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Cwmtillery Saracens RFC - Archived 2002/2003 Season
  Fixture Venue Result   Fixture Venue Result
September       January      
7th Usk Away   4th Crickhowell Draw 17-17 
14th Girlings Lost 18-40 11th TBA    
21st Abergavenny II Cancelled     18th Forgeside Win 3-15
28th Llanwern (Welsh Cup) Win 13-11 25th Markham Win 0-8
October       February      
5th Cwmcarn Win 19-68 1st TBA    
12th Abertyswg Win 14-45 8th Crickhowell Win 31-5
19th Cwmcarn Utd W.B.Cup Win 48-19 14th Hafodrynys Home  
26th Club Rygbi, Cancelled     15th      
        22nd Wales Vs England    
November       March      
2nd Pontllanfriath 2nd
Cyrus Davies Cup		 Win 0-13 1st Risca Away  
9th Hafodrynys (early KO) Lost 20-10 8th Scotland Vs Wales    
16th W.B.Cup (Called off )     15th Trefil....Cyrus Davies Cup. Lost 32-13
22nd Blaina Lost 17-20 21st Abergavenny Home  
23rd Wales Vs New Zealand     22nd Wales Vs Ireland    
30th W.B.Cup Lost  3-12 28th Cwmtillery - Blaina Utd Lost 19-41
December       April      
7th Forgeside Win 17-0 5th Blaina Away  Home
14th Girlings- Cancelled Away   12th Cwmcarn Win 90-12
21st Blaina Utd- Cancelled Home   19th Cwmbran Home  
28th Abergavenny-Cancelled Away   26th Risca Away  
End of Season Round-Up
This season, under the coaching of player/ coach John Davies and Captain Kevin Hale was another stepping stone towards Cwmtillery's search for success.
The introduction of vital young blood into the side such as local boys Adam Pegler and Gareth Davies and also visitors Jonathon Brake, Pat Lenon and Richard Harris made this a successful season. Along with the youth, experienced players such as Mark Williams, Dean Thomas, Kevin Meredith and Mark Staley all played they part in gelling the side, the latter probably having his best season to date.
On the field the team finished off with a playing record of played 18, won 11, drawn 1 and lost 6 and also won through to the last 16 of the Welsh Cup and were losing semi-finalists to eventual winners Trefil in the Gwent District Cup. On the personal front, top try scorer for the season was winger Damian Attwell with 13 touch downs to his credit and Mark Williams ended up the top points scorer with 151 points to his name made up of 9 tries, 35 conversions and 12 penalties. A special mention must also go out to centre/wing Gareth Davies who was the only player who made himself available for all 18 games.
The Club would like to thank a number of people, firstly departing coach, John Davies for his involvement both on and off the field and would like to wish him all the best on his relocation to Barry, next to Captain Kevin Hale who always led from the front and was an inspiration to the younger players, and also to our hosts at the Railway Inn, Robert and Kevin for looking after us.
Preparation for next season has already started, with the announcement of a new Captain, yet to be announced, and also with a number of new players already showing interest in joining the club. Next season the Club is looking again to join the Gwent District Junior Union League, which they would have to start off in the bottom league, Division 3.
As well as new players the club are looking for a new coach and additional committee members to help run the club. Anyone interested in giving input can either speak to a club member or contact this website.
Charity match sponsored by IG Lintels
On the 22nd Feb 2003, Cwmtillery, in conjunction with the Railway Inn RFC, will host the IG lintels Barbarians XV on the morning of the Wales Vs England match. The game, sponsored by IG Lintels, will take place at the Bridgend Field, Abertillery KO 12.00. After the game, comedian January Rees, will entertain everyone prior to kick-off of the International.
Entrance to the Railway is free and at half time free food will be available and a raffle will take place with all proceeds going to a local charity.
Gwent District Cup Draw.
The quarter finals cup draw for the Gwent District Cup was held 13 November 2002.
Markham Vs Cwmtillery Saracens match will take place on the 25th January 2003.
Cwmtillery Appoint New Captain.
