The Blaenau Gwent side carried off the SWALEC Division 5 East title with a win of 13 – 0, triumphing in all but two of the 20 league games that they’ve played this season including today’s win over Brynithel RFC.
It’s been a nail-biting climax to a hard-fought title race. At the start of the match, Llanhilleth were second place to RTB Ebbw Vale – who had played all of their matches. Llanhilleth RFC would need nothing less than a win to celebrate with the trophy and champagne at the end of a season where promotion was the club’s main target.
Among the players in the title winning squad are Steve Faletau – the brother of Wales, British & Irish Lions and Dragons No 8 Toby Faletau – and former Cross Keys and Pontypool prop Darren Crimmins.
Llanhilleth RFC Club Captain Dan Brimble said: Winning the title today is testament to the hard work and dedication shown from the entire team throughout the season and to win against our closest rivals is something very special. We started the season in July last year and have trained very hard as a team to get fitter and streamline our game.
Danny added, “I think the win will give us the motivation we need to carry on the success into next season.”
Head Coach Jonathan Way, who has been coaching the club for six years, said: “It is 20 years since the club won their league so winning today means a great deal to everyone at the club who have invested a lot of time and effort into training and practising throughout the season.”
“Having Mark Rossitter join the coaching staff at the start of the season has made a huge difference to the club. Not only has he provided all the players with a fresh outlook on the game and new skills, he gave them the enthusiasm and determination to succeed. The win this season is not only down to a change in coaching staff but also down to players like Captain Danny Brimble, Scrum Half Grant Harrington and winger Alex Davidson, all supported by a very strong team in general.”
WRU Board Member Ken Hewitt added: “It is a fantastic achievement for Llanhilleth RFC to win the league today. They have worked hard throughout the season and really deserve the take home the trophy today. I wish them all the best with forthcoming season and hope that they can carry on their success next year.”
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