Bedwas RFC back-rower, Robson Blake, has been named as the Principality Premiership player of the month for September.
The 21-year-old scored twice in four matches as his form mirrored that that of his club, with Bedwas winning three of their opening four matches and registering a spectacular 37-19 victory away to Merthyr – becoming the only side to defeat the Ironmen this season.
An early 13-18 loss at Bridge Field to Pontypridd on the opening day of the season propelled the club forward, sparking a run of four matches unbeaten before finally falling to Bridgend in their last outing.
One of the men at the heart of that run was 21-year-old Blake, who signed for the club in the summer having turned out for Bedlinog last season, making a few appearances for Bedwas in the process.
“The Fosters Cup eased me in a bit last season, but the Premiership is definitely a step up”, said Blake.
“I’ve gone from Division 1 rugby to the Premiership and had to adapt quite quickly. It’s a lot quicker and more structured, but with great coaching, I’m enjoying the challenge.
“Our plan at Bedwas is definitely to be in top eight at the halfway point of the season.”
The back-rower grew up in Talybont, Powys, and played for Merthyr Youth under current Bedlinog coach Craig Dummett before the pair linked up again last season.
Away from rugby, Blake works as a tree surgeon for Smerdons, but hopes to make the sport he loves his full-time profession, adding: “On a personal note, I would like to think I could turn pro. It would be nice to take things a step further but I’m happy with my rugby at the moment and with the way things are going.”
Speaking to the Welsh Rugby Union, Bedwas head coach Steve Law believes his young back row has all the ingredients to make it in the big time: “Robson is a young man with a god given talent, he’s got skill and been very effective in what we have achieved so far this season.
“When he plays well we have been able to play off him and achieved what we have wanted. If one of the regions invested in Robson Blake my opinion is he would be a top class player and he definitely has the standard to become a professional rugby player.”
Deborah Rowley, senior customer consultation at Principality’s Caerphilly branch, said: “Bedwas have made a good start to the season and Robson’s performances have helped them reach the top half of the Principality Premiership table. We wish him best of luck for the rest of the season.”