Treorchy win Mid District Cup at Sardis

TREORCHY pulled off a major surprise as they upset favourites Bargoed to capture the Worthington Mid Districts Cup at Pontypridd on Wednesday evening 23d May .

Bargoed had finished second in Division One East behind Ebbw Vale and gained an amazing Welsh Cup win away to Aberavon of the Premiership, but that counted for nothing as Treorchy scored four fine tries and defended superbly.

Treorchy took a second-minute lead with a good long penalty by fly-half Celyn Ashton.

However, Bargoed soon levelled it with a similar kick from fly-half Josh Prosser.

Treorchy then scored a superb try as wing Peter Hutchings broke and centre Trystan Lazarus raced clear, but Ashton hit the post with his conversion attempt.

Prosser pulled back another penalty, but underdogs Treorchy continued to pose problems.

Ashton failed with a long-range attempt, as did Prosser at the other end, and though play was mainly in the Treorchy half, Bargoed did not threaten.

After 36 minutes Ashton was yellow-carded and Prosser put Bargoed in front at 9-8.

There was still time for a Treorchy attack and, after scrum-half Lloyd Williams was inches short, swift passing saw wing Andrew Mallin cross in the corner.

In first-half injury time Prosser landed his fourth goal, but Treorchy led 13-12.

Prosser’s fifth penalty put Bargoed ahead again, but Ashton soon regained it for Treorchy.

Treorchy suddenly scored again with a third try superbly taken by scrum-half Williams, that Ashton converted. Ashton kicked a penalty and then wing Peter Hutchings raced clear for a splendid solo try.

It was now all Treorchy, who had scored all four tries in the game, and Bargoed simply had no answer to the clinical finishing.

Half-backs Williams and Ashton made no errors, while Bargoed continually either knocked on or gave forward passes.

Bargoed rang the changes, but the wily Treorchy side were now well on top and it was their veteran lock Jamie Summers who stepped up to receive the cup.

Scorers –

Bargoed – Pens: J Prosser (5).

Treorchy – Tries: T Lazarus, A Mallin, L Williams, P Hutchings. Con: C Ashton. Pens: C Ashton (3).