Cross Keys flanker Matthews, who starred in 20 league games this season and scored three tries, followed up his Best Newcomer accolade last season to lift the top award.
Jason Strange steered newly promoted Ebbw Vale to the Principality Premiership final, while Wales Under 20 squad member Tomos Williams made eight league appearances for Pontypridd, including the final last weekend.
Llanelli’s Kyle Evans picked up the try of the season award with a length of the field effort against Newport on February 13, Ron Taylor was the recipient of the unsung hero award with his many roles off the field at Eugene Cross Park, and Craig Evans was voted referee of the season.
Bridgend wing Tom O’Flaherty and Bedwas outside half Richard Powell were recognised as top try and points scorers, O’Flaherty crossing 16 teams in the league campaign and Powell notching 219 points, while Pontypridd had the best discipline record, captain Dafydd Lockyer collecting the Fair Play award on behalf of his side.
Matthews said, “I was chuffed to get Best Newcomer last year but this has come as a real shock. It’s nice for Cross Keys to get something out of the season too.”
The 21 year old believes the secret to his success this year is simple.
“I just try to keep my head down and play rugby. Training with the Dragons has helped me a lot this year but I make no secret that I’d like to get more games for the Dragons and push on to another level.
“That’s what the Premiership is here for. I’ve come through the academy ranks and want to keep developing. I’ll keep working hard until I do. I don’t want to look too far ahead but if I could get a good run of games at regional level that would be brilliant but until then I’m happy to be amongst a great group of boys and coaches at Cross Keys.”
It was a fitting end to an incredible season back in the top flight for Jason Strange who added, “I’m delighted to receive this award, but it says more about the club than myself. I’m really pleased with the way the year’s gone but I’ve just done my job the same as everyone else. I’d like to thank the players, coaches, the supporters and the chairman Jonathan Jones who’s been very supportive.
“It’s been a fantastic few years already but to make it to the Principality Premiership final and produce a competitive performance against Pontypridd on their home turf was a wonderful achievement. The players learned so much from that experience and are determined to put in a good pre-season and come back strong in September.”
WRU Head of Rugby Josh Lewsey, who presented the Best Newcomer award to Tom Williams said, “The Principality Premiership, and our grassroots clubs, are the bedrock, not only of Welsh rugby but of our communities generally.
“We are conscious there is still a long way to go but with the School-Club Hub initiative launched last October, and through our three new international skills coaches who work with our pathway players and the Hub officers to disseminate good practice and coaching philosophies, we are working hard to strengthen the links between the elite and the community game.”
Ron Taylor, who won the Unsung Hero award for everything he does at Ebbw Vale along with his role as kit manager for the last 20 years said, “I’m so proud to be part of Ebbw Vale rugby club, especially over the last five years since being relegated. It’s been very emotional recently with the team having been promoted to the Premiership and done so well. I’m just happy to do put the time in and do whatever I can for the club.”
Graeme Yorston, Principality Building Society’s Group Chief Executive, said: “This season marked our 10th year of support for the Principality Premiership and we are delighted to have celebrated such a milestone.
“2014/2015 was another successful year of rugby with some great performances from across the league and some well-deserving winners both on and off the pitch. We are proud to put our name to the Principality Premiership, which continues to be a true breeding ground for Welsh rugby talent from the community field to the professional game. I am sure that 2015/2016 will be another fantastic season for grassroots Welsh rugby.”
Principality Premiership Awards Winners 2015
Best Player: Scott Matthews (Cross Keys)
Best Coach: Jason Strange (Ebbw Vale)
Best Newcomer: Tomos Williams (Pontypridd)
Best referee: Craig Evans
Try of the Year: Kyle Evans (Llanelli v Newport, Friday 13 February)
Top points scorer: Richard Powell (Bedwas)
Top try scorer: Tom O’Flaherty (Bridgend)
Fair play award: Pontypridd
Unsung hero: Ron Taylor (Ebbw Vale)
