Bargoed win Worthington Mid District Cup

BARGOED 39-20 MERTHYR

Bargoed gained revenge for their only league loss of the season 25 days earlier by Merthyr as they added the Worthington Mid District Cup at Sardis Road, Pontypridd, to their earlier Championship success.

It has been the best-ever season by both the Bargoed and Merthyr clubs, who had finished first and third respectively in league play but it was the Blues of Bargoed who were clear and deserved winners over the Ironmen of Merthyr.

The opening quarter saw Bargoed lead 14-0 but Merthyr were still in it as the interval was reached with Merthyr ahead at 20-10. Though Merthyr closed it to seven points, Bargoed then used their powerful pack and the scrummage in particular to wear their opponents down as they led 39-13 until the final seconds.

It was goodbye to both fly halves as the talented Josh Prosser of Bargoed has now signed for Cross Keys and Josh Flye is leaving Merthyr to play for Swansea. Prosser was luckier to have a powerful eight and a lively partner in scrum half Craig Morgan in front of him.

Both clubs are determined to fight their way upwards in Welsh rugby but on this occasion Bargoed, even without James Pizey and Lewis Protheroe, were stronger than Merthyr, who missed skipper Matthew Rees (holiday) and Dean Gunter (cuptied).

No 8 Ross Coombs, brother of Wales international Andrew, opened the scoring after just five minutes and Prosser converted before hooker and captain Leigh Meades surged over from a lineout ploy and again Prosser added the extras.

Merthyr suddenly woke up and luck was with full back Dan Parry for a kick and chase try that somehow he did not convert as Prosser struck back with a penalty four minutes later.

Again Merthyr hit back as wing Aaron Howard nipped in at the corner but again the boot of Prosser struck a penalty over just before the break.

Though Parry kicked a good penalty after 45 minutes it was Bargoed’s pack who took over with flanker Adam Coupe, then a penalty try and finally a second touchdown by Coombs bringing the five-pointers, plus two conversions by Prosser, to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Merthyr had the final say as they flung the ball around and teenage replacement prop Sam Evans did well to score with Parry drop-kicking the conversion.

It was a deserved win for Bargoed and crowned a season they will never forget while young North Walian referee Owain Griffiths gave another excellent display in allowing the game to flow.

Once again the partnership of Worthington and the Mid District committee had joined to help provide a fitting end to the season.

Scorers.

Bargoed – Tries: R Coombs 2, L Meades, A Coupe, pen try. Cons: J Prosser 4. Pens: J Prosser 2.

Merthyr – Tries: D Parry, A Howard, S Evans. Con: D Parry. Pen: D Parry.

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Falcons win the Worthington Cup

ABERTYSSWG FALCONS 23-16 HAFODYRYNYS
Abertysswg Falcons gained the Worthington Gwent and District (Cyrus Davies) Cup for the third successive year when they saw off a depleted, but brave, Hafodyrynys side at Glan Yr Afon Park, Blackwood.

The Falcons gave their departing coaches a great send off as both head coach Leigh Meddlicott and his assistant Gareth Richards are both moving onto new ventures to join the coaching set-ups at the under 16 sides of the Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons respectively.

Meddlicott said “This is my last game at Abertysswg and I am proud and thrilled to be part of a journey that has taken us from Division Six to Division Two.”

Despite being two divisions below Abertysswg, it was Hafodyrynys who took an early lead via a penalty from outside half Kris Moses as both sides tried to settle into a rhythm. From a lineout Hafod attacked again and a clever inside switch put full back Rob Smith, one of the small band of players who have scored over 100 league tries,  in for a try converted by Moses for a 10-0 advantage after 18 minutes.

Abertysswg reduced the arrears with a 35 metre penalty from their outside half and captain Jamie Howells, the former Wales Districts cap, before play was held up for several minutes whilst an injured Hafodyrynys forward was treated for injury.

Play switched from end to end but defences held firm before Moses added a long range penalty to increase the Hafod lead, though from the restart Abertysswg earned another penalty slotted by Howells immediately followed by the half time whistle at 13-6.

The Falcons were quickly out of the blocks in the second half and soon wiped out the seven-point interval deficit with a try by Rhys Davies converted by Howells to tie the scores.

