Cefn Cribwr AC

11/03/2026

Cefn Cribwr RFC 17 - 24 Tonna RFC

District D Cup Semi Final

The Riders cup run came to a brave end on Wednesday night as they narrowly lost 17–24 to a strong Tonna side in a fiercely contested District Cup semi-final at Harlequin Rd .

Facing opposition currently competing at the top end of Division 3, the Riders knew they faced a stern challenge, but they more than matched their higher-league opponents in a physical and entertaining encounter.

Playing towards the clubhouse end in the first half, Cefn started brightly with both teams testing each other out during a tight opening quarter largely played in the middle third.

Despite early pressure and opting against two kickable penalties, it was Tonna who struck first with a penalty to lead 3–0 after 20 minutes.

Tonna soon extended their advantage when they capitalised on some loose defending to cross for a converted try and move 10–0 ahead.

Cefn responded superbly. From a ruck inside the Tonna 22, scrum-half Cam Steele produced a moment of brilliance, beating two defenders before rounding the full-back to score an excellent solo try. Lewis Anderson, taking over the kicking duties, added the conversion to reduce the deficit to 10–7.

Tonna restored their cushion shortly afterwards, driving over from a well-executed lineout following a series of penalties to make it 17–7.

The Riders again refused to back down. Sustained pressure from the restart deep in the Tonna 22 resulted in Steele grabbing his second try of the night, darting over from close range to leave the half-time score at 17–12.

Facing a moderate breeze in the second half, Tonna struck early once again, taking advantage of several missed tackles to score a converted try and stretch the lead to 24–12.

But Cefn’s resilience has been a hallmark all season and they once again lifted the tempo. Young centre Ieaun Allen produced a fine break that nearly set up winger Bailey John, only for the referee to rule the final pass forward.

The Riders eventually found their reward when prop Joe Williams powered through multiple defenders to crash over and bring Cefn back within striking distance at 24–17.

The final quarter turned into a bruising contest, with both sides trading heavy blows and yellow cards were issued to both teams as the intensity rose. The large crowd at Harlequin Road were being treated to a gripping contest, with the Riders throwing everything at Tonna in the closing stages.

Despite relentless pressure , Tonna’s defence held firm to secure the win .

Cefn can take enormous pride from a huge team effort against higher-league opposition.

In the end the Riders just fell short. Full credit to Tonna and we wish them all the best in the final.

With such a massive team effort it’s difficult to single out individuals.

Honourable Mentions:
Antony Burnell – excellent work on both sides of the ball.
Lloyd Allen– another strong performance from the front .
Ieuan Allen– looked sharp ball in hand.
Tony Millington – made a huge impact from the bench.

A huge thank you to Justin Rees the Swan Aberkenfig for Sponsoring the man of the match award.

Supporters’ Man of the Match: Joe Williams
Teammates’ Player of the Match: Tony Millington

Thank you Aberavon Harlequins RFC for your hospitality.

Finally, a massive thank you to all our loyal supporters your support tonight was fantastic.

Next up for the Riders is Cwmgors at home in the league 21st March .

11/03/2026

GAME NIGHT.
COME AND CHEER THE BOYS ON!!!
KO 7:15PM - Aberavon Quins RFC

10/03/2026

*Cefn Cribwr RFC v Tonna RFC*

K.O: 7.15pm, Wednesday 11th March

Venue: Aberavon Quins, SA12 6UP

Cup Semi-Final Preview

The Riders turn their attention to cup action as Cefn Cribwr RFC face Tonna RFC in the District Cup Semi-Final on Wednesday night.

Going into the match as definite outsiders against a Tonna side currently sitting top of the league above, the Riders can approach the game with freedom and no pressure.

With the closing stages of a successful league campaign firmly in focus, this cup tie is a chance for the boys to test themselves against higher opposition.

Make no mistake though , this Riders side will bring plenty of heart, commitment and endeavour.

So leave the village, head down to Harlequin Road, and get behind the boys on Wednesday night. Your support makes all the difference .

