Saturday 26 April 2014

Merthyr RFC win SWALEC Division One East trophy‏

A year after narrowly avoiding relegation, Merthyr RFC have clinched the SWALEC Division 1 East trophy today (Saturday, April 26, 2014.)



The Ironmen carried off the SWALEC Division 1 East title, winning all but two of the league games that they’ve played this season.


Following a wet and windy game, their 22-12 home win over Bedlinog RFC not only continued their undefeated season in the league but also earned them the title.


What a difference a year makes for the club who last season narrowly avoided relegation from Division 1 East.


Since then, former Wales international Lee Jarvis has taken the reigns alongside assistant coach Gary Horrigan and transformed the mentality and style of play at Merthyr RFC to promotion.


Lee Jarvis, who has enjoyed a tremendous first season as Merthyr RFC Head Coach, said: "We were in a bit of a mess last year, but we've had a superb year. To win the title is huge. We've worked hard all season and there's no magic potion. Bedlinog are our local rivals and we all dug deep to beat them, despite the conditions not allowing us to play great rugby."


Assistant coach, Gary Horrigan, added: "We're very confident going into the new season and we have momentum ahead of next week's big game. Merthyr RFC was the sleeping giant, but it's woken up."

Merthyr RFC Club Captain and fly-half Steve Lang praised wing man Owain Morgan, who scored a hat trick of tries against their rivals. "It's been a tough season and last year we were in the doldrums of Division One,” he said.

“The massive transformation is down to Gary, Lee, the committee and the team. The boys have stuck together through some tough times and we've come under criticism from other teams but we've come through it stronger."

WRU Board Member, Ray Wilton, said: “It was a physically tough game and Merthyr came out on top and are on course for an excellent season.”


Merthyr RFC will look to cap off a successful season for the club and bring even more silverware back to The Wern this season as they compete in the SWALEC Plate final against Rhiwbina RFC at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday 4th May.


Seven coaches full of supporters are expected to head down the A470 towards the Cardiff’s main sporting arena.

Merthyr RFC and Rhiwbina RFC will battle during SWALEC Finals Day, which sees six clubs competing in the Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions.

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