Both sides continued to accrue injuries but Hafodyrynys, with only two replacements named, gamely battled on as both Moses and Howells had unsuccessful penalty goal attempts and the sides sparred for an opening before Moses found his range to put his side ahead at 16-13.

Fresh legs in the Aberytsswg ranks then paid dividends as following a scrum the ball was put through several pairs of hands before replacement Joey Buckley crossed for a try converted by Howells to put his side ahead for the first time in the game and a Howells penalty two minutes from time finally broke the resistance of brave Hafodyrynys.

Tina Tew, on behalf of sponsors Molson Coors, presented Howells and his happy Falcons squad with the famous old cup.

Scorers.

Abertysswg – Tries: R Davies, J Buckley. Cons: J Howells 2. Pens: J Howells 3.

Hafodyrynys – Tries: R Smith. Con: K Moses. Pens: K Moses 3.

by Howard Evans

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Worthington Newport and District Cup Final: Hartridge 34-10 Caldicot Athletic

Hartridge RFC became the Worthington Newport and District Cup winners after defeating Caldicot Athletic in the final at the Whiteheads Ground in Rogerstone.

Though Hartridge scored 4-2 on the try-count and dominated the game territorially, the Caldicot side scored the first and last tries and tackled manfully throughout.

As it was, Hartridge had too much weight up front and their charging forward rushes were hard to stop, yet Caldicot managed to do so for much of the 80 minutes, but they suffered a cruel blow just on the interval when a totally accidental collision saw the Athletic full back Kyle Deakin laid out and he departed the field.

Hartridge had a livewire wing in Dexter Lewis, who not only scored scored a brace of tries, but seemed to pop up everywhere and was like a rubber ball at times.

Fly half Gareth Hopkins scored 12 points and Mitch Williams was strong at centre with Rob Jones standing out in the pack for the winners, while Caldicot had a splendid scrum half replacement in young James Taylor when Matt Burton was forced to drop back to full back.

Hartridge almost scored in the first minute before Hopkins kicked them in front after 14 minutes but Caldicot centre Charlie Deacon hacked on, gathered and sped clear for a fine try.

The lead lasted until just on half-time as Hartridge captain Mike Wrench went over for a solo try that Hopkins converted and after 48 minutes he also goaled a Dex Lewis try.

Hopkins then placed a penalty and full back Richard Torjenson intercepted to run almost the length of the pitch with Hopkins converting.

Hartridge were now on to and the pacy Lewis pounced for his second try with Hopkins converting but much of the last ten minutes belonged to brave Caldicot and they deservedly scored a try through hooker Scott Baker.

Skipper Wrench accepted the cup from Joanne Hurley, Accounts Manager of Molson Coors in front of the delighted Hartridge supporters.  


by Howard Evans

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Glamorgan Wanderers 2nds 43 St Joseph's (Cardiff) 2nds 20

Glamorgan Wanderers captured the Worthington East District Seconds Cup by defeating St Joseph's 43-20 in a spirited match at Taffs Well RFC.

The Wanderers took full advantage of a strong wind and slight slope in the first half to build up a 29-3 lead scoring five tries in the process.

It was one-way traffic as their powerful pack denied their opponents any good ball and No 8 Owain Thomas, lock Aaron Canter, prop Joe Russell, scrum half Rhys Griffiths and flanker Evan Phillips scored tries and centre Mike Hurley converted two against a Scott Taylor penalty.　

St Joseph's flanker Jason Cox then scored a solo try but the Wanderers added further tries by Lewis Wilkie and Rhys Force with Hurley converting both, though brave St Joseph's rallied and wing Will Rowlands and centre Aiden O'Dare touched down plus a conversion by Taylor.

Wanderers skipper Liam Mackay received the cup from former Cardiff centre Steve Crandon, now an accounts manager with Molson Coors.

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Merthyr face Bargoed in the Worthington Mid District Cup Final

The WORTHINGTON Mid District Cup Final will be played between Merthyr and Bargoed at Sardis Road, Pontypridd on Wednesday, May 20 and promises to be one of the best-ever matches in this fine competition's history.

In the semi-finals Merthyr defeated Nelson by 49-21 at Abercynon, while Bargoed beat Division One East champions Penallta by 31-0 at Caerphilly.

The final will be more exciting following Merthyr's shock win at Bargoed in the Championship that was the only league loss of the season thus far by Bargoed, who have already won that title.