Cwmtillery this year will be led by newly signed back row forward, Kevin Hale. Kevin who originates from Blaina is a powerful strong running forward, and who leads by example. He has played in the past for Nantyglo, Blaina and more recently Llanhilleth, so he brings to the club a wealth of experience.
All at the club wish Kevin the best for the coming season.
Worthington Districts Cup
Cwmtillery open their account in this years Welsh cup with a tough home draw to Newport side, Llanwern. The game takes place at the Jim Owen Field Cwmtillery on Saturday 28th September KO 2.30pm Also in their qualifying group but all receiving byes are:- Aberbargoed, Aberbeeg, Crickhowell, Cwmcarn Utd, Hartridge, Howardian and West Mon
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Annual Presentation Night 2002

On Friday 21st June 2002, Cwmtillery Saracens RFC held its second annual presentation night at the Railway Inn, Abertillery. The night was well attended and we would like again to thank Nigel Way - Ebbw Vale RFC for comparing the evening.
The following people received the awards:-
Coaches Award - For commitment both on and off the field - Gareth Edwards
Most promising player - Young prop Tim Gifford - Tim is quickly learning the trade as a front row forward. He has been totally dedicated to Cwmtillery, travelling each weekend from Southampton University to play for the club.
Clubman of the Year - Shaun Rees - for services to the club. Last year he took on the roles of bus driver and part time first aider and linesman.
Player of the Year - Shaun Rees - center - Shaun has played for the club for the last 12 years and this year he was selected as Captain after Christmas and played center, back row and even second row when the club needed support.
Players Player - Shaun Rees
A special award was made to retiring coach Lyn Davies, for his services to the club, without Lyn's determination and support the club would not have started back up.
Annual General Meeting
At the clubs AGM on Monday 1st July, Club Chairman Malcolm Lewis stepped down from his role. His position was taken up by long serving member Phillip Chapman. We would like to thank Malcolm for his assistance in our first two years and wish him all the best for the future in his new role with Pontypool RFC.
Pre- season Training
Pre-season training will start on Monday 7th July at 6.30 on the Bridgend school field under the guidance of guest coaches John Way and John Davies. All players are welcome as we try to build up our playing squad.
New Committee & Sponsors wanted
We at Cwmtillery are on the lookout for both new committee persons and sponsors. If you feel you have the time to help out at our club, please feel free to join us. If there is anyone who would like to sponsor or donate any sum of money to assist in the running of our self-financed club (we receive no support from the WRU) we would be extremely grateful.
Cwmtillery Saracens Match Reports
12th April 2003 Cwmtillery 90 - Cwmcarn United 12
On Saturday, Cwmtillery entertained Cwmcarn United on the Bridgend Field and used this as an opportunity to bring in new players all of whom played their part in an entertaining afternoon of running rugby.
Within the first few minutes Cwmtillery opened the scoring, where from a scrum on the Cwmcarn line No.8 Kevin Hale broke free to release scrum half Mark Staley to score under the posts, M Williams converted. (7-0). From the same position Hale again broke linking with Staley to this time go over in the corner for an unconverted try (12-0) Next flanker Craig Meredith broke from inside his 22 and fed Williams who raced 50m before offloading to top try scorer Damian Attwell to score under the posts - Williams converted (19-0) From the restart, Cwmtillery again broke from their 22 and with the backs linking well winger Liam Beattie scored in the corner. (24-0). Powerful flanker, Richard Harris was next to show what the home side has been missing due to his injury when after a powerful run he offloaded to Staley to go over for his 3rd try within 30min.(31- 0) With Cwmtillery looking to run the ball at all opportunities mistakes crept into their play resulting in Cwmcarn running in the next two tries (31-12). With half time looming Cwmtillery finished off the half when outside half Williams raced over and converted his own try (38-12)
Half Time Cwmtillery 38 - Cwmcarn 12
At half time Cwmtillery started to make the changes, and straight away replacement scrum half raced away from a scrum before feeding debutant centre Alun Jones to score under the posts. (45 - 12). From a quickly taken throw in winger Richard Jones ran 50m but was just caught short but fed Kevin Meredith to score in the corner (50 -12) Cwmtillery then started to dominate the scrums with a display of excellent hooking skills by young Lewis Elliot taking no fewer then 5 strikes against the head. Cwmtillery continued their scoring spree with further tries to Liam Beattie, Lee Meredith and Damian Attwell (2), promising debutant Richard Jones and the final try went to flanker Craig Meredith who raced over unopposed from his own 22m.
