Llantwit Fardre Under-14s, Treorchy Under-13s and Pontypridd Under-12s were the big winners on Sunday as the hugely successful Land Rover Cup culminated at Cardiff Arms Park.
Following Pontyclun’s triumph in the Under-15s final at Brecon last weekend, attention turned to Cardiff Blues’ iconic home in the Welsh capital.
More than 90 teams and 2,000 players have participated in the competition run in conjunction with the Welsh Rugby Union and sponsored by the region’s principal sponsor Land Rover.
The finals day got underway with the Under-12s category where Pentyrch beat St Peters 22-12 in the plate competition and Pontypridd overcame Llanishen 21-14 in the cup.
Attention then turned to the Under-13s with Llantrisant beating Pontypridd 21-17 in the plate and Treorchy triumphing 29-10 over Aberdare to clinch the cup.
Finally, it was the turn of the Under-14s and Pontypridd claimed a second piece of silverware as they ran out 29-22 winners against Llandaff in the plate.
Llantwit Fardre and Llanishen contested a hugely competition cup final, which swung back and fore before a late try sealed it for Llantwit Fardre.
WRU Cardiff Blues Regional Rugby Manager Ben Rose said: “It was a brilliant day at Cardiff Arms Park and the quality and competitiveness of every single game was impressive.
“Our congratulations go to all the teams taking part, who were a credit to their clubs, and Gavin Dacey deserves a huge amount of credit for pulling the competition together throughout the season.”
Cardiff Blues stars Gethin Jenkins, Scott Andrews and Rhys Gill were all on hand to present medals and trophies to the aspiring players and the European Challenge Cup, recently won in Bilbao, was proudly on display.
Thousands past through the Gwyn Nicholls gates on a memorable day for all involved, including Sir Gareth Edwards, who was in attendance to watch his son.
Cardiff Blues General Manager Rhys Blumberg added: “Events like the Land Rover Cup are a brilliant way for us to engage with our community clubs and it was great to see so many young, aspiring players at the Arms Park.
“The quality of rugby on display impressed everyone in attendance and I was delighted to see so many parents, friends and families packing the terraces.
“We are very grateful to Land Rover, our principal partner, for their continued support of not only the senior team but the grassroots, and we are already looking forward to next season.”