Having seen off Markham last year to finish the season as Division Three East C champions, Deri had to battle with Blaina for the Division Three East B title this season, something that coach Jack Stephens, who will succeed Steve Lewis as head coach next season, wasn’t expecting.
“To win two consecutive years on the trot is absolutely amazing for everybody involved,” he said.
“We never thought we would be where we are after last year. We expected to finish mid-table or top three but not to win it.”
Deri only lost one of their 20 games but the 13-11 defeat to Hafodyrynys certainly left a mark.
“We lost to them by two points and we knew then that we couldn’t afford to lose another game,” Stephens added. “We turned a corner after that game.
“The boys don’t like losing, they are not used to losing. We turned a massive corner and started getting bonus points. We beat Rogerstone 87-0, that was a massive game.”
After defeat to Hafodyrynys, Deri bounced back and won their remaining eight games, including against Hafodyrynys (28-15), to pip Blaina to the title by two points.
They beat Blaina twice, Blaina’s only league defeats of the season, and those victories proved crucial in the end.
With the club also boasting a run to the quarter-finals of the WRU National Bowl, Stephens believes it was a great season and is excited about what next season will bring for the club and fans.
“Our support over the last two seasons, but especially this season, has been absolutely amazing. They come everywhere with us,” he said.