Cwmtillery would like to thank all thoughs players who turned out on Saturday and put on a top class performance of running rugby which all looks well for the new season.
28th March 2003 Cwmtillery 19 - Blaina Utd 41
Cwmtillery entertained local rivals Blaina United on Friday night in a re-arranged floodlight fixture.
For the first 40 min Blaina dominated all aspects of the game leaving the home supporters wondering whether their team had turned up. The Cwmtillery side were depleted with main ball carriers and key players not available and were thankful to the likes of young prop Craig Yemm, second row Adrain Cohen and veterans John Way and Elliot Long for helping them out.
With Cwmtillery already down by 25 - 0 at half time experienced flanker John Way took to the field which seemed to motivate the players and sparked a comeback. Cwmtillery scored first though outside half Mark Williams who also converted his own kick then it was the turn of speed wing Damian Attwell to leave the Blaina defence for dead and race in from half way to score his 10th try of the season. Blaina then woke up themselves and scored another try before Williams again scored and converted his own try taking his total tally of points for the season to 126. With Cwmtillery throwing everything at the Blaina side this left holes in the defence and allowed Blaina to finish off the game with a further two tries before the finish.
15th March 2003 Trefil 32 - Cwmtillery 13
Cyrus Davies Cup - Semi final
On Saturday, Cwmtillery travelled to the Banna Park, Nantyglo to face local side Trefil form the GPN Superleague, in the semi final of the Cyrus Davies Gwent District Cup.
Cwmtillery started the game as underdogs but quickly put this behind them after exerting early pressure on the favourities and forcing them to concede a penalty for offside at the ruck which fullback and top scorer Mark Williams converted. From the resulting restart Cwmtillery continued to press forward only for them to lose possession which resulted in Trefil breaking away to score a converted try.
Cwmtillery refused to let this bother them and was quickly back in the game after another Trefil infringement which Williams angain converted. (7 - 6). Trefil strong and powerful pack started to get on top and dominated the scrums and lineouts denying Cwmtillery any good ball of their own to use. Trefil scored two further unconverted tries again from their powerful scrum base just before half time.
HT 17 - 6
The second half started with a sloppy clearance kick into the Trefil 22, only for their winger to pick up and race deep infield beating numerous attempted cover tackles before releasing the ball for a try in the corner. (22-6). With Cwmtillery still not giving up, scrum half Mark Staley picked up from a ruck deep in the Trefil 22 and raced over in the corner for a well deserved try which Williams again converted (22 - 13). Trefil's pack continued to dominate and with the Cwmtillery forwards starting to tire another try resulted for their forwards.
The final say again went to Trefil, this time working the ball outwide for an unconverted try. Although the league positions between the two sides is huge, the young Cwmtillery pack can learn from this game and use it as a yard stick for next season, when they are hoping to re-enter the Gwent District League in Division 3. Cwmtillery are hoping to build on their squad for now on in, and are in the look out for new players and a new coach, as their present coach, John Davies in moving out of the area.
8th Feb 2003 Cwmtillery Saracens 31 Vs Crickhowell 5
Attwell double secures it for Cwmtillery
On Saturday, Cwmtillery entertained Crickhowell on the Bridgend Field. With a full squad to chose from it was Cwmtillery who first registered a score after a powerful run from fullback M Williams setting up the unstoppable second row, Tim Gifford to crash over under the posts, which Williams converted. Williams then kicked a penalty in front of the posts after some travelling indisappline.
