For 22 years Wales have been attempting to win the Triple Crown and for 22 years they’ve failed but that all changed last Saturday when Mellissa Berry led her side to a hard fought 13-10 victory over Ireland.
Following victories over Scotland, England, and Italy, Wales finished runners-up to England in the championship to secure qualification for next year’s World Cup tournament which was always Lewis’s major goal.
“Winning the Grand Slam would have been better,” responded a delighted Lewis when asked what it was like to have been the man to finally have broken the barren spell. “But to be honest, winning the Triple Crown is an added bonus. Before the championship began we set ourselves the target of finishing in the top two and claiming World Cup qualification. We achieved both those goals so we have got to be pleased with that.”
Senior members of the squad are hoping their recent success will be a springboard to further success.
Jennifer Davies, a tryscorer against Ireland said it was a dream come true to have finally captured the Triple Crown.
“It was an amazing experience to win it – we are still in a daze. But the girls have worked really hard and stuck together. There is a really good mix at the moment with experienced players playing alongside some younger players so the future looks really bright. Hopefully the Triple Crown can be used as a stepping stone as we head towards next year’s World Cup.”
Her sentiments were echoed by vice-captain Clare Flowers, who said: “There is a lot of self belief in this squad. We never give up and always give 110 per cent. We work for each other and I think our results this season have proved that.”
Despite his team’s success, Lewis bemoaned the loss to France which cost his side a championship Grand Slam.
“Without doubt the highlight was beating England. After the game I sent a text to all the players saying that after my marriage and birth of my kids, that was the happiest day of my life. But there is a little bit of regret with the defeat out in France. The result which saw England destroy France shows that we didn’t turn up on the day [against France] but the players will learn from that experience.”
Lewis also paid tribute to his backroom team who have all offered tremendous support this season. “As well as the players, the management – where we have six or seven dedicated staff like physios, doctor, analysts, coaches all played a crucial role both on and off the field while Sophie Bennett, WRU Women’s Performance manager, has been first class.”
