CRCC ran out 34-15 winners in the WRU Division 2 Cup final, beating Aberavon Quins 34-15
CRCC full-back Rhydian Williams crosses for one of his side’s four tries at the Principality Stadium(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd remain on course for a league and cup double after sealing WRU Division 2 Cup final win at the Principality Stadium, beating Aberavon Quins 34-15.
The Cardiff-based club currently sit second in Division 2 East Central, just two points behind leaders Wattstown but with a game in hand.
14 points from the boot of Lewis Rutledge proved crucial on their way to cup success – but player of the match Gethin Owen insisted the celebrations wouldn’t last too long with the league to focus on as well.
“We’ve been playing down the occasion all week, so to come here, face a really tough side in Aberavon Quins and get a result like that — what more could you ask for?” said the scrum-half.
“We’ll celebrate tonight, but then it’s straight back to it. We’ve got one game left and we’re just a point off the top of the league — it would be great to do the double.”
Three penalties by Rutledge built a first-half lead for CRCC, who showed signs of their expansive game in fits and starts in the opening 40.
Aberavon Quins rarely threatened, but did put together a calculated assault on the tryline at the end of the half.
However, after some relentless pressure, second-row Callum Beynon was held up over the line.
They would start the second-half by finally troubling the scorers, with fly-half Ryan Pugh knocking over a penalty.
However, that was short-lived – with hooker Jon Buhler sin-binned shortly after.
Opposite number Rhodri Williams capitalised almost immediately, scoring from the driving maul that followed.
Following that try, things started to click for CRCC.
Rhydian Williams broke into the Aberavon half, before impressive fly-half Remiel Wharton ran a lovely line before offloading to No. 8 Harry Moyle to score.
Even when Aberavon were back up to a full compliment, CRCC remained difficult to stop.
Full-back Williams burst onto Cai Hayes’ short ball to cross for their third in the final quarter.
Quins would have some joy, with Drew Kinsey scoring after a superb break and offload by full-back Luis Price.
The boot of Rutledge gave CRCC some breathing space before a hectic end to the match.
After yellow cards to Harri Jones and Hayes left CRCC down to 13 men, Quins No. 8 Dylan McLachlan dived over.
However, CRCC would have the final say – with wing Tomos Jones crossing straight from the kick-off to kickstart the celebrations.
Aberavon Harlequins
Tries: Drew Kinsey, Dylan McLachlan; Cons: Ryan Pugh; Pens: Ryan Pugh.
Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd
Tries: Rhodri Williams, Harry Moyle, Rhydian Williams, Tomos Jones; Cons: Lewis Rutledge; Pens: Lewis Rutledge x4.
Aberavon Quins: Luis Price; Rhys Edmunds, Conor O’Callaghan, Lewis Cronin, Keanu Piles; Ryan Pugh, Max Phillips; Mikey Burgess, Jon Buhler, Dan Helson, Jack Davies, Callum Beynon, Tyler Hopkins, Drew Kinsey, Dylan McLachlan.
Replacements: Josh Pugh, Graeme Harvey, Dale Bowen, Morgan Evans, Sean Howells, Cam Shine, Morgan Kennerly, Jack Dacey.
Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd: Rhydian Williams; Lewis Rutledge, Cai Hayes, Carwyn James, Tomos Jones; Remiel Wharton, Gethin Owen; Dafydd Jones, Rhodri Williams, Harri Evans, James Tanner, Ifan Roberts, Rhys Luckwell, Sion Davies, Harry Moyle.
Replacements: Iwan Madoc-Jones, Hedd Jones, Ifan Jones, Elis Jones, George Hobbs, Rhodri Davies-Hughes, Guto Ebbsworth, Harri Jones.