In the Bowl Final the Gwent District-based Newport HSOB took on Burry Port from Carmarthenshire West District.
The match exploded into life with a try in the first minute for Burry Port by Ellis Staines following a long range passing movement. Newport HSOB answered in kind within two minutes as exciting wing James McCarthy carved through the Burry Port ranks to score a wonderful try that was converted by Jae Thomas.
The Newport team consolidated their lead when No 8, Ashley Gibson powered his way over the Burry Port line for Thomas again to convert.
The talented Burry Port team, with No 8 Ellis Thomas and full back Staines to the fore, took the game to Newport HSOB. Burry Port reduced their Gwent rivals lead with a well struck penalty by scrum half Brandon Williams. Exerting further pressure Williams kicked another penalty goal to make the score 14-11 to Newport HSOB at half time.
The young Newport team were turbo-charged in the early minutes of the second period scoring two tries in the first five minutes of the half. First Jae Thomas skipped through the Burry Port defence and then skipper, Rhys Hunt muscled over for a short range try. Thomas converted his try. Newport HSOB had pulled out into an impressive 26-11 lead. Burry Port took the initiative in the match, trying to narrow that lead. A second excellent try from Ellis Staines brought the score back to 26-16.
Newport HSOB upped their game in the closing minutes of the match which a series of excellent attacks spearheaded by the outstanding McCarthy. The reward for these attacks was a final try for Newport HSOB by Josh Ford converted by outside half Jae Thomas to make the final score 33-16.
The match that had thrilled the crowd. Both teams accepted the plaudits for their performances in this Bowl Final as WRU Board Director Anthony John handed the trophy to Newport HSOB Captain, Rhys Hunt.
In the day’s second match Gowerton of the Swansea DYRU met Brynmawr of the Gwent DYRU in the Plate Final.
Gowerton started the match strongly. Joe Angelone scored an early try for the Swansea District outfit. Soon after Tom Hall, a lively scrum half finished well after a strong centre field break. Centre Kieron Charles converted this try to give Gowerton a 12 point lead.
Brynmawr came back into the game but could not penetrate a well organised Gowerton defence. The Gowerton forwards ended the half in dominate form when driving a maul from a line out for tighthead prop Tom Northey to score.
Al half time Gowerton led comfortably by 17-0.
In the early stages of the second half Brynmawr showed their mettle and quality. They laid siege to the Gowerton line and gained some reward with a penalty goal kicked by Ethan Phillips. Despite their sterling efforts Brynmawr were unable to cross the Gowerton line. The Swansea District side secured their victory with a try scored by wing Nathan Williams and converted by Kieran Charles.
Before the final whistle Brynmawr gained just reward for their efforts with a well taken try by captain Matthew Cross.
Gowerton’s captain, Richard Keefe lifted the Plate, presented by WRU Board Director, Gwyn Bowden to celebrate their 24-8 victory.
In the Cup competition, two Cardiff and the Vale District teams, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Cowbridge contested the Final.
In a fiercely contested first half Cowbridge edged ahead by two Cai Evans’ penalties to one from Cardiff Met winger, Matthew Dight.
After the break the game opened up and Cowbridge began to take control with sustained pressure on the Cardiff Met line. That pressure was eventually rewarded when Wales U18 international prop, Ed Drake forced himself through the Cardiff Met defence to secure the only try of the match.
Cardiff Met then came more into the match and were rewarded with a second penalty by Dight but the University freshers could not budge their doughty opponents and Cowbridge ran out winning the final 13-6.
Swansea University student, Dan Holder, the Cowbridge captain was presented with the Cup by David Young, the WRU Board Director for District B.
