It means the two-time WSC U18 Rugby champions (2011-12, 2019-20) will return to Conference A next season after just one season in the B league. The all-Gwent derby match at Llandovery’s Church Bank ground was a close-run affair in the first half before Coleg Gwent took firm control in the second.
After seeing their 2nd XV lose to Conference A table toppers Ysgol Glantaf in the 2nd XV Final the previous day, Matthew Jones’ side hit back after conceding an early try to score three of their own as they triumphed when it mattered most.
“We won each of our seven league games with maximum points and then beat Ysgol Ystalyfera 51-29 in the semi-final. But that counted for nothing in what was a winner takes all final,” said former Wales outside half Jones, who heads up the coaching team at Coleg Gwent.
“This group went through some tough times last year, so I’m really happy for them. Their standards and expectations remained high all season.
“The majority of these players will be back for next season and they can’t wait to have a crack at the Conference A teams.”
Newport HS may have arrived as underdogs – they finished third in the league and pipped Bridgend College 16-14 in the semis – but they gave their local rivals a huge jolt in the sixth minute when centre David Petrescu ran a hard line off a close-range ruck and drove over the line for a try that Tom Howard converted before going on to add a penalty.
There was an immediate response from Gwent as flanker Lucca Manning made the most of an unfortunate mix-up on his own line by Newport HS skipper Tiehi Chatham to score. The 16-year-old Will Ford, younger brother of Wales U20 and Dragons outside half Harri, added the extras.
The favourites had the lead by the break thanks to a second try from centre Tegwyn Mahoney as he raced onto a neat kick through and then a score in the corner from wing Rhys Cole in similar fashion.
Newport HS added another penalty in the second half to cut the deficit to six points at 19-13 10 minutes into the second half, but Ford replied with one of his own before adding a second penalty to make it 25-13.
Gwent then finished with a flourish as Ford dinked a delightful kick over the top of the Newport HS defence in the 22 and Charlie Gregory picked up the pieces before swallow diving over the line at the posts. Ford’s conversion then sealed the deal.
In the relegation final in Conference A, Dai Young’s Cardiff & Vale College ran in six tries in a 41-10 win over Gower College to secure their top-tier status next season. Full back Rhys Cummings ended with 21 points as he scored two tries, four conversions and a penalty.
Coleg Y Cymoedd Girls ensured there will be two teams travelling to the Principality Stadium on Thursday, 5 December for the Grand Final day out. It will be their first final in the WSC U18 Girl’s competition, and they will kick-off at 5.00pm ahead of the Boy’s final at 7.45pm between Cymoedd and reigning champions Llandovery College.
The Cymoedd girls beat Coleg Sir Gar to reach the final and will meet the champions of the last four season, Coleg Gwent.
