GOGLEDD Cymru U15s came of age with a famous Amdahl Bowl Final victory over Rhymney Valley on the famous St Helens turf in Swansea on Saturday.
The team, coached by Newtown Rugby Club’s Jason Bowen and captained by Llanfyllin High School and Newtown RFC starlet Dewi Bowen, stunned their South Walian opponents to march out 34-7 winners.
The competition pits all regions against each other over a season, with the 2011 campaign now set to enter the record books for the Gogledd set-up.
There was a strong Mid Wales contingent in the 22 man squad, which was led by Bowen.
Newtown clubmates Tom Astbury (pictured left in action against Rhymney Valley) and Tom Williams joined Bowen in the squad, while Llanidloes youngster Joe Mills represented the best of Cae Hafren.
Completing Mid Wales interest was the vice captain Will Mackareth, who attends Llanfyllin High School and represents Whitchurch Exiles Rugby Club.
Rugby development officer for Gogledd South Dai Higgs described his pride.
“These boys put in so much effort for the side,” said Higgs. “They all travel in midweek for training and matches.
“It was a tremendous win, the boys left the best to last, complementing the hard work shown on and off the field by the players, coaches, management and parents.
Well done to each and every one of them.”
Higgs added: “This season has also put the lads in the shop window for professional sides and I would like to think if they can keep on developing then maybe one or two might get a chance to step-up to the next level.”
A powerful drive from Llandudno’s Josh Roberts opened the scoring, before Gogledd Cymru won possession to send Mold’s Dominic Morris scampering through.
The Gogs’ belligerent defence and dangerous counters ensured Rhymney struggled to respond.
After surviving an onslaught Gogledd looked to captain Bowen, who charged clear before releasing Flint’s Connar Kendrick to score under the posts.
Rhymney heads dropped as Gogledd proceeded to run out 34-7 winners.
Tries from Caernarfon’s Ieuan Owen, Joe Mills of Llanidloes and Will Mackereth of Llanfyllin sewed up victory, while Newtown’s Tom Williams also kicked two conversions.