HT 10 - 0
With the Cwmtillery back row of Craig Meredith, Richard Harris and Kevin Hale linking consistently it was not long before Cwmtillery registered another try which saw centre Kevin Meredith feed Damion Attwell to race over in the corner, converted by Williams. After a brief rest in the sin-bin prop Adam Pegler was next to score after a great move by the home side which saw the ball moved through numerous pairs of hands until finally hooker Gareth Edwards draw and fed Pegler to go over close by the posts, converted by William's. Attwell was again on the score sheet with a fine run to score in the corner, in what was a welcome return to the side after a lengthy layoff for the winger to remain Cwmtillerys top try scorer for the season In fairness, Crickhowell never gave up the cause and played their part in what was an entertaining game and perseverance saw them score a consolation try in the corner in the final moments.
With numerous players returning from injury, second row Mark Williams returning from RAF basic training and new signing Dean Thomas all now available to bolster the squad, Cwmtillery look forward to the draw of the semi-final of the District cup on 11th February.
25th Jan 2003 Markham 0 Vs Cwmtillery Saracens 8
Harris Try Seals it For Cwmtillery

Cwmtillery travelled to Markham this Saturday for their Gwent District Quarter Final encounter against the high flying Division 2 side.
The game started with Cwmtillery immediately putting the home side under constant pressure and within 5min fullback Mark Williams recorded they first points with a penalty in front of the posts. Cwmtillery continued to dominate with the lineout pairing of Craig Meredith and Pat Lenon and stealing some vital possession at crutial times. Cwmtillery were then denied the opening try after full back Williams launched a high ball deep inside the home 22m which they failed to gather, only for the referee to inadvertantly blow up early and deny Cwmtillery what should have been advantage and a try in the corner.
HT 0 - 3
The second half started much the same as the first with Cwmtillery exerting the early pressure and after 10 minutes camped on the Markham line, flanker Richard Harris broke blind from a ruck and powered his way over in the corner. (0 - 8) Cwmtillery were then awarded a penalty and with confidence at a high and the lineouts going strong, they opted for the corner. From the resulting catch and drive the forwards powered over the line, much to the delight of the travelling supporters only for the referee to be unsighted and award Cwmtillery the put-in at the scrum. Deep into the game the Cwmtillery forwards began to tire and let Markham back into the game with some try scoring opportunities but poor handling and good defence kept them out. With 5 min remaining saw the welcome return from injury of second row Darrly Hendy, his height and bulk should help to steady up the scrums which on times has been a problem area for the team.
18th Jan 2003 Forgeside 3 Vs Cwmtillery Saracens 15
Cwmtillery were first on the scoreboard when the Forge players were penalised for going in over the top and fullback Mark Williams stepped up to slot over the easy penalty. The young Cwmtillery pack kept to their tasks well and dominated the lineouts supplying good ball for they backs to continue with their style of open rugby on what was a very heavy ground. From one such lineout in the Forge 22, Cwmtillery caught and drove the home pack over the line for flanker, Richard Harris to emerge with the ball.
HT Forgeside 0 - Cwmtillery 8
The second half started much the same as the first with the Cwmtillery pack on top, but some Cwmtillery indisapline started to let Forgeside back into the game and with some strange refereeing decisions going against the visiting side, Forgeside kicked their first points (3 - 8).
Cwmtillery were later reduced to thirteen men following the sinbinning of two of their forwards but with their defence holding strong, they kept the home side out. Cwmtillery eventually managed to clear their line and with the side back to full strength worked their way back up the field. From a Cwmtillery lineout in the Forge 22, scrum half Mark Staley fed his backs and centre Dean Thomas fed fullback Williams to split the line at pace only to be tackled short but managed to stretch over and score under the posts which he converted. (3-15) Scrum half Mark Staley and flanker Craig Meredith put in strong performances with Staley making himself a nuisance around the base of the scrum and Meredith putting in some strong runs into the heart of the home sides backline.
