sponsorship of a tournament which has a rich history dating back to 1904.

Past winners include Ryder Cup winning captain Ian Woosnam, Ryder Cup player and captain Brian Huggett and Sid Mouland, who holds the record with six victories.

PGA chief executive Sandy Jones has welcomed Asbri Golf’s support of the tournament which is the oldest on the national PGA schedule.

“Asbri are a young company but have shown they have the ambition to be a leader in their field and we are delighted that they have decided to support one of our most prestigious events,” he said.

“We look forward to working closely with them to make the tournament a success and would also like to thank Royal St David’s for agreeing to host the championship for the next two years.

“Anyone who has ever played it knows it is one of the very best links courses and I know our members will relish the opportunity to compete over it.”

Paul Williams, Asbri’s sales and marketing director, commented: “We are extremely proud to be title sponsors of the Welsh National PGA Championship and even more delighted to be working with and supporting The PGA.

“PGA Professionals have contributed massively to our success as a company, particularly in Wales and it’s now nice to be able to give something back and show how much we appreciate their support.

“With the host venue being Royal St David’s, one of the finest golf courses in Wales, it just puts the icing on the cake for us!”

Royal St David will be hosting the tournament for the third time having previously staged it in 1939 and 2010.

The current head PGA Professional is Gareth Lewis, the former head of coaching for the PGA in Wales, who added: “From my point of view, as a proud Welshman and head pro, I’m very proud to bring the Welsh National to Royal St David’s.

“Speaking to fellow PGA pros I know Royal St David’s is a course they enjoy playing and it is also a great club to work at as it is very forward-thinking.

“Asbri is a great company which is moving forward at a rate of knots and they bring a stamp of quality that is matched by Royal St David’s and The PGA.”

The Welsh National will also bring the curtain down on the careers of Royal St David’s greenkeeping twins, Roger and John Kerry, who will step down as head and assistant greenkeeper respectively, when the tournament concludes.

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RGC handed title as Merthyr survive

RGC 1404 claimed the One East title last night without a try being scored, as their rivals Ystrad Rhondda suffered a shock 38-19 home loss to Merthyr.

In a match with huge ramifications at both ends of the table, both Ystrad and Merthyr went into the clash knowing anything less than victory would spell an end to their dreams.

The Ironmen, who were fighting for their very survival, knew a win would save their Division One status and send Mountain Ash down instead of them, while an Ystrad victory would have seen RGC needing to beat Rhydyfelin on Saturday  for the title.

With both sets of players and a raucous crowd at the ready, the battle commenced but there was only one winner on the day. Merthyr, fighting for their Division One lives, threw everything at the hosts and outscored them six tries to three.

Speedster Alan Howard was talismanic for the Ironmen on the wing as he powered his way to a hat-trick, while Matthew Trowbridge, Jack Thomas and Steve Lang also crossed. Lang added five penalties and a conversion.

For Ystrad, it is a case of so near yet so far: at times they were imperious this season but their nail in the coffin was their loss at Penallta last week. The runners' up tries came courtesy of Dai Gratton, Liam Davies and Jay Harris, while Rhys Truelove slotted two conversions.

For the North Walians, their match on Saturday against Rhydyfelin will be a celebratory occasion and Chris Horsman’s men can look forward to testing themselves in the Championship next season.

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Lions Choir ready to roar

The Lions Male Choir, formed by Melody Music and conducted by Haydn James has been granted official Tour status by the Lions and the Australian Rugby Union for the 2013 tour to Australia.

On May 26th, the Choir will perform at the official Lions Gala Farewell at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

 The travelling party is 142 with a choir of 75 singers from Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland. The will perform the LIONS ANTHEM at the first Test in Brisbane while the Qantas Choir will perform Advance Australia Fair.

During the tour, the choir have been invited to several official functions and are looking forward to supporting the Warren Gatland and his squad.

Biog:

Lions Male Choir was set up by Mark Burrows from Wales in 2001 to follow the Lions Choir on Tour.

Since then they have been on the NZ Lions Tour, and the South African Tour.

The Choir in 2013 is made up of 75 singers from Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland – conducted by Haydn James who was the conductor of the London Welsh MVC for 30 years and conducted over 20 Gala Male Concerts at the Royal Albert Hall.

Their music reflects the home Nations, with the addition of songs from the musicals and Choruses from Grand Opera.

A message from rugby great Cliff Morgan

 58 years ago Rugby Great - Cliff Morgan experienced the thrill of a Lions Tour in South Africa -  In 2013 over 70 Choristers from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales  join forces to form the Lions Choir.

During their 3 week tour, the Choir will perform concerts in Brisbane , Melbourne,  and Sydney.

Performing a wide selection of music under the baton of Dr. Haydn James, who has recently arranged the Lions Anthem” – an arrangement incorporating four well known songs from the home Nations:-

Swing Low Sweet Chariot - Flower of Scotland - Ireland’s Call and Bread of Heaven.

The Choristers came together for the first time after the 2001 Lions Tour. The age of the choristers ranges from 23 – 88 and they share a love of music and Rugby. Ex miners, Teachers, Lawyers, Builders, - in fact, all walks of life are represented in this special Choir. A message from Cliff Morgan OBE which is being updated for the 2013 tour due to his failing health follows.

Haydn James in action

Haydn’s expertise in conducting massed choirs and vast audiences is internationally recognized.  He has led the singing of up to 70,000 supporters at Wembley and at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium prior to Wales’ twenty five home international rugby matches over the past five seasons, as well as Barbarians. This message above was given to the choir in 2005 and although Cliff is not in the best of health, we are delighted that he has written a message of good will to the choir – and the people of Australia which will be read at each concert on their tour in 2013.

