Bargoed RFC welcomed old friends Hawick Harlequins RFC to Bargoed Park to continue the fantastic on and off field relationship that started over 50 years ago.
Bargoed selected a young side for this important fixture, with a number of Youth players figuring in the starting line up and bench, as they looked to regain the Butters Cup and the bragging rights for the weekend.
The Mighty Quins travelled with a party of over 40 and it was great to see Hawick legends Jock the Dog, Phil Nichol, Davey Blacklock and Tim Pretswell making the trip.
The game kicked off on Friday afternoon with a great crowd in attendance including two Bargoed legends in current Mid District President Alan Lovell and Life Member and ex Bargoed and Mid District Secretary Gordon Adams, who have both been instrumental in organising these fixtures and events over the years, and all the hard work that goes into it.
It was also great to see another Bargoed legend ex second row and prop Peter Bufton at the game. Peter has also been a regular visitor and Hawick Tour stalwart over the years. It was good to see Peter’s grandson Ryan Sadler in action in the Bargoed side.
Hawick started well and had most of the possession and territory early on but it was Bargoed who struck first in a rare visit to the visitors 22 with a try from impressive and promising back rower Morgan Lloyd.
Hawick struck back with a try from centre Grant McRogers who took a great line in attack to open the visitors account.
Bargoed started to get on top as the first half closed out with tries from big carrying forward Lewys Lippiett, and hard working wing Gary Phillips.
The second half saw Bargoed increase their lead as Hawick tired late on with further tries from Christian Cuss, Keegan
Bale and two other promising youth players back rower Keaton Davies and hooker Jake Rees.
Bargoed ended the game victorious with a 39-5 score line and were delighted to regain The Butters Cup in memory of one of Bargoed RFC’s great characters, Rhys Jones.
There were some stand out performers for Bargoed with Lewys Lippiett carrying hard, impressive young scrum half Lewis Cooper showing his pace as a constant threat in attack, and Morgan Lloyd working hard in attack and defence.
It was good to see another promising youngster Ben Jones returning to action after a long injury lay off.
Well done and thanks to the Bargoed players who helped out the Quins as a couple of injuries and alcohol induced exhaustion took their toll.
Big shout out to Grant McRogers, Gary McPhillips, and Youth players Dominic McSteggel and Jock Higgs.
The Cup was presented to Captain Nathan Jones by Rhys ‘Butters’ Dad Vaughan Jones at the club later in the evening with Bargoed delighted to bring the cup back to the club.
The Management Team of Gary Jones, Ian Jenkins and Toby Richards were satisfied with the result as Jones outlined later ‘It’s always a pleasure to welcome the Quins back to Bargoed and today is not only about the rugby but also the social aspect and camaraderie of the game. It was great to see some of Bargoed’s young talent on show alongside Jenks, who I believe has played in these fixtures since the 1960’s’
Bargoed will look forward to visiting Hawick next season and taking a squad up with the intention of retaining the Butters Cup.
