FRIDAY 1st July saw six young Monmouth rugby players being rewarded for their hard work and commitment to Pontypool and District Schools Rugby at the end of season awards evening.
The evening, held at Pontypool Rugby Club, saw all the young players rewarded with the presentation of district caps and players medals.
Osian Copley and Matthew Cotton, both under 11 Sharks at Monmouth, along with Finley Sheppard, Harry Fernandez-Ford, Jack Gadd and Tom Stentiford, under 10s Griffins, all enjoyed a successful season ending in the annual rugby tour to Paese, Italy where for the second season running the Lions won the tournament.
During the season the Lions played a total of 17 games, winning 14, drawing two and losing just one game, scoring an impressive 530 points with only 280 against them. The Tigers played nine games, winning six and losing three with 160 points for and 150 points against.
All the boys were rewarded for their playing, each receiving a district cap and players medal.
Lion’s vice captain, Matthew Cotton was announced as the top try scorer for the forwards scoring 24 tries during the season. He was also presented with coaches player of the year for 2016.
Also playing for the Lions Harry Fernandez-Ford was announced as next years vice captain.
Jack Gadd was presented with coaches player of the year for the Tigers and Osian Copley was voted as Tiger’s players’ player of the year.
Matthew Cotton was also presented with his county cap after being selected to play for Gwent Schools Rugby in June.
Commenting on the boys record achievements at district level, chairman of young rugby Jonathan Henry said: “All the boys are to be congratulated on a fantastic season at Monmouth RFC with a record number of players being selected during the season to represent Pontypool and District Schools.
“Such amazing achievements by all selected is just reward for outstanding effort by these players and huge thanks must go out to all the volunteers coaches who assisted their progress throughout the season. To travel to Italy and win the tournament outright without conceding a try in the process is an outstanding achievement, well done boys!”