The Llanelli-based side carried off the SWALEC Division 5 West title by reaching an unbeatable 89 points, winning all but one of the league games that they’ve played this season and with three games still remaining.
It’s been 32 years since the last silverware at New Dock Stars and the Division 5 West title win is the crowning of three seasons of hard work and dedication.
The nucleus of the team has remained consistent over the past three years – with some of the youth squad promoted to the senior squad this year - and the team has been rewarded having led their league opponents for most of the season.
New Dock Stars RFC Club Captain Jordan Evans said:
“I am absolutely ecstatic. This has been more than two years in the making. It’s been hard work but everyone is over the moon.
“Today, is the best feeling I’ve ever had on a rugby pitch.
“During the year, we’ve had a couple of lows, but we have bounced back from them. This, today, is obviously the highlight of the season.
“It’s unfair to single anyone out as it has been a team effort. The front row, the second, row, the backs, everyone has been magnificent.
“Looking to next season, I think we should stay up. We should cope well in Division 4 West.”
Coach Hywel Jones, one of three senior coaches at the club, said:
“This championship has put New Dock Stars back on the rugby map because this has been a long time coming.
“We have always been there or thereabouts, but this year the players have been outstanding. I can’t thank them enough.
“It’s been 32 years since we last won a trophy. The boys are chuffed and I couldn’t have asked for more from them.
“Every weekend has been a highlight and getting on the road to keep the winning form going to win this championship has been vital.
“The boys have worked hard for it and they thoroughly deserve it.
“I don’t think we will have a problem in Division 4 West.”
WRU Board Member Anthony John added:
“I congratulate New Dock Stars on their victory today and judging by the mood in the clubhouse this afternoon the celebrations should go on long into the night.
“As a club, they have been waiting a long time to get some silverware, but they have stuck at it and their perseverance has brought its rewards.”
SWALEC is the national community partner of the Welsh Rugby Union and sponsors both the SWALEC Leagues and SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions. SWALEC Finals Day, which sees six clubs battle it out in the Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions, will take place on Sunday 4th May at the Millennium Stadium.
Jonny Petrie, head of sponsorship strategy at SWALEC, added: “Our strong partnership with the WRU and its clubs goes back a number of years and we’re very pleased to be doing more for grassroots rugby in Wales through our sponsorship of the SWALEC Leagues. It has been another strong season for Welsh rugby as a whole and we have seen some impressive performances at club level. Many congratulations to New Dock Stars RFC on claiming the title.”
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