Just like the Cheltenham Festival this week… we all love to see an outsider win. 😉

Squad of 23 for the semi final against Tonna

1.⁠ ⁠D Thomas
2.⁠ ⁠⁠H Williams
3.⁠ ⁠⁠P Burnell
4.⁠ ⁠⁠J Goodwin
5.⁠ ⁠⁠L Allen (Vc)
6.⁠ ⁠⁠L Rees
7.⁠ ⁠⁠A Burnell
8.⁠ ⁠⁠D Jones-Thomas
9.⁠ ⁠⁠C Steele
10.⁠ ⁠⁠T Carpenter (C)
11.⁠ ⁠⁠B John
12.⁠ ⁠⁠L Anderson
13.⁠ ⁠⁠I Allen
14.⁠ ⁠⁠A Underhill
15.⁠ ⁠⁠S Walker

16.⁠ ⁠J Williams
17.⁠ ⁠⁠T Millington
18.⁠ ⁠⁠C Keedwell
19.⁠ ⁠⁠J Jones
20.⁠ ⁠⁠C Walker
21.⁠ ⁠⁠M David
22.⁠ ⁠⁠TBC
23.⁠ ⁠⁠J Davies

08/03/2026

Cefn Cribwr 2nds v Bridgend
Sports A’s – Match Report

A depleted Cefn Cribwr 2nds travelled to Newbridge Fields to face a very strong Bridgend Sports A’s side in an entertaining game for the supporters who chose to brave the cold rather than stay home and watch France v Scotland.

Cefn were hampered by several late dropouts and arrived with a bare 15, with a number of players forced to play out of position. Despite this, the Riders stuck to their strengths and produced a very strong set-piece performance.

The scrum was dominant early on, repeatedly putting the Sports pack into reverse, while the driving maul proved almost unstoppable at times. Cefn raced into a commanding 0–19 lead in the opening 20 minutes, with the forwards being led superbly around the park by player-coach Jeffrey DuPont Jones. Tries came from Ewan Orchard and Aled Walters, both powering over from close range, before Jones added one of his own. Thomas Renfree converted two of the scores.
Sports responded well, with their young backline showing some sharp handling to finish a well-worked try.

Score: 7–19

Unfortunately for Cefn, the match moved to passive scrums after the 30-minute mark despite the Riders fielding five front-row players in the pack, all of whom worked tirelessly throughout the full 80 minutes.

More tries followed before half-time as both sides displayed contrasting styles. Sports looked to move the ball at every opportunity, stretching the heavier Cefn forwards, while the Riders carried hard and continued to make good use of the driving maul. Darris Lyddon, who put in a huge shift around the field, added another try for Cefn.

Half-time: 26–24

The second half followed a similar pattern to the closing stages of the first, with open, end-to-end rugby. Sports were able to take advantage of their large bench, bringing on fresh legs while the tired Cefn side battled on. The hosts eventually stretched their lead to 40–24.

However, Cefn refused to give in and produced a late surge to set up a thrilling finish. Tries from John Brace and Ewan Orchard, who capped a fine performance with his second of the afternoon, closed the gap. Renfree added the conversion to bring the final score to 40–36. Young Jack Waz Davies was outstanding all afternoon at outside half putting in some solid defensive work and keeping the 12 forwards around him moving forward.

The Simon Suss Thomas supporters Man of the Match:- Thomas Renfree

A big thank you from coaches Jeff and Sheep goes to Ant and Phil Burnell and Lewis Rees for their help on the touchline.

It was fantastic to see some returning faces pulling their boots back on, with Rory Hampton, Laney Brockwell, and Callum Brennan all making welcome contributions.

Congratulations and thanks to Bridgend Sports for their hospitality and for providing such an exciting game.

06/03/2026

With the 1st XV not in action this weekend, all eyes turn to the 2nd XV as they travel to Newbridge Fields to take on Bridgend Sports A’s. 🏉

Kick-off is at 2pm and the squad is packed with experience and talent – so come along and get behind the boys! 👏

Attention then turns to Wednesday evening where our 1st XV are back in action in the District Cup semi-final. They face Tonna RFC at Aberavon Harlequins with a 7pm kick-off.

Let’s get the support down there for both games!

Uppa Riders! 🟡⚫️

03/03/2026

Please take the time to complete this survey. Given the spate of recent dog fouling at Cae Gof, we feel very strongly that Dogs must be banned from using sports pitches.

If necessary, to ensure the welfare of our players, a site wide ban of dogs would not be inappropriate.

Overview The council is proposing to create a PSPO that is aimed to tackle dog fouling and other dog-related issues. This order covers all public spaces within the borough. Confidentiality Information provided by you on this form will be used to inform the development

01/03/2026

Match Report: Cefn Cribwr RFC v Glais RFC

The Riders hit the road this weekend, travelling west to face Glais RFC. Arriving early, the team completed their preparations for what was billed as another big contest at both ends of the table.

The pre-match messages were answered emphatically. Cefn stormed into an early lead when centre Ifan Rossiter pounced on a loose ball and ran in unopposed under the posts after less than a minute on the clock. Captain Tom Carpenter added the extras.