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Rhiwbina's John Humphreys receives AWS Award

Photo courtesy of Fido Pics

I  recently had the pleasure of presenting Rhiwbina's John Humphreys with the All Wales Sport Special Recognition Award, congratulations John! Next stop on the awards tour is Ystradgynlais this Saturday April 25.

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WORTHINGTON RUGBY UNION -EAST DISTRICT CUP FINAL

The Worthington East District rugby final will be played between Dinas Powys and St Peter’s at the Glamorgan Wanderers ground on Wednesday, May 6.

Dinas Powys gained a hard-earned 18-6 win over Pontyclun in one semi-final as Nathan Williams (2) and James Wiltshire scored tries and Gavin Cooper kicked a penalty against two early penalties from Pontyclun. 

St Peter’s ran clear against Barry in nthe other semi-final  though Danny Ryan touched down for Barry and Einan Scott kicked three penalty goals.

The ‘Rocks’, coached by former Wales back Mark Ring and skippered by former Cardiff lock Kris Barry, will now come up against Dinas Powys coach John Dunleavy, who is a former St Peter’s player.

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Swalec League Weekend Review

Kidwelly's Daf Latham in action against Llangennech

Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

Llanharan climbed off the bottom of the Swalec Championship as they upset the form guide to record a much-needed 23-17 win over highflying Pontypool at the Dairyfield.

The Dairymen outscored their visitors two tries to one thanks to efforts from Rhys Morgan and Dafi Davies, while Geraint Llewellyn added the extras to both and fired over three penalties for a personal haul of 13 points.

Pooler had to be content with a losing bonus point- Garin Harris crossed for their only try of the game, while Clayton Gullis landed four penalties.

The weather had wreaked havoc across the league with the top three sides at the start of the day -Bargoed, Swansea and Merthyr - all seeing their games cancelled.

Meanwhile, Cardiff Met capitalised to move up to third in the league thanks to a 28-13 win at Tata Steel.

The Students ran in three touchdowns through Amir Wagli, John Dawe and John Humphreys, while Jacob Chilcott racked up 13 points from the tee.

Glynneath recorded the sixth win of their campaign with the slenderest of 13-12 wins over visitors Bridgend Athletic.

Craig Moses crossed for Glynneath’s only try while centre Jack O’Reilly added the extras and two penalties.

All of Bridgend Athletic's points came in the first half with tries by Ryan Owen and Dan Howells converted by Josh White.

Elsewhere, Newbridge’s dismal season continued as they lost 17-3 at Narberth.

Rhiwbina narrowed Penallta’s lead at the summit of One East thanks to a 21-10 home win over Risca at Caedelyn.

 Rhiwbina's James Malpas on the charge against Risca

In a truncated programme due to the Swalec Plate action, the Squirrels did well to defeat the weather and their opponents to record their tenth win of the season.

The Squirrels had to overcome a ten point deficit to see of their visitors in very difficult conditions.

Risca took an early ten point lead through a try by Nathan Williams, converted by Owen Biddiscombe, who also kicked a penalty.

An inspiring performance by James Malpas for the Squirrels led their fight-back, and it was another star performer Sion Summers who set up Rhiwbina’s first try for Louis Millar, converted by Brett Chatwin.

Josh Davies set up the second Rhiwbina touchdown with a neat chip ahead, which was kicked on by Millar who touched down for his second try, well converted by Charlie Elton.

The second half was a real battle. As the conditions got muddier, it was Malpas who deservedly got the Squirrels’ third try after their pack shunted the Risca scrum backwards from a 5 metre scrum, before Elton kicked the conversion, but try as they could, the fourth bonus try would not come as the determined Risca defence held firm.

In the only other game in the division to get the go ahead, Rumney were 13-10 winners at Blaenavon.

Rumney outscored their hosts two tries to one thanks to efforts from Chris Melton and Lee Bendon, while Danny Clarke struck over a penalty.

Blaenavon picked up a losing bonus point thanks to a Gareth Jones touchdown and five points from the boot of Darren Pearce.

Only two matches survived the freezing conditions in One East Central- Gilfach Goch clinched a 23-14 win at Mountain Ash.