This was a deserved win for the Cwmtillery side and they now go on with added confidence to next weeks Cyrus Davies Cup quarter final match away to Markham, where they know they will meet a strong, young side also willing to run the ball from all positions. Kick off for this game is 2.00pm.
4th Jan 2003 Crickhowell 17 Vs Cwmtillery Saracens 17
Cwmtillery kicked off the New Year with a rearranged fixture away to Crickhowell.
With both sides missing players it took some time for the sides to gel but it was Cwmtillery who were first to score following a strong drive close to the line from second row Tim Gifford which allowed scrum half Mark Perrit to race over and beat the covering defence, close to the posts, converted by Mark Williams. Crickhowell's backs always looked threatening and ran the ball from all positions but the Cwmtillery defence stood firm until the half hour mark when Cricks inside center raced over for a converted try (7-7). With Cwmtillery's players still suffering the after affects of too much turkey, Crickhowells backs started to dominate and being fed ball from the visitors mistakes raced in for another two unconverted tries in the first half.
Half Time(17-7).
After a stiff talking too by acting Captain Adam Pegler and a number of changes at half time, one being the return of second row and new father Brian McCann, Cwmtillery knew they had to pull there socks up. The next half hour saw a number of missed opportunities for both sides at vital try scoring moments. With 10min remaining Cwmtillery had their heads up and ran everything at Crickhowell resulting in an unconverted try for wing Andrew Mason. From the kick off Cwmtillery received the ball and spun it across the back line resulting in Kevin Meredith to score in the corner to bring the scores equal but the conversion from the touchline narrowly missed the posts. With time running out Cwmtillery again crossed the home sides line, only to be disallowed by the referee, but the final score of 17 - 17 was a fair result for both sides with good performances put in by scrum half Mark Perrit and winger Andrew Mason.
7th Dec 2002 Cwmtillery Saracens 17 Vs Blaenavon Forgeside 0
On Saturday Cwmtillery entertained Blaenavon Forgeside at the Bridgend school field.
Cwmtillery took an early lead with a try by Kevin Meredith and conversion by Mark Williams after a defensive mistake by the visiting centres. Cwmtillery continues to have the territorial advantage but foung themselves under pressure in the scrums. Twice Cwmtillery should have extended their lead only for two timely interceptions keeping them out. Cwmtillery were then reduced to 14 men following the sin-binning of prop A Pegler, which then put Forgeside in the driving seat, but a mixture of good tackling and lineout ball kept the score the same up to half time.
Half-time Cwmtillery 7 Forgeside 0
After the restart Cwmtillery continued with their squad rotation policy but it was Forgeside who were first to have a scoring opportunity but the penalty went wide. Cwmtillery then drove upfield with Craig Meredith, Tim Gifford and Gareth Edwards all leading by example. The pressure started to pay dividends when following another driving maul, forgeside No.8 was sent to the bin for punching which resulted in T Gifford leaving the field hurt to be replaced by Captain Kevin Hale. From the resulting penalty Cwmtillery won the lineout through Craig Meredith and drove over the line, ably assisted by the backrow duo of Mike Owen and Richard Harris which went unconverted. The last quarter of the game saw Cwmtillery dominate following another Forgeside sin-binning. The last score of the game came from D Thomas after good approach work from Ian Padfield and Jonathon Brake.
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30th Nov 2002 Cwmtillery Saracens 3 Vs Aberbargoed 12
On Saturday Cwmtillery entertained Aberbargoed in the fourth round of the Welsh Districts Cup. Conditions on the day were poor and the heavy ground did not favour the Cwmtillery style of play of open flowing rugby.
The game kicked off with both sides making numerous handling errors due to the wet weather and cold hands. For 25 min the score remained 0-0, both sides keeping the ball tight but Cwmtillery, through fullback Mark Williams, opened the scoring with a well taken penalty. Then after 30 min Cwmtillery were dealt two major blows within 2min of each other, with both outside half Lee Davies (neck injury) and centre Alun Edmunds (back injury) leaving the field injured. The home side, already missing four key forwards due to other commitments, were now up against it but turned round still in the lead at half time Half Time 3-0.
