Bargoed RFC can look back across the board with pride in what was an unusual but very successful season, even though it was cut short dramatically.
The 1st XV returned to the WRU Championship to meet up with some old friends and clubs from years gone by after their relegation from the WRU Premiership.
They started the season in an underwhelming manner with a draw at Cardiff Met in the WRU Championship and a defeat at Aberavon in the WRU Cup.
However they soon hit their straps as they recorded a series of eight consecutive bonus point wins, to get to second in the Championship behind leaders Pontypool.
In a game that could have gone either way, Bargoed went down to a defeat in cruel circumstances as Pontypool scored with 77 minutes on the clock and squeezed home 13-10.
Bargoed bounced back though, on another run of six bonus point victories with notable scalps in top four sides Bedwas and Cardiff Met. They ended the season in second place with 73 points and just 5 points behind Pontypool with Pooler due to visit Bargoed Park in April.
They also managed two wins in the Mid District Cup competition against Treorchy and Nelson, with a young squad which saw a number of Youth players figure in both matches. The Young Guns, and a few more mature players secured a place in the Mid District Cup semi final against neighbours Penallta.
The Warriors (2nd XV) managed to play 12 games and managed 10 victories, as they sat in second place in the WRU Conference with their colours only lowered in two games against a string Cardiff Met outfit.
The Warriors were also in the hunt for silverware as they were looking forward to the second phase of the WRU Conference, confident that they could defend their title from the previous season.
They also played in one of the last matches before the decision was taken to suspend and then ultimately call the season to a close.
The visit of Hawick Quins is always a highlight in the rugby calendar and the game and bonding after lived up to the reputation with everyone having a great weekend even without the Wales v Scotland game being played.
Bargoed came out on top to reclaim The Butters Cup, as the association and friendship between these two great clubs goes back over 50 years, with Bargoed looking forward to next years trip already.
The Youth went one better than the senior sides as they did secure some silverware with the Dragons B League title secured just after Xmas after a hard fought but at times frustrating campaign.
We look forward next season to challenges in the National Championship, WRU Conference and Dragons League as all Bargoed’s squads seek success.
We also look forward to some of the youth team players transitioning into senior rugby, alongside some of the young talent that’s already in the club.
We also look forward to the transition of our talented u16 squad into the Youth Squad alongside the excellent group of players who remain.
As for this season, a big thank you to the loyal Bargoed RFC Committee and Supporters Club for your hard work and support throughout the season, along with the back room and medical staff.
Well done to all the Management and Coaching Teams of all the Youth and Senior sides on a very successful season.
Youth
Aeron Hughes, Ian Davies, Dai Rees and Nick Coulsen
Warriors
Gary Jones, Matthew Hutcheon, Toby Richards and Ian Jenkins
1st XV
Aled James, Craig Everett, Mike Pugsley, Lee Meades, Ian Evans, Brett Wakefield and Jeremy Rogers