The boot of Ian Davies did the damage for Gowch as the fly half landed three penalties and converted both Dean Evans’ and Nathan Walters’ touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Treorchy moved up to third thanks to a 27-0 victory over Rhydyfelin at the Oval.

Peter Hutchings was at the double for the Zebras while Curtis Hughes also crossed as they claimed maximum points. 

Kidwelly's No. 8 Rich Rees produced an outstanding performance against Llangennech

Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

In One West, leaders Kidwelly  dispatched hosts Llangennech 27-15. 

The Black and Ambers produced a five star showing to see off their hosts- Richard Rees and Robin Davies both grabbed braces for the highfliers while Carwyn Thomas also went over. Steff Marshall added the extras to one.

Llangennech Captian Dan Griffiths in action against Kidwelly

Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

The result sees Llangennech slip 16 points behind the league leaders as they failed to pick up anything from the clash. Chris Strick and Jordan Dunn touched down for the hosts while Chris Moore landed a penalty and a conversion.

Meanwhile, Amman United came within a whisker of clinching just the third win of their season but were ultimately defeated 20-23 by Tenby Unted.

Bonymaen extended their lead at the top of One West Central to eight points as they saw off Cwmllynfell.

Full back Paul Warlow bagged a brace for Bony, while openside flanker Rhys Leonard also went over the whitewash. Richard Cunniffe added one conversion and a penalty from the tee.

The road to the Millennium Stadium continued with the fourth round matches in both the Swalec Plate and the Bowl.

The tie of the last 16 in the Plate saw 2012 winners Penallta entertain 2013 victors Heol y Cyw with the Pitmen coming out on top 46-5 to clinch a quarter-final berth.

Joseph Scrivens was the star performer for the One East leaders as the fly half bagged a brace and also notched up 16 points from the tee. Rhys Fitzgerald was at the double, while Andrew Jenkins and Craig Haines also got their names on the scoresheet.

A Ryan Griffiths touchdown was all the One East Central side could muster.

Meanwhile, in an East v West battle, Swansea outfit Penlan proved that west was best as the second division side caused an upset at One East Central’s Ynysybwl with a 17-13 victory.

Penlan outscored their hosts three tries to two with efforts from Rob Green, Adam Glover and Dafydd Pritchard, while Steven Davies added the extras to one.

In the Swalec Bowl, Ynysddu made sure their name was in the hat for the last 16 as they overcame hosts Caldicot 19-10.

In the all Three East A clash, it was the league leaders Ynysddu that came out on top as they touched down three times thanks to efforts from Beynon Williams, Nathan Diniz and Adam Kidney.

Swansea Uplands eased into the fifth round as they dispatched visitors Penybanc 29-8.

Scrum-half Sam Jones was the hero of the day for the Ups as he racked up a touchdown, two conversions and five penalties for a personal haul of 24 points, while Alex Greenslade also went over.

Elsewhere, Cambrian Welfare edged to a 3-0 win over Dinas Powys in a mud bath, while Colwyn Bay thrashed Harlech 43-12 to bag a last 16 berth.

The wintry weather saw five matches fall victim of freezing and waterlogged pitches.

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Swalec League Weekend Review

SWANSEA are a point off the Championship summit after a thoroughly convincing 43-10 win at Bridgend Athletic on Saturday made it four wins out of four.

They now trail table-toppers Bargoed by a point thanks to Nicky Thomas’ try double in a seven-score salvo with Aled Jenkins, Steff Jones, Jake Cole, Matthew Davies and Marc Bennett also crossing the whitewash.

Full-back Thomas also nailed four conversions to take his personal points haul to 18.

Leaders Bargoed lead the way by a solitary point after they also made it four wins out of four with a crushing 42-12 defeat of beleaguered basement boys Llanharan.

Lee Protheroe, Darren Humphreys, Dafydd Carter, Josh Prosser and a penalty try were on the scoresheet for the league leaders, with Prosser adding three conversions and two penalties.

Elsewhere, Aaron Howard bagged a brace to help guide Merthyr to a 22-7 success at home against Glynneath while there were also wins in the Championship for Cardiff Met, Pontypool, RGC 1404 and Tata Steel.

In other action, most clubs took a break from league action on Saturday as the SWALEC Plate and Bowl competitions took centre stage with clubs dreaming of reaching the Millennium Stadium in the spring.

