As the school has a rich rugby tradition, Curriculum Leader for Physical Education, Ian Poley, was eventually tasked with the job of organising the inaugural Pencoed Comprehensive Invitational 7s.
The plan was simple – bring local schools together and devise a format for the day which would allow maximum playing time for participants – a simple but effective way of celebrating not only 50 years of the school, but 50 years of rugby within the school.
The day itself turned out to be a huge success. With well over 200 year 7 pupils involved from sixteen comprehensive schools in attendance.
Thirty-eight games of sevens rugby were played to determine the Plate and Andy Rea Cup winners for 2023.
Visits from Pencoed Comprehensive School alumni Gareth Cooper, Sam Costelow and Tommy Reffell, along with ‘The Rugby Trainer’ former Osprey, Ben John, meant there was a real carnival atmosphere to the event.
The event involved the whole community which pleased the organisers. Ian Poley said: “It was always our intention to show that the school is at the heart of the local community. It was great to see so many parents and guardians of so many young rugby players absorbed in an event that was supported by Pencoed RFC and Pencoed Town Council who allowed the school to use the rugby pitches and clubhouse for the day.
“As much as the education system evolves and curriculum changes see schools having to adapt, sport and physical activity in terms of young people remains consistent. We need them happy and active and judging by the way the day unfolded, both of those targets were achieved.
“From the school’s perspective, we are grateful to everyone who helped make the day a success, but in particular, thanks to all the pupils, teachers and WRU Hub Officers from the schools who took part”.
The school intends to create an annual even and to provide opportunities for more schools to get involved in the future.
Pencoed Anniversary 7s Awards and Winners
The Rugby Trainer Ben John ‘Skill of the Day’ – Che Thomas (Maesteg Comprehensive)
The Tommy Reffell ‘Defender of the Day’ – Theo Harrington (Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryntawe)
The Sam Costelow ‘Player of the Tournament’ – Kaci Williams (Cynffig Comprehensive)
The Gareth Cooper ‘Fair Play Award’ – Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen
Plate Runners Up – Pencoed Comprehensive
Plate Winners – Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni
Andy Rea Cup Runners Up – Maesteg Comprehensive
Andy Rea Cup Winners – Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryntawe
Participating Schools
Pencoed Comprehensive, Brynteg Comprehensive, Bryntirion Comprehensive, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd, Maesteg Comprehensive, Cwmtawe Community School, Morriston Comprehensive, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryntawe, Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, Tonyrefail Community School, Ysgol Bae Baglan, St Joseph’s Catholic School, Bryncelynog Comprehensive, St Cenydd School, Cynffig Comprehensive and Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen.
