Pontypridd under 16s annual awards

On Saturday 11th June the Pontypridd RFC under 16s held their end of season presentation at the Amber Bar, Sardis Road. As well as celebrating the past season the event also heralded the end of an era as the squad move from being part of the highly successful Mini and Junior section and into the club Youth structure.

On hand to present the players with their awards was Ponty Rugby Chief Executive Mr Stephen Readon who congratulated all players both past and present for their efforts and loyalty to the club over the seasons. Knowing that a majority of the boys had already signed for the Pontypridd Youth team, he wished them every success for the future and sincerely hoped that in due course some would eventually go on to play for the senior team.

The team which was initially formed at the start of the 2002/03 season has gone on to enjoy much success over the years. They as a squad and individuals have collected numerous honours at schools, club, district, regional and international levels and were crowned Blues Cup regional champions in its inaugural season at the under 14s age group. Over the last nine seasons they have been a credit to the section and club and all thoroughly deserve the congratulations they received on the night.

The Pontypridd RFC under 16s squad for the 2010 – 2011 season was as follows:

Tom Robinson, Thomas Williams, Shane Hutchinson, Sam Edwards, Rhydian Langford, Nathan Evans, Joss Howatson, Jordan Rees, Jonathan Barnett, James Page, Jake Thomas, Jack Whelpton, Jack Hazell, Jack Davies, Ieuan Evans, Garyn Smith (Captain), Dion Williams, Dillon Lewis, Dewi Voyle, Daniel Pritchard, Daniel Gains, Corey James and Blake Fear.

Individual Player awards presented on the night were as follows:

• Clubman of the Year – Daniel Pritchard
• Most Consistent Back of the Year – Tom Robinson
• Most Consistent Forward of the Year – Jack Davies
• Most Improved Player of the Year – James Page
• Coaches Player of the Year –  Dion Williams
• Players Player for the Year –  Shane Hutchinson

Silver Salvers were presented to three players who had achieved International honours:

• Garyn Smith (Team Captain) –  Wales Rugby League Under 16s
• Dillon Lewis – Wales Schools Rugby Union Under 16s
• Sam Edwards –Wales School Rugby Union Under 16s

For outstanding service to the club and reaching the milestone of 250 appearances for the section over a minimum nine playing seasons caps were presented to:

• Sam Edwards
• Joss Howatson
• Rhydian Langford

The Warren Rossiter Special Recognition Award was this year presented to Sian Langford for her services to not only the under 16s but the section as a whole over many years. The award was presented by members of last season’s under 16s management and coaching team who were responsible for creating the award in honour of their fellow coach Warren who sadly taken from us last season.

The final presentations on the night were made by team captain Garyn Smith to members of the management and coaching team for their endeavours over the seasons and he also took the opportunity to thank all players for their support of his captaincy. 

In closing the evenings proceedings Team Manager Mark Langford and Head Coach Danny Rees thanked all players past and present for their commitment, dedication and attitude throughout the years and wished them every success in their future careers both in and outside of rugby.