Looking back and looking ahead at Bombers' awards night

Sunday, 8 June 2025 08:00

By Ken Watkins

Owen Rees received the Bethan Howell award from club secretary and winner of the chairman’s award Jo Evans. Pics: Mark Edwards.

More than 100 club members and guests attended Barry RFC’s annual presentation night at the Masonic Hall, with awards going to both youth and first team players.

The Bethan Howell award, which recognises commitment to the squad, went to Owen Rees. Joe Gatt Jnr was the most improved player, with Jack Long named the coaches’ player of the season, and Alyn Evans voted the players’ player.

Youth awards, following the team’s WRU Youth Plate triumph - the first team in the club’s 137-year history to become national champions - went to player of the year Tyler Reinholdt, players' player Zac Edwards and coaches' player Morgan Prosser.

Club caps, badges and ties were also presented to Youth, senior and former players during the evening.

The previous day, the club had held a joint meeting between the senior and Youth players, setting out plans for next season. In his speech at the presentation night, chairman Mike Prosser described that meeting as the “highlight” of the evening, adding: “it looks like exciting times lie ahead for both the youth and senior teams."

He paid tribute to the “young Bombers, who secured a massive and historical win in the WRU Youth Plate final, beating Gorseinon 24 point to 21”, and extended his thanks to now departed youth head coach John Dimond and his team of Sam Bowditch and Joe Gatt Snr, wishing them “every success at Sully Sports RFC."

Peter O’Sullivan moves up from head coach of the under-16s to take over as head youth coach for season 2025-26.

The first team, average age 23, was, according to Prosser, “a team in the midst of development” which played some “cracking rugby”. He had, he said “no doubt that we will shift up another gear next season” before paying tribute to the coaching staff – Mike Morgan, Marc Devine, James Hollister and Tom Perry.

The Chairman’s Award went to Jo Evans, who last season became the first female secretary and director in the club’s history. Former player Lloyd Jones was appointed as treasurer and director during the season.

Both, said Prosser, “work tirelessly for the club”. He also thanked all volunteers at Barry RFC, adding: “This institution of ours does not survive without the valuable support and contribution of its volunteers.”

In conclusion, he emphasised the importance of the club’s values, vision and objectives. These include the aim of being a well-run club, offering opportunities for all; playing at the highest level; to be a leading provider of sports and community driven facilities in the Vale of Glamorgan area; and “to be the best we can with a strong will for improvement”.

The club is now recruiting players for the first and second teams for next season. Training for the new season starts on Tuesday 1st July at 7pm at the Reservoir Field. For more information, contact head coach Mike Morgan on 07967 891322.

---

Youth team players, brothers Isaac and Sam Thomas, have been selected for the Wales B18 squad for the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup, which is being staged at the University of Limerick from July 31st to August 3rd, with more than 30 teams taking part.