Clubs, regions and players received awards in recognition of their achievements in the 2009/10 season.
CLUB AWARDS
In the North, most of the fixtures played were cross-border fixtures with English teams. Colwyn Bay Under 15s and Under 18s played Sandbach, Waterloo, Nant Conwy, Bro Ffestiniog and Glossop and were therefore awarded the North Wales Club of the Year.
In the East, not deterred by the lack of Under 15s teams, winning four out of four fixtures and coming third at the pre-season 10s, this years’ East Wales Under 15s league trophy went to Cynon Valley.
In the west, despite a very successful regional season, club rugby has been somewhat lacking. However, the team that won both of their fixtures, also winning the pre-season 10s competition and the 7s, and so received the West Wales Under 15s League trophy, was Carmarthen Quins.
Things were better at Under 18s in the east with 10 out of 12 games played. Cynon Valley and Cardiff Quins tied on points but, with one more try, the winners of the East Under 18s league were Cardiff Quins.
In the West, winning five out of five fixtures, Carmarthen Quins took the Under 18s league title.
REGIONAL AWARDS
From a regional perspective, the 2009/10 season was really good. All barr one fixture was completed and the standard of rugby has definitely improved.
Playing in the colours of your home regions, Dragons, Blues, Ospreys, Scarlets and Rygbi Gogledd Cymru, has proved to be a great success over the past two seasons and, with the introduction of senior regional rugby this year, it is a massive step forward for Welsh Rugby.
The programme has also seen players selected for an Under 18s Talent Development Group who played against a similar group of players from England and some of whom are now training with the senior squad.
Last year the Under 15s competition was wide open and went right to the wire in the last game. This season was a different story with the eventual winners putting in excess of 50 points on two of the opposition and having their closest game with last year’s winners Cardiff Blues. This years Under 15s regional champions with a maximum four wins were the Scarlets.
The Under 18s competition was a much closer affair, and although the eventual winners won all their games, they were pushed all the way by all of the opposition. This years winners of the Under 18s regional championship were also the Scarlets.
In recognition of their achievements in making the regional teams, all Under 15s and Under 18s players collected medals.
Finally, the Player of the Year Awards. These players were nominated by their coaches, who also provided the following write ups…
DRAGONS UNDER 15S – MEGAN DALEY
It has been an absolute pleasure working with Megan. When I met Megan I was blown away by her confidence and I couldn’t help but think “I wonder if she can play rugby as good as she can chops?”
But this award goes to Megan to recognise her ability, heart, dedication, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, and fearlessness especially for a wee girl. She can bring out the best of players around her and in an instant spark fear into the opposition.
I can’t wait for the up and coming season, and I can’t wait to see the joy in the Dragons eyes when we finish the season undefeated. Certainly, in my eyes, a player to look out for in the future – Megan Daley.
DRAGONS UNDER 18S – CERYS HALE
We chose this player because she has shown great commitment throughout the season, always willing to learn and develop herself. She encourages the team and is a positive influence.
She is a talented player who has developed her skills well this year, succeeding in being selected for the Under 18 talent development group playing against England Under 18.
She communicates well and has shown clear leadership qualities when she has captained the side.
Well done Cerys.
CARDIFF BLUES UNDER 15S – MEGAN JONES
In a team full of talented players it is always difficult to pick one that has shone more than any others – the season brought twists and turns along the way and, in patches, some extremely good performances from a number of players.
There was however one player that consistently performed in a Blues jersey. This is her first year at the age group and as such she was facing girls two years older, she was also occupying one the most, if not the most, pivotal position on the pitch and her continual appetite for expansive attack and ferocious defence, which most 10’s are not renowned for, belied her age.
From the outset of the season her attitude and commitment to the team was commendable and, despite playing in a position that she had never occupied before, she showed maturity and leadership qualities that belied her age.
Although she maybe in the fledgling stages of her rugby career, we believe that it is quite apparent that this young lady has great potential and we hope to see her going on to bigger things in the future.
CARDIFF BLUES UNDER 18S – BROGAN JONES
This award goes to a player who this season made the step up from Under 15’s to Under 18’s with ease.
