Beddau wrapped up their stunning season by completing the treble after defeating Aberdare 40-13 at Sardis Road to lift the Worthington’s Mid District Championship Cup.
Having already secured the Championship East title as well as bagging the Glamorgan County Silver Ball, the Green & Golds had another trophy to celebrate to cap a tremendous 2024/25 campaign.
“It’s a big achievement and testament to the boys. They’ve worked really hard from minute one of pre-season,” said proud Beddau skipper Lloyd Evans.
“At the beginning of the season the target was just to survive in the league and anything else was going to be a bonus. So, to lift three trophies is fantastic.”
Victory on the night over Aberdare was secured thanks to a first half try brace from full-back Cody Baker, one for inside centre Sam Edwards and two off the bench in the second half for replacement hooker Ethan Coombes.
Outside half Ollie Wilde kicked four conversions for Beddau, who were also awarded a penalty try. Beddau had already beaten Aberdare home and away in the league but the Snakes, who finished seventh in Championship East, more than played their part in a competitive final.
Centre Garyn Payne kicked them into an early lead, and they were then 13-7 up when Payne kicked his second penalty having also converted outside half Thomas Hopkins’ try. Beddau skipper and second row Evans was the first to admit his side had been in a battle.
“Aberdare are a really good outfit. We had two tough games against them in the league this year, they’re well drilled, and we knew it would be tough again,” added Evans.
“We just had a little bit too much in the second half, but it was a fantastic final. All the best to Aberdare for next year.”
Hooker Ben Staton made his 100th appearance for Aberdare, while Pontypridd stalwart Rhys Shellard received a good ovation when he left the field at Sardis Road, a ground where he created so many fond memories. for the last time as a player for his hometown club.
The focus for Beddau now turns towards the Admiral Premiership next season after winning the Championship East and gaining promotion to the top-tier of the Community game in Wales.
They won 23 of their 24 games in Championship East, losing only once at Bedwas four days before Christmas. However, revenge was sweet as their 32-20 victory over the ‘Wass in the return meeting at Mount Pleasant Park on 26 April all but secured them the title.
They would go on to make sure with victories in their final two league games to finish on 112 points ahead of Bedwas on 108.
Beddau then defeated Penarth 50-14 at the Brewery Field in Bridgend to lift the Glamorgan County Silver Ball. The team’s only other defeat this season was a heartbreaking 30-28 semi-final loss against eventual winners Llanelli Wanderers in the WRU Championship Cup.
They had led that semi 25-6 before slipping to an agonising loss to miss out on a trip to the Principality Stadium.
“This group is fantastic and everyone at the club at the moment are as one. We know next season is going to be a tough challenge stepping up to the Premiership,” said Evans.
“But we’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain, and we’ll certainly give it our best shot.”