News

SENIORS SEASON

In September, the 1st team had a convincing win against Llanishen and defeated Ynysddu in the WRU Division 2 cup, ending their unbeaten home record. They also had a walkover win against Gilfach Goch. The Athletic team lost to Mountain Ash in a friendly.

In October, the 1st team had victories against Llantrisant, Abercwmboi, Cilfynydd, and Abercynon. They displayed strong performances, including a memorable second half against Abercwmboi. The Athletic team put up a good fight in their three league games but suffered defeats

In November, Aberdare defeated Treharris convincingly and won against Caerphilly.

In December, limited rugby was played due to winter weather. The 1st team won comfortably against Llantwit Fardre, while the Athletic team lost to Abercynon after leading for most of the game.

In January, the 1st team had an away win against Cowbridge and a victory against Llanishen. However, the Athletic team suffered a close defeat to Beddau and a loss to Brecon. The 1st team's match against Cowbridge in the WRU Division 2 Cup was deemed unplayable due to poor pitch conditions. A week later, they returned to Cowbridge and won 15-5, securing a spot in the quarter-finals of the WRU Division 2 Cup. The Athletic team achieved their first win by defeating Dowlais.

In February, both the 1st team and Athletic team had successful games. The Athletic team defeated Nantyglo 1sts, while the 1st team secured victories against Caerphilly, Taffs Well, and Talywain in the quarter-finals of the WRU Division 2 Cup.

In March, the 1st team experienced both ups and downs. They had a thrilling last-minute victory over Abercwmboi but faced their first loss of the season against Abercynon. Additionally, they participated in the silver ball quarter-final but lost in the 84th minute to Pontarddulais. However, they made a strong comeback with a historic win against Kidwelly in the Division 2 cup semi-final, earning themselves a place in the final at the Principality Stadium.

In April, the 1st team had a postponed game against Treharris that later resulted in a walkover win. They also had a convincing victory against Llantrisant with a score of 44-7. The highlight of the month was their historic match at the Principality Stadium, where they narrowly lost 12-17 to Morriston in the WRU Division 2 Cup final. They faced Abercynon again in a league game and suffered a 21-14 defeat, essentially securing Abercynon as league champions.

The 1st team won the Mid-District Bowl semi-final against Abercynon, emerging victorious with a score of 26-7.

They also had three league games against Taffs Well, Cilfynydd, and Cowbridge, all of which resulted in walkover wins. These victories confirmed the team's promotion to Division 1 for the next season, marking a historic achievement for the club.

On the other hand, the Athletic team had a successful match against Bargoed, winning 22-11 and advancing to the semi-final of the Ivor Williams Cup. Unfortunately, their final game of the month, a league and cup double-header against Mountain Ash, resulted in a close 15-12 loss, causing them to miss out on a place in the final.

In May, Aberdare RFC had a strong finish to their season. They started with a convincing 33-7 bonus point win against Gilfach Goch, securing second place in the league. Their next game against Llantwit Fardre resulted in another bonus point win with a score of 27-11. However, Cilfynydd's walkover win against Abercynon dashed any hopes of Aberdare winning the league. Ultimately, Abercynon emerged as the champions of the East Central Division 2 League, and congratulations were given to them.

The final game of the season was the Mid-District Bowl Final against local rivals Abercwmboi. Aberdare initially trailed 0-9 but managed to comeback to make it 12-9, the final score was 19-19. However, Aberdare's three tries compared to Abercwmboi's one meant that Aberdare emerged as the winners, claiming well-deserved silverware.

Aberdare RFC had a successful and memorable senior season, achieving various notable accomplishments. The 1st team played 26 out of 31 scheduled games, while the Athletic team completed all 13 of their scheduled games.

In total, Aberdare RFC played 39 out of 44 scheduled games.

The 1st team scored 672 points (including walkovers) and conceded 274 points.

The Athletic team scored 156 points and conceded 290 points.

