West Mon RFC - 13

Crickhowell RFC - 30

LAST Friday saw Crickhowell beat West Mon RFC in the final of Pontypool and District’s Ivor Jones Cup to take the silverware home for the seventh time.

In front of a large crowd at Pontypool United’s ground West Mon were quick off the mark and got on the scoreboard early with a converted try, resulting from forward pressure in Crick’s 22. Crickhowell struck back not long after when their own forwards’ pressure saw captain Gareth Downey crossing the whitewash in the corner. The try was unconverted.

West Mon stretched their lead with a penalty but Crick drew level when their backs spun the ball across the field to put winger John Jones in at the corner. Indiscipline from Crick led to another West Mon penalty leaving them 13-10 ahead at the break.

With weather conditions rapidly deteriorating in the second-half, a try from centre Harry Summers, using his customary flair converted by Tom Keane, saw the Parc Broyd players take the lead. Keane then slotted over a penalty following a yellow card offence by one of the West Mon players. Despite the conditions Crick attempted to play a running game but it was the forwards who gained their next try when prop Sion Windebank gathered the ball and darted through a gap to touch down.

Now trailing by 12 points, West Mon battled bravely but their efforts were stymied by a stout Crickhowell defensive effort. It was wing John Jones who sealed the win for Crickhowell when clever interplay and passing and an elusive run resulted in his second try of the game. This was Crick’s tenth appearance in the Ivor Jones Cup final and their seventh win.

The club would like to congratulate both Abergavenny RFC and Brecon RFC on their highly entertaining performances and success in the WRU Final Day.

Team captain Garth Downey and the team celebrate with the cup. (Photo courtesy of M. Keane)