Changes at the top see Rhydyfelin at summit

YOU had to go back to March for the last time Rhydyfelin had won a league or cup match until the new season started.

A run of six successive defeats in the National Championship led to relegation back to Specsavers Division 1 East Central after two seasons at the higher level.

At that stage, Rhydyfelin may have been down, but as their start to the new campaign has proved, they were far from out.

A change of coach and captain has helped to reinvigorate the club and after four rounds of league matches they are back on top of their rugby world with a 100% record – and a onepoint lead over similarly unbeaten Treorchy.

It is a revival that has been led by new skipper and second row Josh Hawkins. He knows the club from top to bottom having graduated through the junior and youth system.

With three tries in the four wins over Porth Quins, Ynysybwl, Cambrian Welfare and Rhiwbina he has led from the front.

This weekend, they will look to extend their winning start to the season to six games in the second round of the Specsavers National Plate against Ynysddu.

The 19-13 first-round win at Llantrisant sparked memories of the run to the Plate final in 2013 and Hawkins has got a good cup run very much in mind for his team this season.

“The players have stated their aims for this season and they are to win the league and have a run to a cup final. That is a great attitude and shows they want to be successful,” said Hawkins, who rejoined the club two seasons ago after spells playing for Ponsonby in New Zealand and Pontypridd.

“When we won the league before there was a great feeling amongst all the boys and I want to see everyone enjoying themselves again. The club was full each week that season and we played some excellent, expansive rugby.

“I want to get that feeling back and return to the way Rhydyfelin are known for playing rugby. It’s a huge honour and privilege for me to captain Rhydyfelin because it is my home.

“I’ve grown up with my teammates and we are like a family. I want to create a competitive environment where everyone has an opportunity to stake their place in the team.”

So far so good, and new coach Gerry Roberts and his team of Ross Lucas and Kieron Phillips can feel happy with a return of 13 tries in four league outings in what is a highly competitive division.

The highly-experienced Roberts, who is the WRU’s coach development manager and has previously coached Wales age grade teams, the WRU Club XV and Bedwas, has stepped into some big shoes this season.

His position became vacant when Gareth Studley stood down as head coach after an incredible eight year stint in charge.

During his tenure Rhydyfelin won the Division 1 East title, losing only one game as they amassed 101 points, the play-off final against Treorchy to climb into the Championship and the Silver Ball.

They also went all the way to the Millennium Stadium for the National Plate final and reached last season’s Mid District Cup final.

Over to you, Gerry and Josh!