CAPTAIN Stuart Vokes has pledged that the Newbridge squad will "bring the good times back" after being frustrated in their bid for the double.

The Welfare Ground side were going great guns when the Welsh Rugby Union cancelled the season because of the coronavirus crisis.

The Pigs had responded to last season's relegation from the Championship impressively and looked sure to win the Division One East title.

They had an eight-point lead over second-placed Penallta plus a game in hand and were unbeaten with 13 wins and a draw.

'Bridge were on course to face the winners of One East Central for the right to return to the second tier, while they were also 80 minutes away from a big day out at Principality Stadium.

Wins against Blaenavon, Carmarthen Athletic, Aberystwyth and Llangennech had set up a semi-final with Glynneath in the Specsavers National Plate.

Newbridge won't get the chance to finish the job in 2019/20 but skipper Vokes believes the signs are encouraging for a club that had struggled in recent seasons.

"It was a fantastic season and going unbeaten was a massive achievement by the boys," said the hooker, who has re-signed for 2020/21.

"I'd like to say a massive thank you to all the coaches – Daf (Martin-Lloyd, team manager), Jason (Williams, coach) and Kris (Gay, coach), who work endlessly. We will bring the good times back to the club.

"The ball is already rolling for next season and all the players are really focused on going that one step further."

A Newbridge statement backed the WRU's decision to cancel the season and also pointed out the impact that the outbreak has had throughout the club.

"All our age grade sections have also been affected by the enormity of the ongoing situation," it read.

"We particularly have to spare a thought for a number of our youth team that were looking forward to playing their last number of games together as youth players before setting off to play senior rugby.

"Also, our under-16s who were playing their last games in junior rugby as a group and who will miss out on their long-planned tour to Belgium.

"We are also aware that our mini and junior teams have had their end of season plans and tours affected by this outbreak.

"However, having had the amount of free time on our hands that is normally dedicated to rugby and all things NRFC, it has given us some time to reflect on what has gone on this season.

"Quite simply, we are very lucky to be in the position we are and to have the people that we've got associated with our club.

"From our chairman, Idris McCarthy, to our committee members and volunteers that give up their time working hard behind the scenes to make things work.

"The senior coaching team and fantastic group of players, all coaches, age reps, players, first aiders and parents who are involved with our mini, junior and youth sections.

"Every business that sponsors any of our teams from top to bottom and to our fantastic supporters, whether it's a Saturday watching the first team, cheering on our junior sections on a Sunday or maybe both, you have all played a huge part in getting the club back to where we want it to be."