They secured the title after a convincing 20-7 win against Nant Conwy at the end of April and were recently presented with the League trophy.
It’s been a fantastic season for the club, and it was fitting for them to have such a large crowd of fans and supporters on the sidelines at their deciding game. On the day however, elation made way for a more sombre tribute to an ex-player and well-loved member of the club. It was seven years almost to the week since the horrific injury suffered by Bryan Davies (nicknamed ‘Yogi’) as he played his last ever rugby match for his beloved team Bala.
A broken neck sustained by the hooker as a scrum collapsed early on in the game, also against Nant Conwy, saw his life change in a moment in April 2007. Yogi, aged just 56, sadly passed away in August last year.
Ifan Hughes, Bala Club Captain, said: “It means everything, to a lot of people, to win the league this season, as this is the first time Bala has won the Division 1 North league. The last game against Nant Conwy was vital to us – Pwllheli was a close second behind us, and had won their game, so it was vital that we take the last game, especially at home in front of about 400 people.
“We had to overcome a few bad injuries this season, including three broken legs, so it was important that we had a very good depth in the squad to overcome these problems. It has been a really good team effort this season. I’m quite confident we’ll carry on this success next year, as we have a very young squad and I don’t think we’ve peaked yet, so the future looks very bright!”
Coach (Forwards) Bedwyr Jones, added: “This win means an awful lot for the players, the coaches and supporters – especially with the passing of Yogi, it gave the season a lot of meaning this year, and luckily enough we pulled it off. One highlight was the tough game, as always, at Bro Ffestinog, when it was ten-all, and the time was up, and then we got a penalty right on the touchline, and Rhydian Jones knocked it over!”
Coach (Backs) Euros Jones, said: “Overall we played very strong defensive rugby, and the discipline was awesome. Rhydian Jones came up with some awesome plays, and the back row was immense, including Arfon Rowlands, Ifan Rowlands, and of course, Ifan Hughes, the Captain. It’s up to the lads now, we’ve done it this season, and there’s no reason we can’t do it again!”
WRU Board Member Rupert Moon said: “Congratulations to Bala RFC. It’s a massive achievement to have gone from a district club to division one champions, and that’s a testament to all members of the club who have developed the young players and facilities in this tight knit community. It has been a sad time for the club with the passing of Brian ‘Yogi’ Davies last year, but I am sure that it would bring a smile to his face to see what the team has achieved here.”
