Penrhyncoch make the journey to Newtown’s Latham Park on Saturday for the final of the Dragon Signs Amateur Trophy – and club secretary Sarah Thomas says the clash with Newport City will be the biggest game of their lives.
“We have been on an amazing run since before Christmas,” she says, with a nod to their unbeaten streak that stretches back to October and has hoisted them to top of the Ardal North East as well as the Trophy final. “We strengthened the squad in January with hungry youth players which has lifted the team massively.”
Back in September, this would have been impossible to predict, when Penrhyncoch lost five out of six matches, exiting three cups in the space of three weeks. It was no wonder the morale in the camp was low – but they have most certainly turned it around.
2024 Dragon Signs Amateur Trophy final
“I think the key to the consistency has been the work we do in training,” says Sarah. “Every training we start off with a horrible hard run, but in games this season it has shown how important the fitness has been especially in the latter stages of the games.”
Manager Gari Lewis adds that he is looking forward to the challenge of Newport City.
“The lads and everybody within the club committee plus the supporters are excited for Saturday but also very nervous,” he admits. “I just hope we turn and play our normal game and it’s a great day for everybody. I’m very proud of our achievements for such a small village club so let’s see what happens on the day.”
Penrhyncoch’s long-serving chairman Kevin “Bones” Jenkins passed away last year, and Sarah notes that reaching the Trophy final without him to cheer them on is bittersweet.
“He would be so proud of what we have achieved so far this season, especially with his son Leigh back between the sticks,” she says. “We will try and win for him and celebrate after in his memory.”
The 2024 Dragon Signs Amateur Trophy final takes place between Newport City and Penrhyncoch at Latham Park in Newtown on Saturday 20 April (KO 12:30).
Tickets for the final will be cash only on the gate, costing £5 for adults and £2 for concessions. A ticket will also grant spectators access to the Welsh Blood Service League Cup national final at Latham Park later in the day. Both finals will be available to watch live for free on RedWall+.
