Narberth RFC U12s completed a clean sweep this season when they defeated Tenby United in the Pembrokeshire Cup Final in Crymych earlier this month. That completed a treble after winning both the Whitland 10s and Neyland 10s tournaments earlier in the campaign.
A big part of this season has been the development of the new players to the squad and coach Clive James has given every player equal game-time for most of the season. This has paid dividends as all the squad played their part.
All in all, the talented youngsters played 27, won 24, drew one, lost two (both narrowly against Kidwelly... who won their Carmarthenshire Cup tournament).
Eight players have represented Pembrokeshire over the season. Prop Daryl Brown, flanker Sion Bennett, No. 8 Gareth Owens, scrum-half Teague Galvin, outside-half Angharad James, centre Stuart White, and wings Owen Davies and Connor Lloyd all played their part for the county, as they won four of their six games.
A special thanks goes to the age group sponsors: Penderi Pine, Crabby Dave, J&K Builders and Clive James Design and Print. This ensured that the side had brand new kit for the season and Spar of Narberth provided the side with end-of-season polo shirts.
No. 8 Gareth Owens (pictured) captained the side, and he again has followed up his form of last year, with some magnificent performances, leading from the front. He was part of the side that in early September won the 10-a-side Whitland U12s tournament, beating Pembroke Dock Quins in the final.
In March, the U12s won the prestigious Pembrokeshire 10s tournament in Neyland, despite having many injuries along the way. They defeated arch rivals Haverfordwest in an exciting final. Outside-half Angharad James (pictured), playing in her last season, was chosen by the referees as the competition's Player of the Tournament. It was the second occasion that she has picked up this award, and a fitting way for her to finish her days of mixed rugby!
Last month, the U12s finished off the season in style when they won the Pembrokeshire and District Cup in Crymych, beating Tenby 10-nil in a very committed final. Special mention must go to Myrddin Dennis's Tenby side who pushed Narberth all the way.
Narberth newcomer Will Holmes had a fantastic game in the final and was many people's 'man of the match'. Hopefully, he will play a big part in the side next season.
END OF SEASON AWARDS
At last week's Narberth Juniors Presentation Awards, the Under 12s paid tribute to a number of unsung heroes of the side.
Scrum-half Teague Galvin has been a revelation and is showing great maturity behind the scrum and improving prop Ryan Rees couldn't be separated as Most Improved Players of the season and each walked away with the award.
Top try-scorer was 11-year-old William Boyde and this is an excellent effort considering he has played all season playing a year above his age group. He was also given a memento for playing for Dyfed Under 11s.
Another newcomer, silky runner Ryan Williams, is an exciting prospect and he improved over the season as his confidence grew. He picked up the 'Most Promising Player' award.
Angharad James was also a recipient as she picked up a Team Contribution Award 2000-2006 for her dedication of playing for the side for the last six years. She regularly crossed the opposition try-line and on four occasions she was the age group's top try-scorer.
Back-row forward Harry Frost, an athletic runner, won the Best Newcomer Award for his committed and powerful efforts over the season.
The final award of the evening went to county centre Stuart White, who was excellent throughout. Stuart showed superb ball skills and an enthusiastic defence. He deservedly won the new award of 'Top Team Player'.
Thanks go to team representative Lynne Brown for all her hard work and to all the helpers, including Andy Lloyd, Tim Bennett, Mike Headlam and Mark Owens.
The whole squad finish the campaign this coming weekend with a couple of days at Morfa Bay Outdoor Pursuit Camp in Pendine as reward for their excellent efforts over the season.
Narberth Under 12s squad: Ryan Rees; Lawrence Headlam; Daryl Brown; Vincent Morse; Christian Cole; Rhys Thomas; Sion Bennett; Gareth Owens; Teague Galvin; Angharad James; William Diamond; Stuart White; William Boyde; Owen Davies; Connor Lloyd; James John; Josh Cook; Adam Frearson; Andy Skippings; Ryan Williams; Matthew James; Harry Frost; Mark Brown; Gwili Owens; William Holmes.