Ben Miller was the top try scorer for the 1st team with 15 tries in 21 games, while Liam Enoch led the Athletic team with 3 tries in 7 games. Ben Miller was also the top points scorer for the 1st team with 75 points, and Matthew Lloyd topped the Athletic team with 24 points. Overall, Matthew Lloyd was the top points scorer for the seniors with 78 points.

In terms of appearances, Owen Young, Adam Parry, and Ellis Stephens each made 23 appearances for the 1st team, while Owen Candemir played in all 13 games for the Athletic team. Adam Parry had the highest overall number of appearances with 24 games played.

Aberdare RFC achieved several notable accomplishments throughout the season.

The 1st team earned promotion to Division 1, reached the quarter-finals of the Silverball, and were runners-up in the WRU Division 2 Cup. They also emerged as the winners of the Mid District Bowl. The Athletic team completed all their league fixtures and reached the semi-finals of the Ivor Williams Cup.

Overall, Aberdare RFC's senior season was characterized by success and significant achievements, with the promotion to Division 1, the Mid District Bowl victory, and notable performances in cup competitions.

U18s SEASON

The U18s had a mixed season, showing both promising performances and close defeats. They can be proud of their overall efforts. Here is a recap of their season:

In September, the U18s started with a win against Rhydyfelin with a score of 12-17. They then played a thrilling game against Pontypridd RFC but unfortunately fell short, losing 38-28. The month ended on a high note with a convincing victory against Newbridge in a friendly, finishing with a score of 15-40.

October brought a tough match against Mountain Ash U18s, resulting in a 0-14 loss for the U18s. They bounced back with a dominant performance against Brecon, winning 34-0. A friendly match against Cwmbran followed, which ended in an entertaining 31-31 draw. The U18s faced a close contest against Treorchy, but narrowly lost 15-10. Their final game in October was a successful cup match against Cobra, ending with a comprehensive victory of 15-62.

In November, the U18s displayed their scoring prowess. They defeated Llantrisant away with a score of 19-48, followed by a home victory against Beddau with a score of 31-15. Their last game of the month saw them triumph over Gilfach Goch at home, with a convincing 48-7 win.

December had only one game due to winter weather conditions. The U18s faced Bethesda in the cup but fell short, losing 25-10 against a strong opponent.

January brought another close game against Llanishen, which the U18s won 29-12.

In February, the U18s played three games, winning one and losing two. They secured a victory against Rumney with a score of 7-22 in an away game. They suffered a narrow defeat at home against Fairwater, losing 19-22. The month concluded with a home win against Treorchy, with a score of 29-10.

March saw the U18s face familiar rivals, Mountain Ash, in a tight match that ended in a 10-13 loss. They bounced back with an impressive away win against Pontyclun, with a score of 17-31. Unfortunately, they suffered another defeat at home against Cowbridge, losing 10-24.

April started positively for the U18s with a home win against Beddau, ending with a score of 29-10. They continued their winning streak with a high-scoring away victory against Llandaff RFC, finishing with a score of 12-49. The month concluded with a home loss against St Peters, with a score of 10-22.

The U18s ended their season on a high note in May, defeating a strong Barry team at home with a score of 26-10.

Overall, the U18s played a total of 23 games, winning 14, losing 8, and drawing 1. They scored 623 points throughout the season, with an average of 27 points per game, while conceding 377 points, averaging 16 points against per game.

Kyle Thomas-Lloyd made the most appearances for the team, with 22 games played. Jarrad Hippsley emerged as the top try scorer, scoring 13 tries in 21 games. Harrison Nixon was the leading points scorer for the U18s, accumulating 108 points.

The U18s finished at the top of the Cardiff North Youth Bowl Group and secured a respectable 3rd place in the Cardiff Championship league. Overall, they demonstrated growth and determination throughout the season, providing a solid foundation for their future rugby endeavors.