Howe crossed twice in the first half as his side led 17-11 at the break, the left boot of fly half Mike Huckridge doing the rest for the men in blue.Â
And although they only managed three points after the break, it proved enough to take home the silverware.
Rhydyfelin’s Gavin Close had scored two tries of his own to set up a nail biting finish.Â
And after an enthralling game had lasted 80 plus minutes, Josh James had a late chance to win the game. His long range penalty went wide though and Heol y Cyw held on.
The two sides had traded early scores, Close opening the scoring for Rhydyfelin with just a matter of seconds on the clock. Howe soon replied for Heol y Cyw and with the sun shining, the scoring in the opening exchanges was relentless.
Huckridge converted for Heol y Cyw as they went into the lead for the first time. It was frenetic stuff, James then kicking two penalties for Rhydyfelin, either side of one from Huckridge, as both sides looked determined to make the most of the Millennium Stadium experience.
And when Rhydyfelin went the length of the field, the move summed up what had been a hugely entertaining first half. Sadly for the men in red, the move was pulled back for a forward pass. Ex Pontypridd man Close then had a second score ruled out and Heol y Cyw took advantage, Howe adding his second try, converted by Huckridge, for a 17-11 half time lead.
The second half may not have been as open but it was equally as compelling as neither side gave an inch. It was Rhydyfelin who were looking the stronger though and a third James penalty narrowed their deficit soon after the break.
Heol y Cyw refused to give in and despite Rhydyfelin seeing most of the ball, Huckridge kicked a penalty when the opportunity came his way, to extend the lead to six.Â
In a game in which both sides were contributing, it was fitting that a close finale would decide the outcome and when Close added his second score for Rhydyfelin, there was just one point in it.
James’ conversion struck the upright but there was all to play for as the game entered the final 20 minutes.
The two teams had met in two close league encounters earlier this season and this was no different, Huckridge missing the change to put Heol y Cyw further clear with a 73rd minute penalty.
And despite Rhydyfelin seeing most of the ball in the final 10 minutes, James’ late kick went wide as Heol y Cyw held on for a famous win.Â