In the Bowl, The big winners of the day were Anglesey outfit Llangefni, who smashed hapless Rhosllanerchrugog 123-0. George Horseman scoring seven of their 18 tries, 15 of which were converted by Rhys Hughes.

Try trebles for Jonathan Cronin and Dean Williams inspired Bynea to a 60-5 thumping home victory against Fall Bay.

Cronin also booted five conversions as he side ran home ten tries, with Mark Davies bagging a brace alongside efforts from Nick Morris and Joe Morgans.

Jack Holland and Owen Phillips led the way with a brace apiece as Abercrave duly dispatched  Pontyates 52-7 with Curtis Griffiths, Ryan Tippett, Cellan Edwards and Nathan Cornelius also going over.

John Paul Stevens landed four conversions while Darren Hodge added two.

James Williams scored a hat-trick to help inspire Tonna to a 39-21 victory at home against Baglan.

Garry Knight also chipped in with a brace to sit alongside a Phil Williams effort. Matthew Gourlay kicked the other points.

In the Plate, there was a heartbreaking exit for Caernarfon who were eliminated at the first hurdle on tries scored following a dramatic 25-25 clash with Bethesda that went into extra-time.

The sides were deadlocked at 20-20 at full time, with visitors Bethesda ultimately going through on try count, 4-2. Dylan Williams, Paul Thomas, Gareth Williams and Aaron Roberts got their tries, while Domic Yau and Iolo Huws replied for the home side.

Meanwhile Aron Humphreys and Ieuan Morris both filled their boots with two tries apiece as Nelson cantered to a comprehensive 60-13 victory at Fleur De Lys.

Paul Adams was on the treble trail but couldn’t prevent Cardiff Quins from crashing out – after a 35-22 home reverse against Bedlinog.

There were also a couple of league fixtures played on Saturday.

In Division Three West C, Llangadog went four points clear at the summit as they edged to a 30-26 victory at Pantyffynon in a top of the table battle.

They collected a tries bonus point as Owain Jones, Dewi Howells,Aled Jenkins and Adam Thompson all went over with Dafydd Jenkins kicking two conversions and two penalties.

In One East Central, Ynysybul won for the third game on the spin – a 39-23 win at Gilfach Goch, Sean Ireland leading the way with a brace.

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Aizlewood Draws Balls to Determine Home Advantage in Semi Finals

Bala will host Prestatyn and The New Saints will welcome Port Talbot to Park Hall in the Word Cup Semi Finals.

Former Wales international and current Carmarthen Town Manager Mark Aizlewood drew the balls out of the hat to determine which teams secured home advantage in the last four of the competition.

In the Northern Draw, Bala Town will welcome Prestatyn Town and in the Southern Draw The New Saints will entertain Port Talbot.

Both matches will be played on Tuesday November 18^th.

Mark Aizlewood has led Carmarthen to two consecutive Word Cup wins and believes that TNS should win this season’s competition:

‘In all honesty TNS will win the League and possibly the Welsh Cup as well – so with respect I hope that one of the other three teams will win the Word Cup. We’ve been fortunate enough to have won if for the past two seasons and it’s a great competition to be a part of – and even better to win it of course’.

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Rhiwbina lift Swalec Division Two East Trophy after a season of excitement

After narrowly missing out on the SWALEC Plate in a dramatic Finals Day clash with Merthyr RFC, Rhiwbina have lifted the Division 2 East trophy after a convincing win at home against Abercynon last night.

The 57 – 15 victory was a welcome return to winning form for the side. Just two weeks ago, the battle of the champions at the Millennium stadium was meant to be a procession for Merthyr who are a league above Rhiwbina, (nicknamed The Squirrels). Instead, the Squirrels put in a valiant effort and gave Merthyr a real scare before they were finally beaten, and the dramatic game ended with only 3 points between the rival teams (26-29).  

On Saturday, the Rhiwbina boys lost out again in a game of two halves at Llantrisant. Although Rhiwbina led 14-3 at the interval, Llantrisant mounted a magnificent second half fight back to secure the win (14-18).

Despite the recent losses, Rhiwbina have only suffered three defeats all season, and the experience of lifting the cup today is testament to their hard work and perseverance as a team.

