JES GROUP CUP FINAL
SOUTH WALES JETS 62 ABERAVON FIGHTING IRISH 26
IAN GOLDEN, The Gnoll, Neath, Saturday

LEAGUE leaders South Wales Jets added the cup to their trophy cabinet, setting a new points record in a final in the process and finishing just four points shy of the biggest winning margin, set by Bridgend Blue Bulls in 2005.

The victory arguably hinged on a spell shortly before half-time when the Jets made light of the sinbinning of Shane Lee for a high tackle. 

Aberavon, who had trailed 12-4 before Lee was carded, immediately reduced the arrears to a couple of points when Sean Waldeck converted his own try.

But twelve-man South Wales went in at the break 22-10 ahead, with the help of touchdowns by George Groves and Dai Hooper.

That lead was extended on the resumption – after Lee had returned – Jamie Marsh popping in and Kavan Phillips landing his fourth goal. 

Ben Pinnock nosed the Jets further in front, Marsh kicking the first of his five conversions, before the Fighting Irish reduced the arrears to 34-20 with touchdowns by Conor O’Callaghan (improved by Waldeck) and Owen Thomas.

Pinnock and Dean Higgs renewed South Wales’ assault and although the league’s top try-scorer Cody Rees replied for Aberavon and Waldeck improved, the Jets – who will feature in the 2027 Betfred Challenge Cup by dint of having topped the JES Group Welsh Conference – finished in style with tries by Higgs, Craig Lewis and Groves.

Darren Moyle and Zak Williams had opened for the Jets, Thomas replying in the early stages. 

JES GROUP SHIELD FINAL
BRIDGEND BLUE BULLS 30 RHONDDA OUTLAWS 28
IAN GOLDEN, The Gnoll, Neath, Saturday

BRIDGEND, who had looked certain winners at the break when they led by 18 points, were left hanging on for victory in a real thriller.

Llewellyn Hawkes, who was a key figure with four tries and five goals, converted his first two scores and an Alex Green effort to help forge an 18-0 interval lead. 

Rhondda, however, restored parity through touchdowns for Caeran Hawkins and (twice) Oli Owen, with Kalem McCarthy improving two scores and Ruben Main the other. 

Hawkes nosed Bridgend back in front with his hat-trick try before McCarthy responded to peg the Blue Bulls back to 24-22.

With seven minutes left, Hawkes grabbed his fourth try and fifth goal before, on 79 minutes, Jamie Allen crossed for the Outlaws, Jordan Williams adding the extras to leave Bridgend hanging on.