INDIGO PREMIERSHIP
ABERAVON chairman Andrew John led the tributes to four retiring Wizards as the club announced 12 other players will also depart as they prepare for a new era in the EDC.
Rhodri Hughes, Chris Banfield and Jay Baker all started Aberavon’s final Premiership match on Saturday as they defeated Carmarthen Quins 48-21 at the Talbot Athletic Ground, with Banfield grabbing two first-half tries.
The trio, along with stalwart Joe Tomalin-Reeves, are hanging up their boots.
“Rhodri, Joe, Chris and Jay have not only been exceptional players but also tremendous ambassadors for Aberavon Rugby,” said John.
“They have each left an indelible mark on this club and the community. While they will be greatly missed, they leave behind legacies that will inspire the next generation of Wizards.”
Also heading for pastures new are Stef Andrews, James Davies, Jon Phillips, Callum Carson, Aron Hemmings, Iwan Temblett, Rhodri Cole, Aled Thomas, Chris Davies, Rhys Fawcett, Cerith Davies and Casey Williams.
Andrews ran in a try in each half while James Davies kicked four conversions.
Captain Joe Gage also scored twice, while Shay Smallman and Luke Davies were the other
Aberavon try scorers.
Lewis Morgan and Dylan Richards were among the Quins try scorers.
Bridgend Ravens inflicted a 76-35 defeat on Merthyr at the Brewery Field.
The hosts went ahead through a try by Cameron Ellis in the first minute and didn’t look back.
That was one of six first-half tries for the home side. It was followed up by two tries from Dafi Davies before Edd Howley bagged the bonus point on 26 minutes.
Liam Tobias and Corum Nott were over before the break with Luke Price’s three conversions opening up a 36-21 lead.
Scrum-half Connor Tantum scored twice in the second half with Joe Gatt, Evan Yardley, Ellis and Jack Pope also crossing.
Price converted both Tantum tries with Jamin Hodgkins adding three further conversions.
Ellis Shipp, Tom Hughes, Kian Evans and Ben Rhodes were among the Merthyr try scorers.
Neath went down 35-14 to RGC at The Gnoll. Tom Ellis, Sam Stoddart, Sam Williams and Jordan Liney were the RGC try scorers.
Sam Earl-Jones kicked two conversions and two penalties. Dion Jones added a drop-goal and skipper Afon Bagshaw converted Liney’s try. Ben Williams and Gruff Williams scored Neath’s tries, both converted by Steff Williams.