Substitute Jess James snatched the spoils for Haverfordwest as they edged out Merched Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd 20-17 in the Bowl final during National Women’s Club finals day at the Principality Stadium.
The winger, who only took up rugby a year ago, went over in the corner with just under nine minutes remaining of a thriller that ebbed and flowed with the lead changing hands five times.
CRCC had an exciting attacker in full-back Mirain Jones and jackaling flanker in Mali Williams but Haverfordwest were a shade too strong.
Centres Ella Sturley and Megan Davies were a potent pairing with a knack of doing the right thing at the right time to produce a decisive contribution.
Haverfordwest were 10-8 behind at the end of the first half with CRCC scoring tries through replacement front-rower Beth Kenure and centre Laura Stewart.
Lock Jana Neumann had ploughed over for Haverfordwest with outside-half Elin Williams being successful with a penalty.
They took the lead six minutes into the second half when Sturley combined with Davies for the latter to score, Williams converting.
CRCC weren’t finished though with a quick tap-penalty from Jones culminating in left-wing Sophie Longland touching down in the corner with Helena Snuggs landing the conversion to put them back in front, 17-15.
But they failed to clear following the restart and defended heroically under incessant pressure from Haverfordwest. The dam eventually broke with Sturley exploiting an overlap for James to dive over for the winner.
After the match, captain Emma Summons said: “It was a pretty special experience that hasn’t really sunk in yet. You only ever dream of playing at the Principality so to get that opportunity & lift the trophy at the end was phenomenal.
“I’m so proud of the girls, it shows have far we’ve come this season & they deserve the success from the commitment that’s been shown.
“Also a big thank you to the coaching team & back room staff who put in a lot of time to get us there & the support we received in the stadium & from those watching back home was amazing. It’s definitely a day we wont forget! We would also like to thank our sponsors Hayston Tree Servcies, Pembrokeshire Gin Co, Block & Barrel & Penfro Construction for sponsoring our polo tops for the post match.”
