Thrilling draw, but it’s Canton’s crown

IT was probably the most fitting way to end a great season for both clubs as the top dogs in Division 3 East Central C, Canton and St Alban’s, fought out a 21-21 draw in the final game of the campaign, writes Rob Cole.

The match had to be replayed after their earlier attempt had been abandoned. Since then the Buns had come out on top against the champions on home turf, winning 18-17 at the beginning of April.

The re-run was another thrilling affair, but there was no denying Canton the title in the end as they ended the season with a 12-point cushion to take their first league title. In fact, it was their first piece of major silverware since they last won the Mallett Cup in 1964.

“It has been a brilliant season and it shows we are making progress. We have got aspirations to move up the leagues until we find our limit and we know that next season is going to be tougher again,” said head coach Dai Manley.

“To be honest, I never thought we’d get out of this league, but it is testament to the hard work and self-belief of the players. They have been marvellous and have bought into what Greg Prosser and I have tried to do with them.

“A lot of players had never won anything before so this was very special to them and to the club. There were a few tears shed when we received the trophy, especially by those who had been with the club since they were as young as 13.”

Canton is one of the oldest clubs in Cardiff, having been founded as far back as 1876. They have a thriving junior section and Manley, the former Wales B and Pontypridd wing, has been delighted at the development shown throughout the club this season.

“Peter Hughes, our full-back, puts in a huge amount of effort with our thriving junior section and in the final few months of the season we managed to get out two seniors sides. Our ambition is to get three next season,” added Manley.

“We just want to keep developing and building.”