“There is only one way to succeed at anything: to give everything.”
This powerful quote, the mantra of Heol-y-Cyw at the start of the season, encapsulates the team’s unwavering commitment and determination.
Indeed, the side has lived up to these words, delivering a fantastic season for the village team. They have achieved some notable results and added silverware to their trophy cabinet.
Across Wales, from the quiet valleys to the bustling cities, rugby binds communities together, and in Heol-y-Cyw, that bond runs especially deep.
The club has relished a prosperous season, but this year in particular, the clubhouse has been burning bright.
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A team on fire
14th September marked the beginning of the grassroots season. For opening day, Heol-y-Cyw made the short journey to Pencoed.
There was a palpable sense of anticipation for the game, and the crowds gathered to see the return of Gavin Henson for Pencoed RFC.
Heol-y-Cyw got off to a fantastic start with a 30–10 victory over their rivals. After taking down Mumbles and Resolven, they made a real statement with a big 70–7 win over Maesteg Celtic, a match where their attacking prowess was on full display.
It was their league victory against the Aberavon Quins where Heol-y-Cyw showed another side to themselves.
In the early rounds, Heol-y-Cyw dazzled with their attacking flair. Yet, in Aberavon, it was their grit and composure that saw them through.
The team travelled to the same ground the next week and put in a more commanding performance.
Heol-y-Cyw were on fire and didn’t taste defeat until March, stumbling to Abercrave. They got payback to clinch the title later in the season.
Their trailblazing form in league competition was rewarded by lifting the trophy and becoming champions.
It was in the league that they reaped the rewards. In the cup competition, Heol-y-Cyw gave a strong account of themselves.
They went deep in both the WRU Division 2 and District Cups. In the Division 2 Cup, they got some fantastic wins over the likes of Aberavon Quins and Ynysybwl.
However, their win against Pencoed in round three truly stood out. Unlike their first meeting, where September was trying to hold onto the dying embers of summer, it was a brisk 14th December afternoon. The crowds gathered en masse as the local rivalry kicked off.
In a tightly contested match, both teams gave 100%, and as daylight dwindled, Heol-y-Cyw advanced, getting their second victory over Pencoed.
They battled their way to the semis, only to be edged out by a strong St Albans side, a team known for their physicality and defensive prowess.
In other competitions, Heol-y-Cyw got their first taste of Division One action. The team and supporters travelled to the iconic Dairy Field.
It was another high-profile encounter for the squad from the village. Penarth came away with victory, but it must have been great to play in the semi-final of a historic competition.
Then, in the final contest of the season, they met Division One West Central champions, Bridgend Athletic RFC.
It was a phenomenal season for Heol-y-Cyw on the pitch. Yet, what has been special is seeing the support the community has for their team.
In every game, come rain or shine, the sidelines have been filled with passionate support.
From people in the know
The team has had a great season and deserves a tremendous amount of credit. Don’t just take it from me; take it from the people in the know.
The people who are at every training session. Every game. Every social. Coach Grant Hall talks about how proud he is of the team.
“Yeah, so proud of the team this year with such a small squad of roughly 27 players. It’s been very tough keeping boys fit and managing the game time.
The commitment from them, week in and week out, demonstrates their dedication to the cause.
Not having a field to train on for big parts of the season and training in the club car park in all sorts of weather conditions. Mentally, week in and week out, to perform and keep winning shows some real grit and determination.”
The word commitment speaks volumes, which can be seen whenever Heol-y-Cyw runs out.
Historically, a team that punches well above its weight, this year’s squad has embodied the pride and spirit that come with the jersey.
It is a team with passion and grit; within the ranks, there is a plethora of leaders, but the person who leads the team is Jordan Hawkins.
The skipper talks about what it’s been like to captain the team in this successful season, a season fuelled by passion for the game and a determination to succeed.
“When I was asked to be captain, I was never going to say no. There are so many leaders in our team it didn’t change my job.
“The only thing I had to do was the toss, and I lost more than I won. Our team was there or thereabouts last season.
“The signings we made were only going to make us stronger as a squad. We won the league and made it to two semi-finals and one final.
So, it was a successful season; this success is largely due to a good coaching setup and strong competition within the squad, where everyone pushes one another. We are a tight-knit group.”
Representation in the SRC
Throughout the Heol-y-Cyw squad, you have exceptional players. Jake Lloyd contributed a lot with his precise kicking off the tee. Lochie Barron and Daniel Phillips crossed the whitewash with regular frequency.
The likes of Chris Howe, Arron Pinches, and Adam O’Driscoll, whose reputations echo through rugby clubs in Bridgend and beyond, played a vital role in the club’s journey this season.
One player who has been crucial to the team this season is Paul Short. Heol-y-Cyw’s fly-half had a great season and even ran out for Bridgend Ravens in a televised game against Ebbw Vale.
Brought in as injury cover, Short returned to his former club. He didn’t look out of place in the Ravens’ backline and scored eight points off the tee.
Even though Bridgend were defeated 48–17 on that Thursday night, Short played well, showing the quality that Heol-y-Cyw have in their squad. Going back to the idea of commitment, Short played for Bridgend on the Thursday and then suited up for Heol-y-Cyw.
Next season
After winning Division Two West Central and earning promotion, Heol-y-Cyw will compete in Division One West Central, taking on teams like Ystalyfera, Ystradgynlais, and Nantyffyllon.
The team should take a lot of confidence into their 2025/26 campaign. The odds speak volumes; Dragon Bet has backed Heol-y-Cyw as favourites at 7/4. Hall talks about the challenge of Division One rugby.
“Very excited about the challenge of Division One next season and especially seeing some of the younger boys growing in the jersey and seeing what they will bring.
“Hopefully, we can sign a few more players, which will be key to strengthening the squad.”
It is a great club, a fixture of a tight-knit community, built on foundations of loyalty, togetherness, and an undying love for rugby.
Heol-y-Cyw stands out in a wealth of historic clubs in Bridgend County. In every new challenge lies a calling, and whether you wear the jersey or cheer from the touchline, this is a community you want to call home.
By Pete Ryan
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