She is a vital link between the forwards and backs ensuring continuity in our play. With the ball, we played with a wide expansive gameplan and her awareness in match situations enabled her to consistently recognise, and helped the team exploit, any attacking opportunities.
She kicked well at appropriate times, either relieving pressure and claiming territory, or used as another attacking option.
In defence she naturally became our defensive organiser using clear communication for team-mates and ensuring our defensive structures were in place.
Excellent performances throughout the season saw her recognised and rewarded with selection for the TDG group, and means that this years Cardiff Blues Under 18 player of the Season is Brogan Jones.
OSPREYS UNDER 15S – KELSEY BOAST
The Under 15’s Osprey player of the year led the team from the start with her natural leadership skills.
She played in several positions including No8, prop, flanker and always gave 100% every game.
Kelsey is a tallented player whom will be missed next season as she progresses to Under 18s.
She took her role as captain very seriously and will be a tough act to follow.
OSPREYS UNDER 18S – CARYS PHILLIPS
Carys has been nominated as she’s had a fantastic season. She was selected as our captain and has led by example on and off the field.
She missed only one training session and played in all four matches scoring two tries.
She played in the Wales Under 18 Talent Development Group against England and made appearances with the Senior Ospreys Women’s Squad this year. She has a great attitude and is a very coachable player with the potential to make it onto the senior international stage.
SCARLETS UNDER 15S – ALISHA BUTCHERS
This is the first year of full girls rugby for the Scarlets Under 15’ Player of the season, She was chosen as regional player of the year for her all round performance during the regional programme.
She both trains and plays well with total commitment to the team. She is technically excellent at the breakdown and tackles hard, and is never far from the ball.
She gives 100% and leads from the front which motivates those around her, she is never short on anything to say on and off the field, and her coachesconsider that she is a pleasure to coach and work with.
It is hoped that she will develop into a very accomplished player.
SCARLETS UNDER 18S – NIA DAVIES
Nia is a very talented young player; she is a true openside flanker and always demonstrated pure grit and determination.
The true test of such a player is not how much they are noticed on the field, but what the team misses when they are not playing. This was proved when Nia could not play against the Ospreys due to being hit in the head with a hockey ball (silly game). The Scarlets won that game but Nia’s contribution was definitely missed.
Nia’s talent has been noticed by other coaches this season. She as a part of the Uunder 18’s talent development group that played against England in Surry Sports Ground,home of the forthcoming World Cup.
Nia was also asked to Wales Under 20 training by head coach Kylie Wilson, where the management as a whole were impressed by her attitude and rugby.
She was also given dispensation to play in the Senior Regional Tournament where she started every game, going head to head against senior Internationals such as Jamie Kift and Lisa Newton.
Nia’s determination to win has impressed all of the Scarlets management this season and it’s what placed her ahead of other players for this award. She has a bright future ahead of her in the rugby world and we wish her all the best.
RGC1404 UNDER 15S – MEGAN PARRY
Megan is a good consistent player, who plays good heads up rugby. She takes the lead naturally and without hesitation. She gives the other girls a boost when the games aren’t going our way, and is well liked within the squad and always attended training.
Megan’s fitness throughout the season gave her an edge which made the forwards a dominant pack. She always gives 100% and is an exceptionally well rounded rugby player. We look forward to seeing her progress in the future. Keep it up! Well done!
RGC 1404 UNDER 18S – IONA EVANS
Gogledd Cymru Under 18 girls had a better season than any before. It has been built on team spirit and talented players. However, the outstanding feature of a good team is its commitment to the team and the development of the game.
Iona has been the most committed of players. She has had an unprecedented and very impressive 100% attendance record for all training and games. This is the standard we hope the rest of the team will endeavour to equal this season.
Iona is the most unassuming of all players, possibly the one fault we could find of her as a player. Her diffidence belies an extraordinary talent as a rugby player. She is a versatile back, one of the best and most consistent kickers and a willing work horse in loose play.
It has been a treat to see her commitment to keeping the ball alive in contact. Many times her kicking has got us out of trouble. She is also one of the most pleasant players to coach, and it is always nice to be greeted by her wonderful smile at the beginning of sessions, her cheery acceptance of critique and the delightful interactions with the other team players.
We expect to see her improve this year and in the seasons to come carry the flag of RGC 1404 to Welsh Internationals.
