The Devils bade their farewells to Division 5 South Central in front of a strong army of supporters at the Cage – their ground at Tynewydd Park – and in spectacular style with a comprehensive victory against Ogmore Vale. Treherbert ran in ten tries and allowed top point scorer Ross Harris to add two penalties and eight conversions to his already impressive tally.
The Devils, who are based in the Rhondda Valley, carried off the SWALEC Division 5 South Central title, winning all but one of the league games that they’ve played this season. Despite finishing in fourth place last season, Treherbert won the league this year with a game in hand.
Former club captains Ian Griffiths and Gareth Roberts have joined forces this season to mastermind Treherbert’s impressive league title victory. The key to their success, according to the coaches, is the improvement of the team’s defensive play and the players’ commitment to the club.
Backs coach Gareth Roberts, said: “This win is about the identity of the badge. We’re all local boys and the team is centred around the village and our supporters. Each one of the boys goes out on that pitch week in week out and win, lose or draw to try their hardest for the club, to make our supporters proud and to do justice over the badge.”
Treherbert Club Captain Matthew Dyer, added: “You can’t beat the commitment of the players this year. We have a saying in our team – ‘The more we win the harder we work’ – and we started well but then we suffered a disappointing defeat to Treharris. I think it was important for us to bounce back straight away from that.
“This success has been building for a number of seasons. We spent four or five years down in the doldrums but now that we’ve won the league, we can build and push on. Our home record is something that we’re really proud of – we’re undefeated at home in the division – and teams next year might be thinking that they don’t fancy coming down to ‘The Cage’.
“The coaching staff this season have been unreal. Both Ian and Gareth have put a lot of time and commitment into the first team and the boys have really strived on that. They’re both legends in the club and real Treherbert boys. Everything that I’ve learnt about rugby has come from Ian – from when he was a captain and a player, and most recently as Head Coach. It’s great that we can give them something back today with the trophy.”
WRU Board Member Ray Wilton added: “It’s great to see Treherbert back to winning ways and the community is clearly thrilled at the success. Congratulations to everyone involved with the club on winning the title and good luck next season.”
