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The success of Gwernyfed RFC’s Junior Section is well documented - we take a look below at some successes futher down the line...
GWERNYFED RFC
CONVEYOR BELT KEEPS TURNING
The conveyor belt of future stars is well oiled as we know at Trefecca Road and this season has seen several club members gaining recognition for all the hard work they have put in. Honed under the guidance of Carwyn Phillips, leading the way is Glasbury flier Tomi Lewis who has signed a contract with the Scarlets. His pace and illusiveness has caught the eye and has seen him selected for the Wales U18 Team.
Tomi has made several appearances at wing or fullback in a recent International Series, bagging a try against Canada and heavily involved in creating tries for his fellow team mates. With Wales travelling to South Africa in August Tomi was delighted to be on the plane and was part of an historic win against the home side and popped up again to bag another international try against England. Parents Doug and Sheila and sister Jodi are enjoying the trip as well giving their support. Another speedster, under 16 winger Ieaun Alder has trained hard and is also gaining recognition. Ieaun, a prolific try scorer, has
represented the Powys U18s where he caught the eye and was invited down to the Vale of Glamorgan to train with the Blues. After several cuts to the training squad Ieaun made it to the final squad for the Rhondda and Cardiff Blues North region and played against all the other regions in a very succesful North team - topping the table. Proud dad Mark has been his coach and is chuffed to see the hard work being recognised.
On to the U15 side, two players, Rhys Anstey and Tyler Morris have had fantastic seasons. Outside half Tyler, who is grandson of founder member Brian Skyrme, is a fine musician and has been ‘calling the tunes’ at outside half while also possessing a very accurate goal kicking boot. Both are members of the highly successful Gwernyfed School side that has remained unbeaten for several seasons. Rhys, who hails from Llangorse, follows on that villages strong link our Club. Originally hailing from Ebbw Vale, Rhys has already represented the East Wales Under 11s.
As he has matured, his powerful try scoring
abilities have caught the eye from the back row. Both lads had a succesful seasons with South Powys, which also saw them win the Dewar Shield at Parc y Scarlets. When the Blues North selectors came calling, both lads accepted the challenge of training three times a week for nine weeks and were delighted to be selected for the final squad.
All the above players have had magnificent support off their parents to enable them to travel to these squads and also are a product of a very strong coaching set up within the Club. This years skipper, winger, Andy Hill and backrow Sam Stephens were selected to play for the Mid District XV early season before Sam was called up for a second game and took part in a very fast flowing victory against the East District.
Lily Snape, Bronnie and Rosie Jones have represented Cardiff Blues Ladies on several occasions with Lily again knocking on the door and training with the Welsh squad. Well done to all those playing the game, with dedication and support there is a pathway upwards!!
AUTUMN 2017