31/05/2026
A splendid celebratory occasion saw the Rhymney Rugby Club's Annual Awards Evening held at the clubhouse on Saturday. A full house enjoyed a super buffet and plenty of congratulatory fun as the deserving winners were presented with the spoils of back to back promotions as champions of their divisions for the last two years. Colin Wilks of the WRU's District A was on hand to give the glassware to skipper Tyler Evans and his men, head coach Lee Pearson and president Phil Atkinson were MCs, fulsome in their thanks to one and all, and there were many videoed messages of congratulation from famous and not-so-famous former players and others, including the bar staff's hilarious contribution. They and ever-present helper Richard Worley (sorry about Arsenal, Rich!) got gifts, and in his holiday absence the 20 years' service of groundsman Wayne Caswell was also recognised. The Merit Trophy went to backroom boy Chris Morris, Tomos Elliott took the Most Appearances trophy, and Jack Worgan and Rhys Brewers shared the award for Most Tries. The prolific Liam Davies was again inevitably the Top Points Scorer, being (as he now is) the second highest points-provider in Brewers' history, while generous Sponsor Russell Shankland took the prize in that category, with his framed Monex-logoed jersey. Joint Clubmen, one onfield, the other off, were Tyler Evans and committeeman Andrew Prosser, and unsurprisingly (see photo!), Matthew Cook was Character of the Year. Loyal prop Ben King won Most Improved Player and effective lock James Seaton was Most Promising Player. The Supporters' Player, presented by 'halfway-liners' boss Alastair Williams, was Jack Worgan, the Players' Player was Tom Elliott, and the big one, Player of the Year, went to the 'Big One': go-forward no. 8 Jack Chamberlain. Jack Pulsford won try of the season. All know it will be a big new challenge in Division One East for 2026-7, but the Brewers are certainly in good heart as they prepare for it. One sadder note was the news of a serious stroke suffered by ex-Sec and treasurer, John 'Nag' Davies, who emigrated to New Zealand in 1980 and became a prominent figure in Wellington Rugby and a University professor there. All good wishes are sent from the club he served so well to Susan, his daughters and wider family Down Under. Akky.
