OLD Penarthians RFC have come out on top of the SSE SWALEC Division 3 East Central C league, securing their promotion.

The Old Pens have only lost one game during this year’s campaign, bouncing back after a disappointing 2014/15 season.

Captain Lloyd Davey said he can’t wait for next season.

“I’ve been playing for the Old Penarthians for around five years now and have always believed that the lads were capable of so much more than they’ve been achieving," he said. "Having gone through such a poor season last year, the way in which things have turned around for us has been superb.

"I think that the momentum that we gathered this year is key in taking the squad in to the 2016/17 season and the confidence that we have gained with our own abilities will be essential in facing the new challenges and teams in division 3 East Central B. It’s been an honour captaining the 1st XV again.”

The league title was secured in style on Wednesday, April 27 when Old Penarthians beat Hirwaun 58 points to zero, revenging the team's only league defeat this season much to the satisfaction of coaches, Simon Hurley, Anthony Davies and Curtis Taylor.

The result now means that with one game left to play the points difference over Cardiff Saracens is unassailable.

The result showed how much the team has improved both as individual decision makers and as a team unit. It was still not a perfect performance with the lineout still not functioning as it should but the loose forward play and the quality of the threequarter play was outstanding.

The 58 home points were made up from nine tries scored by Simon Davies, Joel deClaire, Rhys Lakin, Lloyd Davey (2), Mark Sadler, Tim Naylor, Charles Gore and Danny Godfrey and one penalty and five conversions from Jonathan Crimp.

That Hirwaun were unable to score, and had only two kickable penalties that were missed, says much for the collective resolution of the whole side that has prevented opponents from scoring in seven other matches this season.

In fact in league matches this season the team has conceded only 90 points, whilst at the same time scoring 572 points. This does not include the 104 points scored in the two fixtures with CIACS in the league which were then expunged from the record by the WRU because CIACS were unfortunately unable to fulfil their league commitment.

Overall an impressive record for the Old Penarthians this season with 14 wins from the 15 matches played.

The Hirwaun match also featured prominent displays from Rhys Lakin, Lloyd Davey, Tom Sidford, Jon Crimp and winger Simon Davies, who seems to get quicker the older he gets.

Whilst individuals may stand out they cannot perform without their team mates and much of the hard graft put in by the forwards such as Sam Hall, Lee Brennan, Reggie Blake, Matt Allen, Joel deClaire, Geraint Blake and the man still defying his age, Alun Haines.

All the threequarters scored in the match except Gareth Clancy but he controlled matters from the bases of scrums and rucks to ensure the right options were chosen and a link was provided for the rest of the backs to work their moves.

After the match an official presentation was made to captain Lloyd Davey by Gwyn Bowden, district B director of the WRU, of the Divisional Trophy in front of a large crowd of supporters who had come to watch the match.

It was also appreciated that the Hirwaun team and their supporters stayed to celebrate the Old Penarthians victory in a spirit that says much for the game of rugby.

Being top of the table is a major confidence boost for the Old Pens and head coach Simon Hurley said he’s proud of his side.

He said: “We’ve overcome some big challenges throughout the season and the whole squad has pulled together to maintain our momentum and play some high tempo, attractive rugby.

"There’s a fantastic team spirit amongst this group of players and this is a just reward for all their commitment and hard work.”

WRU board member Gwyn Bowden said: “I’d like to congratulate Old Penarthians RFC on having a successful season and gaining their League promotion.

"We would also like to wish all their players, supporters and loyal club officials a thoroughly enjoyable season again next year.”

In addition to the match against Hirwaun, the Old Penarthians also played in the semi-final match of the East District Cup  against WRU League Division One opponents Rhiwbina and put up a creditable performance although losing by 47 points to 17 points.

The Old Pens did not get off to the best of starts or finishes in either halves conceding converted tries on four occasions worth 28 points. The other elements of the game were however competitive and whilst it was difficult to pick out individuals Geraint "Trevor" Blake is worth a mention for an all-round performance in attack and defence.

Despite the promotion that comes with the league title there is still one game to play away to Cathays before the season comes to a close and fixture secretary Jon Vaughan is trying his best to find a mutually acceptable date in the heavy end of term schedule that Cathays have to manage.

Visit http://oldpenarthians.rfc.wales/ to find out when the fixture will be played.