Revenge is sweet, but last year's victors in this corresponding fixture - Swansea Valley - were well aware of Cynon's heart ache twice in previous years, and that woud be a great tonic.
Swansea Valley's physical presence made the task even more difficult, but from the outset Cynon looked the more focused side.
The Line out was our foundation with superb execution by hooker Rhys Williams and jumpers Owen and Adam Fenlog. The opening quarter proved very competitive with both teams not taking a backward step. Teritory wise Cynon had the upper hand and camped in Swansea's own quarter, the banks finally burst when prop Joel Dunning scooped up a ball to find a path through the middle of a ruck and sprint under the post for a try converted by Gary Williams. Unfortunately, this seemed to be a wake up call for Swansea and after bombarding Alex Storey with high balls an unfortunate bounce resulted in them scoring and converting under the posts. But Cynon remained positive and an individual try by right wing Phillip Smith lifted the heads of the Cynon boys. The score at half time was 15 - 7 in Cynon's favour.
The second half saw both sides again go at each other hammer and tongs but Cynon started dominating possession and a much deserved try by James Owen secured the result.
Cynon coaches Richard Sheppard and Steffan Williams were extremely pleased with the performance, commenting that this was the best collective effort in two or three seasons. But as much as it was a team performance, there were some very stand out efforts. Rhys Williams (ABC) showed why he is in the identification Welsh Under 16 squad with some barnstorming runs. Marcus Lewis (ABC) playing at no. 8 though normally a prop showed signs of lapsed confidence. His work rate was phenomenal and proved how versatile he can be. Dai Myles (St Johns) and James Owen (ABC) wrked tirelessly doing all the donkey work and promoting a team ethos. But the most mature performer on the day was outside half Gary Williams (Blaengwawr) whose tactical kicking was a thorn in Swansea's side dispelling any perception that he was just a running, big hitting outside half..."Well Done, Mate".
Final Score Swansea Valley 7 - Cynon Valley 20
Cynon under 15's again showed the form that promoted them to second place in the pool. Last weeks tremendous performance against Swansea Valley generated confidence and excitement for all to see, carrying over to this game, with the victims being Newport under 15's.
Continuity an ball retention were on the menu and hese two areas deprived Newport of any quality possession. An eleven try feast proved very entertaining, nine going to Cynon and two consolation tries in the second half to Newport. But on the day big Dai Myles of St Johns was the hero. As a player he's improved out of sight from our first summer training session in Abercwmboi, and taking into account he's missed only one session in over a dozen, the phrase effort reaps reward is highly evident here.
Ken Morgan, secretary for Cynon Schools belives that this under 15's side can go all the way, since losing only to Cardiff in their second game. Their attitudes have been outstanding, every player having held their hand up instilling an aura of confidence amongst the whole sqaud. The most pleasing factor of all is the impact of our subs in the last twenty minutes.
Being a sub is hard at the best of times but because of results the starting fifteen has become very familiar.
Because of ths players have had to wait in the wings until now, and many congratulations are due to the likes of Creighton Rees and Chris Speck for their positive approach off the bench.
Final Score Cynon 57 - Newport 12
Cynon under 15's playing record to date: -
Played 4
Lost 1
Won 3