Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd’s search for a league and cup double continues after they beat Aberavon Quins 34-15 in the WRU Division 2 Cup final at Principality Stadium.
Both teams headed into the final game in the ‘Go Compare Road to Principality 2026’ series in the Welsh capital with aspirations of a league and cup double after being promoted from their respective leagues.
But three first half penalties from CCRC’s Lewis Rutledge were accompanied by second half tries from Rhodri Williams, Harry Moyle, Rhydian Williams and Tomos Jones to steer Clwb into an unassailable lead.
An early second half penalty from Quins outside half Ryan Pugh and late tries for Drew Kinsley and Dylan McLachlan gave the West Central outfit some hope, but they were never able to close the gap.
After a strong scrum five metres from the Quins try line with loosehead Mikey Burgess penalised, wing Rutledge kicked a simple penalty from in front of the posts to give CRCC a 3-0 lead after five minutes.
In the 20th minute, Quins captain Callum Beynon was penalised for not releasing at the breakdown, and Rutledge extended his side’s lead to six points.
A second dominant scrum in the 34th minute forced another penalty, yet CRCC opted for a kick to the corner. Another penalty followed in open play to give Rutledge an easy task of kicking a third penalty for a 9-0 lead.
After failing to score before the interval, Quins fly-half Pugh lined up a shot at goal from the 10-metre line in the 42nd minute which was successful for his team’s first points.
A yellow card for Quins’ Jon Buhler proved costly as the first try of the game came from CCRC hooker Williams after a rolling maul in the 48th minute as he benefitted from his opposite number being in the sin bin.
A second try CRCC try followed as No 8 Moyle was on hand to finish a break from outside half Remiel Wharton. Rutledge added the conversion to complete a score that was a real blow to the Quins.
A third try for CRCC in the 66th minute from fullback Williams meant that the celebrations could begin early despite a try for Quins flanker Kinsey who was in support to score after a break from fullback Luis Price.
To put away any doubt of a comeback, Routledge kicked a fourth penalty in the 75th minute to ensure victory. There was a late consolation score from Quins No 8 McLachlan following two yellow cards for CCRC centre Cai Hayes and replacement Harri Jones.
From the kick off the Quins knocked on and Jones picked up the loose ball to race in for a fourth CRCC try to seal a famous victory for the Cardiff-based club.
The final wasn’t to be for Quins captain Beynon in his 16th season with the club. Now their attention will turn to winning the Division 2 West Central title. while CCRC’s quest for a double continues next weekend when they face Division 2 East Central leaders Wattstown.
Scorers: Aberavon Quins: Tries: Drew Kinsey, Dylan McLachlan; Con: Ryan Pugh; Pen: Ryan Pugh. CRCC: Tries: Rhodri Williams, Harry Moyle, Rhydian Williams, Tomos Jones; Con: Lewis Rutledge Pens: Lewis Rutledge 4
TEAMS
Aberavon Quins: Luis Price; Rhys Edmunds, Conor O’Callaghan, Lewis Cronin, Keanu Piles; Ryan Pugh, Max Phillips; Mikey Burgess, Jon Buhler, Dan Helson, Jack Davies, Callum Beynon (captain), Tyler Hopkins, Drew Kinsey, Dylan McLachlan
Reps: Josh Pugh, Graeme Harvey, Dale Bowen, Morgan Evans, Sean Howells, Cam Shine, Morgan Kennerly, Jack Dacey
CRCC: Rhydian Williams; Lewis Rutledge, Cai Hayes, Carwyn James, Tomos Jones; Remiel Wharton, Gethin Owen; Dafydd Jones, Rhodri Williams, Harri Evans, James Tanner, Ifan Roberts, Rhys Luckwell, Sion Davies, Harry Moyle (captain)
Reps: Iwan Madoc-Jones, Hedd Jones, Ifan Jones, Elis Jones, George Hobbs, Rhodri Davies-Hughes, Guto Ebbsworth, Harri Jones
GO COMPARE MAN OF THE MATCH