Rhiwbina RFC Head Coach, Gareth Linten said: “Almost a year ago we started pre-season, and now here we are having won the league – it’s fantastic. In that time, we’ve also played at the Millennium Stadium at SWALEC Finals Day which was a really tough ask, but it was the highlight of the season for us. Should’ve won the game? Could’ve won the game? Who knows, but the atmosphere was amazing, and it’s something we’ve never previously done.”

Rhiwbina RFC Club Captain, Nick Howell (who was injured and could not play in yesterday’s game) said: “As a rugby team, this is why we play – it’s not for medals and trophies, it’s to win the league. We’ve held our own this season, and that game at the stadium against Merthyr just shows what we could be capable of. Hopefully next season we can push on and do ourselves justice.”

WRU representative Russell Howell added: “What Rhiwbina have done is fantastic. They’ve gone from being a small club to playing for the SWALEC Plate at the Millennium stadium – what an achievement. Congratulations to them for winning the league, they really deserve it.”

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Welsh Cup: Aberystwyth 2 TNS 3

A magnificent second half comeback led to Welsh cup heartbreak for Aberystywth as Saints showed their pedigree to land a league and cup double for the second time in three years.

But it was a desperately close call after the golden boot of Chris Venables threatened to end Saints’ double dreams and lift the cup for Aberystwyth for the first time in 114 years.

Venables struck an early double blow to put the Seasiders on the road to one of the biggest upsets in the 127 year history of the competition before Saints hit back in a thrilling finish to complete cup glory at Wrexham’s Racecourse ground.

After early Saints pressure, the Seasiders stole a 10^th minute lead, Chris Venables smashing a right foot volley into the roof of the net after Antonio Corbisiero’s free kick into the box was deflected into the path of the Golden Boot winner.

Aber sensationally went two up a couple of minutes later when Sam Finley caught Mark Jones in the area to concede a penalty and Venables sent Paul Harrison the wrong way to give the underdogs a fairy tale start.

Those two shock early strikes blew the final wide open with Aber looking to use Geoff Kellaway’s pace down the right flank to cause Saints further problems.

Saints’ growing frustration was shown by Phil Baker who blasted a 40 yard shot high and wide of the target as Aber squeezed the space in front of Lewis to restrict Saints to long range attempts.

Finley did create a good chance from the edge of the area, only for Lewis to deny the youngster with a comfortable diving save to his left.

Leading 2-0 at the interval and with one hand on the trophy, the challenge for Ian Hughes’s side was to continue to keep Saints out of striking range and to keep their concentration.

Saints’ boss Craig Harrison made a half-time tactical change, bringing the more attacking Jamie Mullan off the bench for defender Baker in a bid to break their duck.

Although Saints succeeded gaining a stranglehold on possession and forced Aber to defend much deeper, they could not break the challengers’ defence as precious minutes ticked away.

In a last throw of the dice Harrison sent on the prolific Greg Draper and the substitutions played a key part in dragging Saints back into the final on 73 minutes as Draper scored from the penalty spot after Peter Hoy had handled Mullan’s cross from the left.

That set up an enthralling finale and with just over 11 remaining Draper met a drilled free kick from the right into the danger area with a point-blank header to net the equaliser.

It was a huge blow to the tiring Seasiders in the face of relentless second half pressure from the full-timers and Aber’s hopes were dealt a final blow three minutes from time when Michael Wilde was on hand to smash home the winner and to complete a famous fight back.

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Felinfoel defeat Kidwelly to clinch the Llanelli and District Challenge Cup

In what can only be described as an excellent advert for grass roots rugby, Felinfoel beat Kidwelly 21-17 at Burry Port Memorial Park on Friday night in the final of the Llanelli District Challenge Cup competition which is sponsored by the Llanelli & District Rugby Supporters Club.

 ‘Foel, who won the first ever final as far back as 1920 and who last won the Cup in 2008, were forced to dig deep late into the second half as Kidwelly fought back from 21-10 down to produce a try for fly-half Rhodri Jones, converted by centre Gareth Rees, that cut the deficit to within a touchdown as the game headed into injury time.

But the points scored earlier in the game by Felinfoel proved sufficient in the end to secure success and it was due in no small part to influential centre Jonathan Cronin whose impressive performance saw him leave the field with a haul of sixteen points after he converted his own try and landed three penalties.

