RUGBY UNION: Cross Keys and Wales Under 20 prop Leon Brown has won the Principality Premiership Player of the month award for October.
Brown has been in fine form, helping the Keys to second place in the table after wins over Bridgend, Ebbw Vale and Pontypridd and a draw with Aberavon during the month. He also helped the Dragons Regional Premiership Select XV to victory over Jersey at Pandy Park on Sunday, November 22.
The St Josephs RFC and Newport High product said: “I’m really grateful to have been given the opportunity to play for Cross Keys by Greg Woods and Jonathan Westwood. We’ve enjoyed a good run of form with some pleasing wins which always helps.
“Greg has helped me a lot and Cross Keys’ style of rugby makes it easy for forwards like me to get involved in the game and make an impact.”
Leon, who only turned 19 in October, is hoping for more of the same over the coming season.
“At the moment I just want to keep playing and take the opportunities that come my way in terms of the Principality Premiership and the British and Irish Cup. If I can produce consistent performances, hopefully I will get some game time for Wales Under 20 in the Six Nations.
“Ultimately my aim is to play professional, regional rugby and playing Principality Premiership and British and Irish Cup are all stepping stones towards that.”
Cross Keys head coach Greg Woods added: “Leon is a fantastic tighthead for his young age. He is the perfect build, has an outstanding work rate and really enjoys the set piece, which is refreshing for a young prop.
“He has certainly brought energy to our pack and, if he keeps improving, he has a really long future in the professional game ahead of him.
“The Dragons are watching him and I think he just needs to keep his head down.”
Principality Building Society’s Newport branch manager, Laura Palmer, said: “The Principality Premiership is designed to be a breeding ground for young rugby talent and Leon has certainly shown that this is being delivered. Leon has been in superb form for Cross Keys over the last few months, helping them to the top of the table and we wish him the best of luck for the rest of the season.”
• Cross Keys’ 20-18 home win over Llandovery on Saturday, December 5, means they head into Christmas top of the Principality Premiership.
The top-of-the-table clash saw the two teams slug it out at Pandy Park. Keys managed to stay top of the league despite a 79th minute converted try from the Drovers and a last minute onslaught.
Cross Keys now face Newport in three matches.
The first match against the Black and Ambers was at Rodney Parade on Thursday, December 10, in a Foster’s Challenge Cup game. The return game at Pandy Park is on Wednesday December 16. Boxing Day’s clash is a Principality Premiership game at Pandy Park.