Cambrian Training Mid Wales Cup final

Llanidloes 24

Newtown 17

OLD rivals Llanidloes and Newtown contested a Mid Wales Cup thriller before the hosts ran out winners at Cae Hafren on Saturday.

The match represented the showpiece of the Mid Wales rugby season with a bumper gate ensuring a superb atmosphere as the two local rivals went head to head.

The reliable boot of Adam Price gave Llanidloes a dream start with the fly-half kicking two early penalties before Town hut back with a Huw Spear try.

Price added his third penalty of the game just before the break to give Llanidloes some breathing space.

Newtown started the second-half on top and stretched their hosts at every opportunity though Llanidloes remained dangerous on the counter with the final hanging in the balance.

Price eased the pressure with a penalty as Llanidloes established a seven point lead only for Newtown to react almost immediately with a try from Richard Andrews, converted by John Thurston.

The final now opened up with No8 Gareth Anwyl restoring Llanidloes’ advantage with a close range try with Price’s conversion attempt denied by the post.

Newtown hit back and levelled with Rowan Swanson crossing for an unconverted try with 10 minutes remaining.

Llanidloes were reduced to 14 men for the final minutes and with Newtown pressure building, full-back Carwyn Williams’ clearance offered relief.

From the resulting line-out, Llanidloes seized possession with Anwyl charging over for his second try of the game, converted by Price, to win the day.

Head coach Adam Gaca said: “I'm massively proud of the boys for the effort they have put in this season and this trophy is the icing on the cake.

“They showed the dog and determination to not be beaten and we can look forward to a tough pre-season and plan for our campaign in the revamped second division next season.”