And it was Cronin who opened the scoring with the first try of the game after slicing through the Kidwelly defence in midfield as ‘Foel benefitted from most of the possession and territory in the opening exchanges.

Kidwelly, who were looking for their third cup win in four seasons, bounced back from the restart and a powerful drive by their forwards led to a try by centre Keiran Rees, converted by fly-half Leighton Walters to level the scores.

 The action then swung in favour of Felinfoel and the pack was rewarded for its efforts when forward pressure on the Kidwelly line yielded a penalty that centre Cronin slotted between the posts to put ‘Foel 10-7 up at half-time.

There was more to come from the ‘Foel pack in the second half when prop Sen Lee powered his way over to make it 15-7 and though Cronin’s second penalty extended the lead to 18-7 Kidwelly refused to lie down. Continued pressure from a determined Kidwelly eight allowed centre Gareth Rees to make amends for an earlier penalty miss by sending his second strike between the uprights.

Five minutes later, Cronin again stepped up to the mark with his third penalty to keep Felinfoel in the driving seat at 21-10 but another late surge from the Kidwelly pack provided the platform for their second try by fly-half Jones to ensure a tense finish.

“It was a keenly contested final with great commitment from players on both sides who were not short of vocal support from the sizeable crowd on the touchline,” was the view of District secretary, Ellis Davies.

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Swalec Cup, Plate and Bowl Predictions

Swalec Cup

Pontypridd v Cross Keys 5.25 pm

Pontypridd will be hoping to retain the trophy they won 12 months ago and will undoubtedly start as favourites, but, just as in 2012, the Gwent opponents pose a very real threat. The sides are tied at one game all in the head to head in the league this year and I think it could go either way on Sunday.

Paul John’s side will be keen to get over the heartbreak of their agonising loss on try count to Leinster A last weekend and what better way than to claim the Swalec Cup?

Everyone has been talking about Ponty as potentially doing the double but if Keys can stun the defending Champions on Sunday their odds of themselves claiming a league and cup double will be slashed.

Both teams have formidable packs and although neither side have ended their league campaigns in less than sparkling form, there could be fireworks on Sunday.

Verdict-Pontypridd by 7 points

Swalec Plate final 3.15pm

Merthyr v Rhiwbina

Both teams are in the hunt for a double after securing their respective leagues in the last week. The Ironmen obliterated One West Champions Glynneath in the last round and you would have to be a brave person to bet against Lee Jarvis’ troops coming away with the title on Sunday.

However, Rhiwbina have shown they can live with first division sides having beaten several on the way to the final.

Merthyr have been running in the tries for fun of late but, in securing the One East crown last Saturday, looked a tad nervy as they edged past Bedlinog. The Squirrels had no such problem mid-week when they eased to the Two East title as they thumped Tredegar and I believe the distraction of that match will have helped the Cardiff side's preparation.

Ultimately, I can’t look beyond a Merthyr victory but I think it will be closer than a lot of people are predicting.

Verdict-Merthyr by 9 points

Swalec Bowl final

Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd v Llantwit Major 1.00pm

Clwb will start as slight favourites, having won the two league encounters this year, and after losing out to St Joseph's in the league, Gareth Williams’ troops will be eager to pick up some silverware.

Only a few seasons ago Clwb were still classed as a District side in Division Six South Central, along with the likes of Wattstown, whose winning performance from last season they will be hoping to replicate.

However, Major will be determined to stop them and commemorate their 125^th Anniversary year in style. They have proved to be a great Cup side so far this season and they will be hoping for a bit more magic when they take to the field Sunday lunchtime.

Fairytale is banded about quite frequently in sport but, for either of these sides, a win on Sunday would be just that. I know Clwb have beaten Major twice already this season but I’m not sure it will count for much on Sunday.

 Verdict- Llantwit Major by 3 points 

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Rhiwbina underdogs for Plate Showdown

Two East Champions Rhiwbina head into Sunday’s Swalec Plate final against Merthyr as undoubted underdogs, but if the Squirrels’ season is anything to go by so far they have more than enough ammunition to shock the One East Champions. 

So far this season Rhiwbina have proved they have a great Cup mentality and have dispatched four division one sides en route to the final-accounting for the scalps of East’s Bedlinog and Ynysybwl, West’s Kidwelly and One North’s Nant Conwy.

