Pontypool Schools lifted the DC Thomas Cup for the first time to kick off the second week of Road to Principality community rugby events.

The side – with coach Dawson Jones at the helm since the inception of the team – had previously contested four finals – in 1987, 99, 2011 and 2012 but it took a special effort from all involved to overcome Llwchwr Schools and claim the trophy for Torfaen.

The match was evenly balanced 10-10 at half-time after tries from Cai Gibbs and Aneurin Evans for Pontypool matched by scores from Llwchwr captain Lewis Edwards and Emrys Jones. Only Danny Hutchinson’s second half touchdown made the difference on the day.

In the Year 8 Final, it was an all-Cardiff affair, Whitchurch High School edging Corpus Christi 22-17. Two tries from Brad Park and scores from Lewis Crowe and Danny Willis, improved by two Luca Ring conversions clinched the trophy for Giddeon Emery’s side.

It was a case of west is best in the Year 9 Final, Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth convincingly sealed the victory over Bryn Celynnog in the end with a hat trick of tries from captain Iestyn Gwilliam and further scores from Jamie Owens, Cian Trevelian, Rhydian Davies and Tom Samuel. Tal Rees added the extras with four conversions.