For Canton it was a first title since they last won the Mallett Cup way back in 1964, while for Fairwater the 25-17 triumph over their near neighbours was their first trophy in 15 years. Having been pipped to promotion by Cowbridge it was the perfect end of season boost for Fairwater and the two teams can now look forward to meeting again in the league later this year.
“It has been a brilliant season and it shows we are making progress. We have got aspirations to move up the leagues until we find our limit and we know that next season is going to be tougher again,” said head coach Dai Manley.
“To be honest, I never thought we’d get out of our league, but it is testament to the hard work and self-belief of the players. They have been marvellous and have bought into what Greg Prosser and I have tried to do with them.
“A lot of players had never won anything before so this was very special to them and to the club. There were a few tears shed when we received the trophy, especially by those who had been with the club since they were as young as 13.”
Canton is one of the oldest clubs in Cardiff, having been founded as far back as 1876. They have a thriving junior section and Manley, the former Wales B and Pontypridd wing, has been delighted at the development shown throughout the club this season.
“Peter Hughes, our full back, puts in a huge amount of effort with our thriving junior section and in the final few months of the season we managed to get out two seniors sides. Our ambition is to get three next season – we just want to keep developing and building,” added Manley.
Fairwater skipper Michael Bratcher produced a try-scoring performance in his side’s victory at Penrath’s Athletic Field ground, while centre pair Elliot Phillips and Tom McAloon also crashed over. Outside half Liam Free converted both tries and McAloon added two penalties.
Chris Hann and Connor McGrath went over for Canton, who more than played their part in an entertaining final and were also awarded a late penalty try.
“It’s the first piece of silverware in our club for 15 years and I’m delighted, really proud. We started well and I think we took our foot off the pedal a little bit but,” said Fairwater head coach Brian Free.
“Fair play to Canton, they came right back at us. Their scrummage got the edge on us early on but I think, as the game went on, we got a little bit stronger and took the sting out of their game.”
In what was a fast start from Fairwater, they were 14-0 up inside 10 minutes. Openside flanker Bratcher went over after some early pressure after only four minutes. They were over again moments later, this time Phillips touching down with Liam Free improving both scores.
Canton then enjoyed a period of pressure and both Peter Hughes and Robbie McDermott were held up just short of the line. They eventually turned their pressure into points with a try from loosehead prop Hann.
Leading 14-5 at the break, Fairwater went further ahead with a McAloon penalty with a penalty three minutes after the re-start. Canton scored their second try midway through the second half to cut the gap.
McAloon missed two more penalty opportunities before landing with his third attempt of the second half on 77 minutes. Canton were awarded a penalty try to pull them back to within three points, but wing Cian Hutchinson sent McAloon over for Fairwater’s third and final try at the death.
“We were just pipped to promotion and so we will be looking for a good run in the league next season to hopefully finish in the top two. We’re also going to target the WRU National Bowl,” added Free.