Rhiwbina claimed the second division crown last night after they easily dispatched Tredegar 64-7, helping themselves to ten tries in the process.

Rhiwbina's Chris Fido in action against Tredegar

Alex Kerr bagged a hat-trick, while Chris Fido (2), Pat Howell, Kris Barry, Josh Madley, George Gauntlett and Grant Fitzgerald also crossed.

With the Plate final on Sunday and the prestigious Silver Ball final against Glynneath to come, it could potentially be Rhiwbina’s best ever campaign.

Long-serving Squirrels Chairman Paul Maddocks is excited ahead of the Plate showdown.  

“We have one of the most momentous days in our history when we face Merthyr at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday."

Looking ahead to the final Maddocks knows his side will be up against it.

“We’re realistic and know we are very much the underdogs against Merthyr in the Swalec Plate Final, but we’ll be out to do the very best we can with the league title under our belts.”

Club Official John Humphreys added, “Whilst the First XV has had an historic season along with a Silver Ball Final later in May to look forward to, our Seconds and Thirds also continue to do well.

“The Seconds are in contention to retain the Cardiff & District Premier league title and are East District 2nd XV Cup Finalists, while the Thirds are once again in the Ninian Stuart Cup Final.”

Merthyr meanwhile will go into the clash full of confidence having completed the first part of a potential league and cup double, as they clinched the One East title with a bonus point 22-12 triumph over local rivals Bedlinog at the Wern.

The title sees the Ironmen promoted to the Championship, a remarkable turnaround from 12 months ago when they only narrowly avoided relegation.

Merthyr celebrate clinching the Swalec One East title 

However, under Lee Jarvis’ direction, Merthyr are now a formidable outfit having run in 113 tries so far in their successful league campaign.

Winger Owen Morgan was the toast of Merthyr as the speedster bagged a hat-trick, while on the opposite flank Aaron Howard also went over.

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Rhiwbina to meet Merthyr in Plate final

Merthyr are firm favourites to complete a league and cup double, as the Ironmen emphatically booked their place in the Swalec Plate final with a 66-10 demolition of One West leaders Glynneath at Mountain Ash.

The Ironmen proved that west was not best in this case as they inflicted Glynneath’s first defeat in all competitions this season.

With both teams top of their respective divisions, a close game was anticipated, but the Ironmen proved their mettle as they thrashed the Neath Valley outfit.

Flying wing Aaron Howard stole the plaudits with five tries as Lee Jarvis’ troops crossed ten times in all in a completely one-sided display.

The writing was on the wall by half time for David Puckett’s outfit as Merthyr raced into a 27-3 lead.

The Neath Valley side did pull a try back early in the second half through Jonathan Griffiths, but any comeback for the 2011 runners up was quickly snuffed out.

Tries from Martin Luckwell, Cameron Gardner, Lewis Jones, Chris Davies and Craig Evans completed their ten try haul, while captain Steve Lang added five conversions and two penalties from the tee.

Meanwhile, in the all Division Two East semi-final at Taff's Well it was league leaders Rhiwbina who came out on top, defeating Llantwit Fardre 16-6 to clinch a place in the showpiece event.

Rhiwbina’s Gareth McCarthy makes a break against Fardre in the Plate semi final

 The first half was a very closely fought and tense affair, Fardre’s Jason Pocock breaking the deadlock with a penalty after ten minutes.

 However, the Rhiwbina backs always looked dangerous, and a break by outside half Josh Davies led to the Squirrels’ first try. Gareth McCarthy was pulled down just short of the line, but his offload found Sion Summers who stretched over to score in the corner.

 McCarthy increased Rhiwbina’s lead with a penalty, only for Pocock to fire his second of the day over just before the break.

 Try as they could, Fardre could not breach the Rhiwbina defence, while the Squirrels' attack always looked dangerous with the ball in hand.

 And the Cardiff side's blistering backs saw them wrap up the contest late on. Alex Kerr made the initial break before McCarthy found skipper Harry Trelawney in space, and the scrum-half raced up the blind side to cross and secure their trip to the Millennium Stadium.

 Rhiwbina Chairman Paul Maddocks said, “We’re delighted to be in the Plate final and the lads put in a tremendous performance against determined opponents. The league title is still there to be won and we have two further cup semi-finals to play this month, so it could be a memorable season for us.”

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