7–0

The pressure continued and, from a well-rehearsed set-piece move off the scrum, Rossiter struck again, finishing clinically with the conversion added by Carpenter.

14–0

Next on the scoresheet was Harri Williams. Excellent interplay between Williams and flanker Anthony Burnell carved open the defence, allowing Williams to swan-dive over for the Riders’ third.

21–0

The bonus-point try followed soon after, finished by Lewis Anderson after superb handling from both backs and forwards. The Riders were unplayable in the opening quarter and extended their lead further.

26–0

To their credit, Glais began to fight back , testing the Riders’ defence. Following a powerful driving maul and multiple phases, the home side were rewarded with a well-earned try.

Half-time: 26–7

Much like the first half, Cefn came out firing after the break. Rossiter completed his hat-trick and, taking over the kicking duties, added the extras himself.

33–7

This was followed by another excellent team try that started deep inside the Riders’ own half The industrious Lewis Rees was on hand at the end of it, stretching out to score.

38–7

Bailey the whippet John was next to get on the scoresheet finishing off a well worked try.

45-7

Cefn continued to make changes and the game became a little disjointed, with some heavy forwards ending up in the backs .

Either side of Cefn’s final try, Glais managed to add two scores of their own. The Riders’ last try went to scrum-half Cam Steele, who capped another solid all-round performance with a snipe under the sticks .

Rossiter added the extras, finishing the afternoon with 21 points, including a hat-trick of tries.

Final Score 52-21

It was another excellent away performance for the Riders. They may have lost the ‘boat race’ back at the club, but they left the Swansea Valley with another valuable five points safely in the satchel.

A huge thank you, as always, to our Away Match sponsors! 🙌
Your continued support means the world to the team. 💪
🏮 Cefn Chinese
⚡ Pro-Volt Engineering Services
🚿 Tals Taps and Tiles
🍻 Justin Rees – The Swan, Aberkenfig.

👏Supporters’ Man of the Match: Ifan Rossiter

🤝Players’ Player: Cam Steele

Next up for the Riders is Tonna RFC in the semi-final of the District Cup.

A huge thank you to our loyal supporters who turned up in force today.

27/02/2026

Match Preview

Cefn Cribwr RFC v Glais RFC

The Riders are back in action tomorrow as they make the trip west to face Glais. With only five games remaining in the season, every fixture now carries added importance, and the squad knows Glais is a tough place to go.

With over 25 players available for selection, choices were far from easy for the coaching team.

There are just two changes to the starting XV that recorded a convincing victory over Pontardawe. In the pack, Joe Williams comes into the front row, while ho**er Harri Williams returns to the starting lineup. The backline remains unchanged, with captain and outside half Tom Carpenter leading the team .

Tony Millington and Jeff Jones are named on the bench, bringing some real quality and experience to the matchday squad.

Team bus departs from the club at 12:15pm.
Please come along and support the boys

1. D Thomas
2. ⁠H Williams
3. ⁠J Williams
4. ⁠J Goodwin
5. ⁠L Allen
6. ⁠L Rees
7. ⁠A Burnell
8. ⁠D Jones-Thomas
9. ⁠C Steele
10. ⁠T Carpenter (C)
11. ⁠B John
12. ⁠L Anderson
13. ⁠I Rossiter
14. ⁠A Underhill
15. ⁠I Allen

16. P Burnell
17. ⁠T Millington
18. C Keedwell
19. ⁠J Jones
20. ⁠S Walker
Tr C Walker

21/02/2026

Cefn Cribwr RFC 2nd XV vs Valley Babas – Match Report

It was a great evening under the lights at Cae Gof as Cefn Cribwr RFC 2nd XV secured another impressive home victory, running out 38–14 winners over the Valley Babas.

Despite the convincing final scoreline, the opening half was far from straightforward for the Riders. Cefn were guilty of switching off at times and allowing the visitors to stay in the contest. The Babas took full advantage, and the home side were fortunate to head into the break with a narrow 14–12 lead.

At half-time, coach Chris Hooper made his feelings clear, delivering a passionate team talk that galvanised the squad and reminded them of the standards expected. The response was immediate and emphatic.

Cefn Cribwr came out for the second half with renewed intensity, dominating the collisions . The forwards laid a solid platform, allowing the backs to play with confidence and pace, as the Riders pulled away and put the game beyond doubt.

There were a number of standout performances across the park, with special mentions going to Darris Lyddon and Nathan Hopkins, both of whom put their bodies on the line with relentless defensive efforts and uncompromising physicality.

However Man of the Match, kindly sponsored by SUS, was Big John Brace, who fully deserved the award after producing some huge tackles and powerful carries that set the tone throughout the game.

