Cefn Fforest claim Six South Central crown

Cefn Fforest RFC received the Division Six South Central trophy on Friday night after a hard-fought campaign, eventually pipping CIACS to the title.

“We’ve had a remarkable season and we were definitely the team to beat in our division,” stated Team Manger Mike Murphy, who has been involved with the club since 1997.

Cefn ended the season level on 68 points at the summit with CIACS, with the Gwent side having a better try count despite playing one less match. They won 14 of their 17 fixtures, losing just two matches and drawing another.

Unfortunately, Cefn were unable to complete their fixture list as opponents Blaengarw failed to field a side against the champions.

“It was a bit disappointing not to be able to play our final match but other sides were unable to complete their fixture lists for the same reason.”

Under the league restructure, the Gwent District side will find themselves in Division 3 East C and Murphy is excited by the challenge the new campaign will bring.

 “The club has been going well both on and off the field this season and we are all looking forward to the challenge that the new league will present. We have a number of youngsters that are coming on board and hopefully will keep us moving forward.”

Murphy was also keen to praise the work of a number of individuals that have contributed to the club’s success.

“I think I speak for everyone at the club when I say thanks to Coach Martin Lane and Carl Speicher for all their help, while long standing Secretary David Edwards has once again worked tirelessly for the club, and last but not least we have to thank our supporters who have been exceptional,” added Murphy.

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Cambrian Welfare claim Division Six Central title

Undefeated Cambrian Welfare have been declared the champions of the  National League Division 6 Central.

WRU rep Humphrey Evans presents captain Julian Huntley with the  6 Central trophy.

Having sealed their title triumph with a 38-3 away win over Treharris on April 27, the team carried off the Division 6 Central title after winning each of their league fixtures during the current campaign.

And as the club celebrates its 30^th year with a presentation evening next month, their win over Treharris means they have some league silverware to show off even before completing their run of matches.

Cambrian Welfare’s six tries against Treharris were scored by Julian Huntley, Steve Daniels, Mark Jones, Dane James, Zak James and Stefan Resoli. For team captain and outside half Julian Huntley, the club’s top scorer with 185 points in 15 league and cup matches this season, it was a double celebration, after greeting the birth of his daughter just five days earlier.

Julian said: “It’s a massive achievement to be undefeated so far in the league and with two games left to play it would be nice to reach the end of the season without losing. I think our success has been down to the training we’ve received from our coaching staff and the commitment from the whole team to training hard. Every single player has played well this season. Moving up out of Division 6 has been a long time coming for us and we’re definitely going to make the most of it.”

And he was able to toast the win with his brother, scrum half Jackson, and their father Mark, whose firm M&P Group is a big sponsor.  The close-knit club also boasted more fraternal celebrations with brothers Zak and Dane James - centre and flanker, and back-rows Mark and Steve Daniels.

Head Coach Ben Daniels commented: “It’s been a fantastic season but my highlight has to be winning against Glyncoch, who had been undefeated in their previous 45 matches. It’s the hard work of our players that has allowed us to be so successful this season and take the Division 6 Central title, and it’s also what allows us to look forward to Division 5 with confidence.”

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Final day win gives Monmouth title

THEY left it late, but Monmouth clinched the Five East crown from under the noses of Hafodyrynys on the final day of the season.

All they needed was a win at home to Pontllanfraith and they got it with something to spare, easing to a 37-3 victory.

Matt Tadd, Ed McCord, Gareth Morgan and Gary Lane scored the tries as Monmouth made up the three-point deficit on challengers Hafodyrynys.

RTB Ebbw Vale made fifth place their own following as a Rhys Sweet hat-trick helped see off Bettws 49-22.

The hosts crossed the try-line nine times with Jamie Hill on target twice and Jonathan Dix, Ron Ashman, Ian Price and Nathan Manning also touching down.

CRC Caerdydd made the gap between third and fourth in Five South East even more emphatic as they ran in five tries against Treherbert.

The 32-5 triumph increased the points difference to 23 as the capital side finished just behind second-placed Cilfynydd.

Scott Conway, Rhydian Garner, Owain Tudor, Elgan Jones and Hywel Jones underlined the home side’s claim as the division’s third best club.

Garner also dropped a goal and Oliver Jenkins kicked two conversion while all Treherbert could muster was a try.

A 17-13 win saw Porthcawl over Rhigos saw the former end the season in the top half of Five South Central. Ollie Jones and Nick Nutman provided their tries, Tim Richards converted both and Gareth Lloyd slotted a penalty.

Rhigos fought well and were in the game up until the end thanks to Luke Williams and John Smith scores.

While in Five South West, champions Penlan hit the 100-point mark courtesy of a 34-6 victory over Llandybie at home.

Brothers Ian and Bobby Scrine found their way to the try-line as did No 8 Robert Di’Lulio, who went over twice. Robert Green and Lee Banfield were the others to cross.

In Six Central, champions Glyncoch reached the 100-point milestone as Cefn Fforest were put to the sword 48-21. The Swalec Bowl winners scored six tries, two coming through Huw Burgess.

Cambrian Welfare crushed CIACS 79-0, scoring 13 tries in all, four of them courtesy of brothers Ian and Zac James, while Wick beat Aberbargoed 35-24.

Treharris made sure of top spot in Division Seven A with a 31-12 success at Blaina Utd.

Two Ricky Alsop tries and further scores for Mark Roberts, Scott Giles and Gareth Ingram gave the Merthyr valley club first place over Sully Sports.

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