Aberavon chairman Andrew John led the tributes to four retiring Wizards and a dozen other players who will leaving at the end of the season as the club prepares for a new era in the EDC.
Rhodri Hughes, Chris Banfield and Jay Baker all started Aberavon’s final Indigo Premiership match on Saturday as they defeated Carmarthen Quins 48-21 at the Talbot Athletic Ground, with Banfield grabbing two first half tries.
The trio, along with Aberavon stalwart Joe Tomalin-Reeves, have decided to hang up their boots after many seasons of service at Aberavon.
“Rhodri, Joe, Chris, and Jay have not only been exceptional players but also tremendous ambassadors for Aberavon Rugby Club,” said John.
“They have each left an indelible mark on this club and the community. While they will be greatly missed, they leave behind legacies that will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of Wizards.”
John was also full of praise for those players who will be moving on this summer – Steff Andrews, James Davies, Jon Phillips, Callum Carson, Aron Hemmings, Iwan Temblett, Rhodri Cole, Aled Thomas, Chris Davies, Rhys Fawcett, Cerith Davies and Casey Williams.
Andrews ran in a try in each half while James Davies kicked four conversions as Aberavon’s class of 2023 enjoyed one last dance. Captain Joe Gage also scored twice while Shay Smallman and Luke Davies were the other Aberavon try scorers, while Lewis Morgan and Dylan Richards were among the Quins try scorers.
Having been on the wrong end of an 89-26 mauling at Newport in their previous outing, Bridgend bounced back by handing out a thrashing of their own – as they inflicted a heavy 76-35 defeat on cup finalists Merthyr at the Brewery Field.
The hosts were ahead through a try by Cameron Ellis in the first minute and didn’t look back.
That was one of six first half tries for the home side. It was followed up by two quickfire tries from Dafi Davies before Edd Howley bagged the bonus point with try number four on 26 minutes.
Liam Tobias and Corum Nott were also over before the break with Luke Price’s three conversions opening up a 36-21 lead. Scrum-half Connor Tantum, on his 100th appearance, then scored twice in the second half with Joe Gatt, Evan Yardley, a second for Ellis and Jack Pope also crossing the whitewash.
Price converted both Tantum tries with replacement kicker Jamin Hodgkins adding three further conversions. Ellis Shipp, Tom Hughes, Kian Evans and Ben Rhodes were among the Merthyr try scorers as they at least departed with a bonus-point.
Neath returned to matters on the field after missing out on the EDC but went down 35-14 to RGC in their final home league match of the season at The Gnoll. Tom Ellis, Sam Stoddart, Sam Williams and Jordan Liney were the RGC try scorers, while Ben Williams and Gruff Williams scored Neath’s tries, which were both converted by Steff Williams.
Sam Earl-Jones kicked two conversions and two penalties. Dion Jones also sent over a drop goal while skipper Afon Bagshaw – making a record 206th appearance for RGC – converted Liney’s bonus-point winning try.
“I am pleased for the players. We haven’t managed to get the wins in close games over the past few weeks, so there’s a sense of relief,” said RGC head coach Ceri Jones, who is stepping down at the end of the season.
“It was a special day with Afon breaking the record, and then we had Tudur Jones and Carwyn Jones making their debuts. We’re a young team, but this season we have seen players who will go on and become real RGC stalwarts.
“Tal Taylor has become a regular, Ilan Evans has grown in experience and Sam Willams is now a veteran in experience, if not in age.
“I’ve said to the boys we need to enjoy the remaining games – and we can have a good week in training as we prepare for our last two games.”