In the backs, Jac Briggs once again showed his class , while Mathew Burnell and Dafydd Jones were solid and dependable in the centre of the park.

Scorers
• Ieuan Allan x2
• Jac Briggs x1
• Cam Steele x1
• Chris Sparkes x1
• Darrys Lyddon x1
• Lewis Anderson – 4 conversions

Final Score: Cefn Cribwr RFC 2nd XV 38 – 12 Valley Babas

20/02/2026

We run the risk of an injury like this at Cae Gof every week, given the number of inconsiderate dog owners on the village. People need to understand that these type of infections often reoccur throughout someone’s life and that dog mess in someone’s eye can cause blindness.

This has to stop. We will pursue every avenue possible if we find anyone’s dog fouling on our pitches.

Keep your dogs off the pitches at all times.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B6XhuQ42R/?mibextid=wwXIfr

15/02/2026

Cefn Cribwr RFC v Pontardawe RFC – Match Report

The Riders welcomed Pontardawe RFC to Cae Gof yesterday afternoon, following a titanic encounter between both clubs earlier in the season where Cefn earned a 32–29 victory.

The club paid tribute to former bagman and first aider Tony Lloyd, who sadly recently passed away. Two of his grandchildren walked out with the team, and a minute’s silence was observed in his honour.

In near-perfect conditions for rugby, the riders fielded another strong squad that continues to grow in confidence week by week.

Electing to attack the Park End in the first half, the Riders set the tone immediately with high intensity and excellent interplay between forwards and backs.

The pressure told as flanker Connor Walker crossed for the opening try. Further tries soon followed from Chadd George, Ifan Rossiter, and Ieuan Allen, showcasing Cefn’s attacking threat across the park.

Captain Tom Carpenter was assured from the tee, adding three conversions and a penalty to give Cefn a commanding bonus-point lead of 31–0 at half-time.

It was another outstanding all-round first-half display from the Riders.

The second half initially saw Cefn somewhat wasteful in the opposition half, despite total dominance at scrum time.

Once rhythm was regained, the scoreboard began to tick over again. Further tries from George and Rossiter pushed the Riders beyond forty points, before Lewis Rees and Connor Combes added their names to the scoresheet.

Chadd George completed a deserved hat-trick, while the final try of the afternoon went to replacement scrum-half Scott Walker, rounding off a comprehensive performance.

Final Score: Cefn Cribwr RFC 58 – 0 Pontardawe RFC

Full credit must go to Pontardawe, who never gave up and battled throughout. We wish them the very best for the remainder of the season. On the day, however, they were no match for a Cefn side hitting form at exactly the right time of the season.

There were strong performances across the park, making it difficult to single out one standout. Chadd George’s hat-trick was a highlight, Lewis Anderson was brave and committed in defence, and young full-back Ieuan Allen looked dangerous every time he touched the ball.

A huge thank you, as always, to our Home Match sponsors! 🙌
Your continued support means the world to the team. 💪
🏇Simon suss Thomas
🍻 Justin Rees – The Swan, Aberkenfig

It was the supporters who ultimately selected Tom Carpenter as Player of the Match. The captain led superbly and managed the game with maturity and control throughout the afternoon.

Teammate of the Match: Alex Underhill

Thank you to Alan Evans for the pictures 📸 as always top quality snapping.

The riders next fixture will be Glais RFC away on Saturday 28th February. A huge thank you to all our supporters for your continued support

14/02/2026

The 1st XV welcome Pontardawe RFC to Cae Gof this Saturday for a 2:30pm kick-off.

After a superb result away at Briton Ferry RFC, the boys will be full of confidence — but they know they’re in for another titanic battle. The reverse fixture against Pontardawe showed just how tough this contest will be, and nothing less than a full 80-minute performance will do.

There is just one change to the starting XV from the side that secured victory at Briton Ferry. Dylan Jones-Thomas moves up to ho**er, with Connor Walker coming into the starting lineup in the back row.

There’s also a welcome boost on the bench, with the powerful duo of Joe Williams and Chadd George returning among the finishers.
We look forward to seeing plenty of support at Cae Gof — your backing makes all the difference.

1. D Thomas
2. D Jones-Thomas
3. P Burnell
4. J Goodwin
5. L Allen
6. C Walker
7. A Burnell
8. L Rees
9. C Steele
10. T Carpenter
11. B John
12. L Anderson
13. I Rossiter
14. A Underhill
15. ⁠I Allen

Finishers

J Williams
E Orchard
C George
C Coombes
S Walker