Aberbargoed's forwards, with the elements behind them started to get on top of the home side and registered their first score under the posts from a driving maul which their converted. Cwmtillery tried in vain to claw back the game but from a turnover ball on halfway, Aberbargoed spun the ball out wide and scored in the corner (3-12).
The win for Aberbargoed sees them into the last 16 of the cup where they face tough opposition in Club Rugby Cardiff on the 21st December.
Special thanks go to both Simon Owens and Ken Allen for helping us put a side on the park, with Simon putting in a fine performance.
22nd Nov 2002 Cwmtillery Saracens RFC 17 Vs Blaina United 20
On Friday evening Cwmtillery entertained Blaina United in a hastily arranged floodlight fixture. Cwmtillery were the first to score after scrum half Mark Staley broke from the scrum and shot off blind side to feed centre Kevin Meredith who supplied the scoring pass to wing and ex-Blaina boy, Glenn Bridge to score in the corner which was excellently converted off the touchline by Fullback Mark Williams. Cwmtillery extended their lead after 25min when Staley fed outside half Lee Davies who worked a dummy switch with Meredith to go through the gap and under the posts for a try again converted by Williams. This seemed to wake up the young Blaina side and Cwmtillery were eventually unable to keep out the very powerful backrow player, Lee Llewellyn who went over for a well deserved try under the posts. Blaina again scored following a period of heavy pressure when they sent their left wing over for an unconverted try in the corner.
HT 14 - 12
Blaina continued the second half as they left off with again Llewellyn being their star man with his thrustful runs up the middle of the park but his time the Cwmtillery defence and in particular the combined backrow of Richard Harris, Craig Meredith and Kevin Hale managed to contain them. Cwmtillery opened the scoring in the second half with a penalty goal by Williams from 30m from an infringement at a ruck. With some strange refereeing decisions going against them and to the dismay of the home crowd Blaina scored again wide out which went unconverted to make the game all square. 17 -17. Which would have been a fair result, but with 10 min remaining Blaina was again awarded a dubious penalty in front of the posts which was kicked and won them the game 17 - 20. Special mention must go to Mark Staley and lee Davies of Cwmtillery and also to Lee Llewellyn of Blaina who was easily the pick of the forwards on display on the night.
2nd Nov 2002 Cyrus Davies Cup Pontllanfraith 2nds 0 Vs Cwmtillery Saracens 13
Cwmtillery continued in their winning ways with a well-deserved victory in their Cyrus Davies Cup encounter away to Pontllanfraith.
Credit must be given to both sides who tried to keep ball in hands and play running rugby in atrocious conditions but also good spirits. Cwmtillery gave debutant starts to Pat Lenon and were also pleased to welcome back Ian Padfied for his first game of the season. It was Cwmtillery who started the stronger of the two sides with relentless pressure resulting in a well-taken penalty from the touchline by fullback Mark Williams.(0-3)
With Kevin Hale supplying the main source of lineout ball, Cwmtillery ended a catch and drive with outside half Lee Davies popping the ball up to player/coach John Davies to slide over for an unconverted try (0-8). Pontllanfraith always looked threatening but were kept at bay for long periods by the strong visiting defence.
Half Time 0-8
Cwmtillery turned round in the second half with the elements against they backs but failed to capitalise on the conditions, the only score coming from a pick-up and drive from second row Tim Gifford, powering his way over to score a well deserved try which went unconverted to seal the game and passage into the next round of the cup for Cwmtillery.
