News

During the previous weekend Newbridge Youth DA team maintained their unbeaten run and went back to the top of the Dragons A League with a 31-7 win against Abergavenny. Youth Old Boy, William Griffiths picked up his Wales U20 cap against England and 11 of the team had already helped the Dragons U18s to runners up spot in the Regional U18 league, managing to contribute 15 of the Regions trys in just 6 games.

Newbridge Youth run 2 teams, the U18 “DA” team plays in the Dragons A League and the U17 “DC” team plays in the Dragons C League.

This weekend the front row of Dylan Bartlett, Zach Hewlett and Taylor Hansen were in Scotland with Wales U18. They played 2 games against Scotland East and West winning 41-10 and 53-0.  In addition U16s Charlie Bodman and Joe Franklin, who have both pulled on the Youth jersey this season, were with The Boys Clubs of Wales winning 48-5.

DC took on Pontypool United from the Dragons A League. With United being 13 places above them and DC having to play back rowers Jacob Rees and Callum Barton in the centre the odds were stacked against them.  An Owen Peddle try was converted by Ewan Roberts who also added a penalty. This was followed by a first ever kick at the posts for second row Drew Davies. The lead had changed hands a couple of times the match was drawn 13-13. This gives a significant boost to DC ahead of their top of the league clash against Blackwood this Saturday.

DA made the journey to Swansea Uplands for a Welsh Cup Quarter Final clash. Despite all the possession and territory DA found themselves 10-0 down.  An excellent break and chip ahead from Ioan Lloyd put Uplands under pressure under their own posts and it was No.8 Garin Price who crashed over out wide. The huge touchline conversion by Iwan Burgwin would later prove crucial. Newbridge controlled the second half but a vital score eluded them until the last ten minutes when Burgwin slotted a pressure penalty to tie things up to 10-10.  Once again Newbridge moved up the field and as it looked like the Uplands were about to be breached the ref called last play. The ball was hoofed into touch in the certain knowledge of the Away Team rule which meant Newbridge were through to the semi-final.

There is no rest for DA though as this week as they play Nelson on Thursday at Bedlinog RFC in the Caerphilly Cup Quarter Final and then Saturday they travel to Senghenydd, their nearest rivals in the league.  

Newbridge Youth would also like to congratulate St. Julians, Risca and Brynmawr Youth teams on reaching the semi-finals of the national competitions.