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Senghenydd RFC Youth narrowly missed out on a semi-final place in the WRU U18s Bowl after losing 22-12 away to Aberystwyth on Saturday February 1.

Despite the loss, the side has has a promising future with the club building on its work over the past few years to attract more players.

Head coach Alun Ford said the game was “end-to-end” with players putting in a performance that was worthy of themselves.

He said: “They were in the game until the final minute with just one score between the teams, until Aberystwyth kicked a penalty.

“It could have gone either way.”

Despite the exit from the national bowl, Senghenydd Youth still have a chance of silverware when they face Caerleon in the regional Dragon Bowl final at Rodney Parade in May.

Concentrating on its young player development has not only seen former youth player Harri Ford recently selected for Wales U20s, but also five of its players attached to the Dragons youth set-up.

It has also attracted the attention of a new sponsor – D-Drill and Sawing.

As part of its investment in the side, youth players were looking smart for the 200-mile trip to Aberystwyth sporting new polo shirts.

The arrangement has also seen new training kits as well as making a contribution towards playing kits.

Dai Pritchard, whose son Shea plays for the youth team, approached D-Drill and Sawing for sponsorship because he had worked with the business on some of his projects.

“The new kits are very smart and it is great that the squad has the polo shirts to wear on match days as well as the new training kit,” he said.

“We are self-funded and we didn’t want to charge the boys too much for their kit because they are either at school or working part-time so we wanted to make it as cheap as possible for them.

“I have worked with D-Drill before so, as the team manager, I asked the club if they would be happy for me to approach them to ask if they could help us out.

“We massively appreciate the support of D-Drill and one of their members of staff, Lionel Whittemore, who works nationwide but lives in London, came along to see us and watch one of our games on a Friday night which was good of him to do that.”

Julie White, managing director of D-Drill and Sawing, said: “Senghenydd RFC is well-known in the area for its inclusivity and having a thriving juniors and minis section is really important for its ongoing success.

“Having celebrated the club’s 125th birthday last year, the players, coaches and everyone involved are looking forward to the future and we are delighted to be playing a part with sponsorship of Senghenydd RFC Youth.

“It is not all about results, but it is great the team has had a positive start to the season by winning their first two league games.”

D-Drill has now joined a growing roster of youth team sponsors which include The George Morgan Young Player Trust, Caerphilly Skips, Dyno Plumbing, Bespoke Access, Smerdon Tree Services, Beton Bauen, Eco Vigour, Firerite, and Admiral.