Rugby Club ISSUE 86 | Page 64

Llanhilleth FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG Louise Davies is the daughter of ex-player Elwyn Angel who played for the club back in the day. Louise told us, “My son Jack is a player at the club. Jack is out in New Zealand at the moment, returning in July and he loves being part of the Llanhilleth set up and is looking forward to playing for the club next season if selected. They are a great club on and off the pitch with many good people contributing a lot to the community and its people. We at Newbridge Motors have been a sponsor for three years now and myself and Shaun would like to congratulate everyone at the club on a great season and wish everyone there the very best of continued success!” landmark in Justin Breakwell, another local player who returned this season for his third stint at the club. Within the boiler house again is no exception for the mixture of youth and experience. Richard Phelps our Captain has led from the 2nd row in what may be his final year of playing and his partner in the boiler house is Dan Crandon who signed for us this season from a local neighbouring club has provided the steel and experience that every pack requires if they are to succeed. In the front row, we have a hooker in Carl Hone whose hard work and commitment will bring him nothing but success and was rewarded with representing Monmouthshire County during the term. The book ends of the front row has constantly been our tight head Terry O’Brien and loose head Gavin Jones, both silent assassins of their trade, there expertise in the dark arts is something to behold. Gavin Jones over the last two decades has the most appearances for the club, appearing in over 300 games that stretches back to 2006, and this season having reached his landmark of 300 appearances, also scored his 1st try for the club greeted by great applause from every supporter of the Club. As back up to Terry and Gavin is a player who returned to the club after at least a ten year break, that is Dan Meredith, one of our tight head props who never goes backwards and helps provide a stable platform at scrum time. 64 Issue 86 The glory boys of the pack, no different to any other club is the back row, now in the modern game is not just three players throughout the season but any combination of several players. At number 8 and in his 1st season at the club Iestyn James who has made the position his own and has excelled in every game and is one of the younger members of the Team that should have a bright future ahead. On the flanks are uncle and nephew Ellis Price and Liam Price, both excelling in every performance they have made. Alec Teear and Liam Brown are both flankers, who when playing push the standards to the highest level and that creates the competition for places that makes the back row one of the most effective and efficient units throughout the league. Next season provides a great opportunity for the development of the Coaches and players to test themselves at a higher level of Rugby. This will both be challenging and with the ethos of hard work, loyalty and commitment embedded in the Team, will surely also be very rewarding. Article provided by David Went