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Caerphilly RFC U13s rounded off the season with silverware, becoming the first Caerphilly RFC team to win the Dragon Cup despite missing their player of the year and captain. 

In the tournament’s sixth year, the Dragon Cup has become a big event on the local rugby calendar, with the final usually played at Newport’s Rodney Parade.

Caerphilly’s U13s had to overcome five sides to reach the final, where they eventually beat the odds to defeat Whitehead RFC 27-12. 

Coach Damian Lawlor said this about the success: “We’ve been a competitive team for a few years now. Although in every game we were up against it with a physically smaller team.

“We lost our captain during the week so the team was nervous going into the game. We played brilliantly though and everyone was over the moon.”

Chairman Gareth Ashman told Caerphilly Observer how this victory was extra sweet for him as his son was a member of the team. He added: “It was a great day and result for the players, families, coaches and of course the club.”

It was an extra special day for Lena Davies, according to Damian. Davies is the only girl on the team, with this being her final game before leaving the side.

“It was a great day for Lena”, said Damian, “she scored a try and has since been tipped by Wales Women to become a future international”, he concluded.