The Choir will perform the Lions Anthem at the first Test in Brisbane

Concerts are:

175 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane QLD 4000

JUNE 23 2PM

Funds go to Irish Club and their Charities – joint concert with the Tara Singers

Friday 28th June

Collins Street Baptist Church Melbourne [7.30pm]

Sunday 7th July

Sydney Town Hall [2pm] with guest choir – The Australian Rugby Choir

http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=LIONSMAL13&v=CBC

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Neil Edwards appointed Neath RFC Head Coach

Neath RFC have acted quickly and appointed former assistant coach Neil Edwards as their new Head Coach.

The position was announced as being vacant yesterday (Wednesday) after Pat Horgan departed The Gnoll.

Edwards already has an outstanding pedigree as a Head Coach after leading Ebbw Vale to two successive WRU Division One titles and creating the backbone of the Steelmen side that won this year’s Championship.

The Llwynpia-born 36-year old turned out for Newport Gwent Dragons and Wales A in a long and successive playing career. He also had seasons with Ebbw Vale, Newport and Neath, where he helped the Blacks to win two successive league titles.

Edwards is delighted to be coach of Wales’ most famous club side and he is hoping to restore them to former glories.

“We have a big task in front of us,” he said. “I’m looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and getting into it.

“We need to get some stability into the side this season. We’ve signed a lot of the current group for next season already and we’ll also be strengthening.

“We know it’s essential to have a good build up. We’ve a 12-week pre-season to prepare for a successful Neath campaign for 2013-14.”

Edwards paid respect to departing coach Pat Horgan who has both played and coached alongside.

“I’ve known Pat for a long time and I was disappointed to see him go,” Edwards said. “I wish him all the best for the future.”

Neath chairman Phil Davies said: “We’re delighted that Neil has accepted the position of Head Coach. He has a fantastic record both as a player and head coach already and we’re certain he’ll do an excellent job for the club.

“Neil is now assembling his back-room staff and building a squad for the new season. There will be a number of new faces involved and all concerned are under no illusion of what’s required to put our proud and mighty club back on the summit of Welsh Premiership rugby.”

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Griffiths benefits from home comforts at Clwyd Open

Home-grown player Ashley Griffiths triumphed in a thrilling climax to lift the Clwyd Open at Wrexham and Prestatyn over the weekend.

He carded a gross 292 over the 72 holes with rounds of 70, 73, 74 and 75 to leave him tied on the weekend’s lowest score with Conwy’s Lee Jones and Craig Melding of Neath.

It went to a third extra hole before Griffiths finally wrapped up the Clwyd Open, as well as the Jubilee Trophy for being the best performer overall on the second day at Prestatyn with a gross 147, just a stroke ahead of Jones.

Another Wrexham golfer, Gareth Evans, took The Egerton Vase at Wrexham after rounds of 67 and 69 gave him a gross of just 136 on the first day’s play.

He finished tied for fourth overall on 295 with club-mate Alyn Thomas and Old Padeswood’s RW Jones.

Greenmeadow’s up and coming star Otto Mand carded a gross 300, leaving him tied for ninth place with Mountain Ash’s Ian Flower, just eight strokes behind Griffiths – indicating a tight and entertaining top of the leaderboard.

Radyr’s Chris O’Neill (297) and Morlais Castle’s Welsh international Jack Bush (298) were seventh and eighth respectively.

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Horgan leaves post at Neath

Swalec Cup finalists Neath have announced that head coach Patrick Horgan has stepped down from his role with immediate effect after five years in charge.

The club statement said he was ending his 17-year association with the club “to concentrate on his business and career pursuits”.

The former Neath captain was at the helm for the league and Cup successes of recent years, and he is widely recognised as one of the leading and most astute coaches on the Premiership scene.

Speaking after Neath’s 34-13 Cup final defeat to Pontypridd at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on May 4, he had seemed intent on helping his side get back above the Valley Commandos in the Welsh rugby pecking order.

He said at the time: “When it comes down to it, Pontypridd are a better team than us at the moment. They’ve overtaken us and it’s up to everybody at Neath Rugby Club, not just coaches, not just the players, but people at board level [to] push [us] forward now.

“Let’s get back, not to where Ponty are now, but let’s get back on top of Ponty because that’s where we were [a few] years ago.”

It seems things have changed, and now the club must take a new direction without their talismanic coach.

Former Neath chairman Geraint Hawkes has paid tribute to the man he worked with for over a decade. He said: “During my direct involvement for over 10 years, Pat has been a major driving force both as a player, assistant coach and recently head coach. It has very much been a backs against the wall philosophy for both of us.

“He has been at the heart of keeping everything on an even keel. His core values, true grit determination and exceptional coaching qualities are admired from all quarters.

“Together we had some extremely challenging times, but Pat has remained steadfast and helped bring the side through to the Cup final this year. He is Neath through and through, and I have fond memories of some truly epic rugby moments.

“His relationship with the club spans over 17 years, and probably gives him more right to the place than anyone else. Everyone associated with Neath RFC would like to wish Pat all the best with his future endeavours.”

The club also posted on its Twitter feed: "A big thank you to Pat Horgan for all his efforts over the years with Neath RFC from all Neath fans [far and] wide, [especially] from the Cow Shed!"

The statement also indicated that an announcement on Horgan’s replacement and the make-up of the back-room team will be made shortly.

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