The hard fought victory against a much-improved Bangor side meant that they cleared their closest rivals, Menai Bridge, by a comfortable five points. It’s been a fantastic season for Harlech, nicknamed ‘The Castlemen’, and a huge following turned up on the side lines at the Bangor fixture, confident that they would be watching them win the league and claim the trophy.
The title was confirmed with a win against 17-5 win against Pwllheli, in front of a delighted home crowd.
Andrew Stone-Williams, Harlech Club Captain, said: “It means a lot to win the trophy today. We have been building up to this over the past five or six seasons, not just the last two or three. The boys have been training flat-out all year, and our two coaches have put in a lot of time and effort, turning up day in and day out – it is a team effort. Next season, we are hoping to give it a good go – we will just carry on playing our style of rugby!”
Coach (Forwards) Mark Armstrong, added: “Several standout players include Ynyr Roberts, Young Player of the Year, who scored 20 plus tries, including two in tonight’s final, Sion Rees, who also scored 20 tries, Llion Kerry, and Richard Williams. But the club is built on what we do as a team, not on what individuals do – you can sense in the changing rooms before and after games that we are a club, and that we are together, and that really stands out.
“There is also the commitment and effort from everyone else in the club, not just the players, but all the support staff, and all the supporters who come out to cheer us on to victory.”
Coach (Backs) Bennet Richards said: “The major difference this year has just been bringing everyone together and sticking to what we aimed for at the beginning of the season, which we have done tonight in winning the League. It has also been great to see the town come together, supporting the team, week in week out, at both home and away games. It has brought everybody together as a club.”
Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) General Manager, Rupert Moon said: “Today has been a fantastic experience for all concerned. It was an honour to present the trophy to Harlech, who have worked so hard all season. It is a testament to club rugby in North Wales, and how passionate they are right through into May.”