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19th Oct 2002 Cwmtillery Saracens RFC 48 Vs Cwmcarn United 19
Worthington Welsh District Cup Match
Cwmtillery continued with their winning form, this time in the Worthington Welsh District Cup competition beating fellow Gwent side Cwmcarn United. From the first whistle, Cwmcarn took the game to Cwmtillery and launched a high ball which the home side failed to gather resulting in a early try for the visitors (0-5) From the restart, Cwmcarn infringed in the ruck supplying Lee Davies with his first points from the well taken penalty (3-5) Cwmtillery knew that they had a game on and picked the pace of the game up with outside half Lee Davies intercepting the ball to feed center John Davies to break through and feed wing Damian Attwell to score an unconverted try in the corner (8-5) Minutes later scrum half Mark Staley broke from the scrum 5m out to dash over to score again for Cwmtillery (13-5) Cwmtillery were now growing in confidence and with Captain Kevin Hale forced into lineout duties supplying excellent ball for his team to use. The next two tries were scored by powerful flanker Richard Harris, the first from his quick thinking tap penalty from which he raced over from halfway and the next from a short range crash ball, both of which was converted by L Davies (27-5)
Half Time 27-5
With Cwmcarn now playing catch up they kept attacking Cwmtillery but poor handling and wrong options let them down on occasions. On one such occasion the ball was knocked on by Cwmcarn only for outside half Davies to gather and feed Hale to break through and score under the posts, Davies converted (34 - 5) Cwmcarn never gave up and their persistance resulted in a converted try from close range. (34-12) Cwmtillery were next to score when outstanding player /coach John Davies intercepted on the halfway to race over unopposed, converted by L Davies.(41-12), , followed by substitute flanker Simon Owens who picked up loose ball and drove over under the posts, Davies converted (48-12) The final well deserved try and conversion were scored by Cwmcarn, who must be praised for their commitment. (48-19).
Final Score - Cwmtillery 48 - Cwmcarn 19
12th Oct 2002 Abertysswg 14 Vs Cwmtillery Saracens RFC 45
On Saturday Cwmtillery travelled away to face Gwent District side, Abertysswg with a depleted side through injuries and non-availability's but were thankfully helped out by guest players from Cwm RFC. After a fiery start with both sides exchanging blows, scrum half Mark Staley broke away from a scrum 10m out and raced through a gap to score an Austin Healy style try which was converted by Alun Edmunds. (0 - 7) Outside half Edmunds then found a gap in the opposition back line to race over to score another try, which he again converted. (0-14) Cwmtillery with confidence flowing continued to run the ball at all opportunities and after a good handling movement feed wing Damian Attwell to scamper over in the corner converted by Edmunds. (0-21)
Half Time 0 - 21
Abertysswg came out the second half more strongly and quickly benefited with an interception-converted try by fullback Darren Wogan who raced over from 60m. (7 - 21) With the home sides forwards now getting on top a further try was scored from a resulting driving maul (14-21) With the game now reduced to uncontested scrums due to injuries in the Tysswg front row the youthful Cwmtillery pack raised they game and on-loan second row, Mike Harrington intercepted on the half way line and beat the home fullback to score under the posts, converted by Edmunds. (14-28) who followed this with a well-taken penalty (14-31) Deep into the second half, wing Attwell raced clear and fed supporting fullback Liam Beattie to score a well worked converted try under the posts. (14-38) Cwmtillery's final try came from powerful back row player, Richard Harris, making his first start for the club who picked up from a ruck and drove over to score, converted by Edmunds.
Final Score Abertsswg 14 - Cwmtillery Saracens 45
6th Oct 2002 CWMCARN Utd. 19 - CWMTILLERY 68
Cwmtillery showed from the start the type of rugby they can play by scoring their first try after just three minutes with the ball being moved along they back line for winger Damian Attwell to score but failed to convert. From the restart hands in the ruck gave fullback Mark Williams an easy penalty to take the score to 0 - 8.
Cwmtillery continued to move the ball wide at every opportunity and from their own 22 the ball was again spread across the line for Attwell to score his 2nd try finishing off from 50m out which was this time converted by Williams.(0-15)
Next came a try for No.8 Craig Meredith, with Cwmcarn having the put in to the scrum in their own 22 Meredith caught the scrum half in possession and drove and stole the ball for a well earned try. (0-20) With confidence flowing and everyone wanting the ball in hand the back row of E Long, K Hale and Meredith linked well to feed mobile prop Johnathon Brake who in turn fed supporting fullback Williams to score and convert under the posts. (0-27)
From another scrum the back row moved the ball to centre Dean Thomas who left players in his shadow as he crossed for a try again converted by Williams.(0-34)
During a passage of scrappy play Williams scored another unconverted try and Attwell scored his third resulting from a 50m interception try which was converted by outside half Lee Davies(0-47) and all this still inside the first half.
