CWMBRAN RFC U15s held their presentation evening which was very well attended and everyone had a great time socialising after the awards.

During the 2016/17 season Cwmbran U15s welcomed several new players to the squad, but also sadly said goodbye to some players who had played with the team for quite a few seasons.

The new players settled in quickly and soon became very effective members of the squad.

Unfortunately, some of the boys suffered serious injuries during the season which resulted in them being out of action for months at a time. The team played a total of 33 games, winning 29, losing 3 and drawing 1.

The boys played their final 15-a-side games during the Dragons Cup which was held at Bedwas RFC in May, coming away winners of the trophy.

To close the season, the club held a 7s tournament which a total of 14 teams entered, including two from Cwmbran U15s, the Cwmbran Crows and the Cwmbran Barbarians, and a team from Cwmbran U14s.

All three Cwmbran teams played well with Cwmbran Crows winning a nail-biting cup final against last year’s winners Penarth.

Cwmbran U14s won the plate.

Top try scorer for the season was once again Lewis Bates with 46 plus four conversions, making a total points tally of 238.

Will Reed scored 12 tries and kicked 157 points, which included penalties, drop goals and conversions, to make his tally for the season 217 points.

One of this season’s new players, Carrick McDonough, scored a total of 11 tries.

This year the coaches selected two players for the award of player of the year – full-back Lewis Bates and openside flanker Morgan Spence, both boys thoroughly deserving the accolade.

The coaches selected two players for the award of most improved player, which went to No 8 Finley Hay and right wing Jack Colcombe. Both Finley and Jack are quiet, hard working players who just get on with the task in hand. Both players having come on leaps and bounds during the season. It is fantastic to see Finley selected after only one season with Cwmbran.

The boys selected Lewis Stansfield as players' player, an award that is well deserved. Lewis joined the team last season and has spent most of his playing time as a centre, however, earlier this season there was a shortage of forwards due to injury and Lewis was moved to play either second row or flanker. Lewis has adapted well to his new playing position and is making his presence felt.

The boys expressed their thanks to the coaching team of Darryl Bates, Mark Doughty and Graham Spence for their dedication and hard work throughout the season.

Thanks also went to Jen Jones and Mo Alcock for their dedication and skill as first aiders.

Grateful thanks were also expressed to Paula Spence for all her hard work in making travel arrangements and organising fund raising and social activities.