The Blaenau Gwent side triumphed in all but two of the 20 league games that they played this season.
It’s been a nail-biting climax to a hard-fought title race. At the start of the match, Llanhilleth were second place to RTB Ebbw Vale – who had played all of their matches. Llanhilleth needed nothing less than a win to celebrate with the trophy and champagne at the end of a season where promotion was the club’s main target.
Among the players in the title winning squad are Steve Faletau – the brother of Wales, British & Irish Lions and Dragons No 8 Toby Faletau – and former Cross Keys and Pontypool prop Darren Crimmins.
Llanhilleth Club Captain Dan Brimble said: Winning the title is testament to the hard work and dedication shown from the entire team throughout the season and to win against our closest rivals was something very special. We started the season in July last year and have trained very hard as a team to get fitter and streamline our game.”
He added, “I think the win will give us the motivation we need to carry on the success in to next season.”
Head Coach Jonathan Way, who has been coaching the club for six years, said: “It is 20 years since the club won their league so this means a great deal to everyone at the club who have invested a lot of time and effort into training and practising throughout the season.
“Having Mark Rossitter join the coaching staff at the start of the season has made a huge difference to the club. Not only has he provided all the players with a fresh outlook on the game and new skills, he gave them the enthusiasm and determination to succeed. The win this season is not only down to a change in coaching staff but also down to players like captain Danny Brimble, scrum half Grant Harrington and winger Alex Davidson, all supported by a very strong team in general.”
WRU Board Member Ken Hewitt added: “It is a fantastic achievement for Llanhilleth to win the league. They have worked hard throughout the season and really deserve the take home the trophy. I wish them all the best with forthcoming season and hope that they can carry on their success next year.”
