Greatest Moments - 1997-98

Rhymney capped an outstanding season by defeating Premier division Newport 33-22 in the final of the Worthington Ben Francis Cup at Eugene Cross Park, Ebbw Vale. It was the first time Rhymney had won the trophy and they fully deserved their victory over the holders, with outside half Wayne Booth notching up 23 of their points.

The Worthington Cup victory was one of two great achievements last term as Rhymney finished their league campaign with a run of successive victories to earn promotion to WRU national League Division Two as runners-up to Llantrisant. While the 1998-99 season may be one of consolidation for the Brewers in Division Two, they certainly have their sights set on retaining the Worthington Ben Francis Cup.

"The club is acting very responsibly and we are determined to work within the budget we have allocated", said Rhymney spokesman Phil Atkinson. "We have brought in a number of new players to replace those who have left for pastures anew. It is difficult to hold on to players these days as Division One clubs receive far more money than those in Division Two.

"Nevertheless, we are still on the look-out for the type of player we believe would fit in at the club."

Gaining promotion was Rhymney's main aim last season and they achieved that with a nine point cushion over third placed Oakdale.

Welsh Brewers Customer and Service Sales Manager Cenydd Hayward presenting trophy to Rhymney captain Keith Edwards:

Ben Frances Cup Winning Side:

Back Row: P. Adams (ref), M. Cox (T. Judge), A. Robins (Coach), L. Raule (T. Judge), C. Merrick, D. Rees, J. Williams (Player Coach), G. Williams, W. Bowen, L. Handford, A. Smerdon, S. Jarman, D. Worgan, D. Davies, G. Ayres, A. Owen (Physio), L. Thomas
Front Row: A. Forrest, J. Pearce, W. Booth, J. Hodges, K. Edwards (Capt.), D. Lloyd, M. Roberts, M. Pizey, J. Pinch, M. Cushen, R. Davies, D. Kidd