Half time Cwmcarn 0 - Cwmtillery 47
The second half started the same as the first with Williams opening the scoring by some strong running and breaking through tackles to score and convert his own try under the post.(0-54), and again being fed by scrum half Perritt for his 4th try which was converted by D Thomas.(0-61) With Cwmtillery now making many changed and reduced to 14 men due to the sin bin of winger Gareth Davies the side lost momentum which resulted in two well worked tries for Cwmcarn (14-61) Cwmtillery finished the game with a powerful run by prop Tim Gifford, helping out in the second row scoring a well deserved try, converted by Williams. Final Score Cwmcarn United 19 - Cwmtillery Saracens 68
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28th Sept 2002 Worthington Welsh Districts Cup - First Round.
Cwmtillery 13 - Llanwern 11

Cwmtillery opened there cup account with a tough home draw against Newport and District side, Llanwern. Both sides were evenly matched with little scoring opportunities developing for both sides in the first half. llanwern were first on the score board with 2 well taken penalties to take them in at half time 0-6 ahead. In the second half Cwmtillery rasied they game and quickly replied with a penalty by outside half, Curly Davies. (3-6). Cwmtillery continued to attack the Llanwern half and from a resulting shortened lineout, Captain and Man of the Match, Kevin Hale, drove up the middle, deep into the oppositions 22 and fed centre John Davies who went over under the posts, converted by Curly Davies.(10-6)
With time running out and the match result still in the balance Llanwern pressed the Cwmtillery line but strong scrummaging by new young props Adam Pegler and Johnathon Brake in the first year out of Youth rugby kept them at bay only for a momentary slip of concentration by Curly Davies to gift llanwern with a charged down try which went unconverted (10-11).
With time almost over, Cwmtillery from the restart gained a turnover ball only for Llanwern to infringe at the ruck and from the resulting penalty with the last kick of the game Curly Davies from 35mtrs out made amends for his earlier mistake and slotted over the kick to take Cwmtillery into the next round of the cup.(13-11)
Match photos
14th Sept 2002 Cwmtillery 18 Vs Girlings RFC 40
On Saturday Cwmtillery entertained a very strong and experienced Girlings side doing down 18 - 40. The new look Cwmtillery side with a mixture of young players and old friends returning performed admirably against a well organised pack and strong running backs. Girlings opened the scoring quickly with a try and conversion and went on to end the first half 18 - O in front. In the second half Cwmtillery notched up their first points with a penalty by Mark Williams and from then on tried desperately to get back into the game putting some well worked moves together and showing what potential they can be this season. Girlings scored another try before further tries were scored by Kevin Meredith and Dean Thomas narrowing the gap to 25 - 15. In the final quarter Girlings fitness came through and ran in a further 3 tries to take the final score to 40 - 18. This game provided a yard stick to the new Cwmtillery side and much heart can be taken from their performance.
7th Sept 2002 Llanishen II 0 Vs Cwmtillery RFC
Cwmtillery RFC started there 2002 / 2003 season with a hastily arranged fixture away to Llanishen. Cwmtillery opened their account with a penalty, try and conversion by center Mark Williams in what was a error ridden first half. In the second half Cwmtillery grew in confidence and quickly settled into their game plan, playing open, flowing rugby. Newly appointed captain, Kevin Hale led by example with deep runs into the oppositions half resulting in a well taken try. Further scores were added by D Attwell, D Hendy, G Plaster, L Beattie, E Long and Adam Pegler. Special mention must go to Man of the Match, Craig Meredith for his lineout dominance and powerful runs and also to new recruits Adam Pegler, Mark J Williams and Gareth Davies who all showed tremendous potential in what was their first senior game.
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