Jets Fest in Penallta, just north of Caerphilly, was another success for rugby league in Wales, with nearly 450 players taking part in 16 matches over eight hours, a record for one ground in one day in Wales, including the first-ever girls club rugby league match to feature two Welsh sides.
That was the encounter that kicked the day off, with South Wales Jets beating Aber Valley Wolves 26-10. Jets captain Mali Price not only kicked off the day but also scored the first try and goal, with Amelia Hughes running in for a hat-trick of tries.
There were two other girls’ matches played at Jets Fest. South Wales Jets and Swansea Rams faced each other at U13 level, and in an exciting encounter, Jets won 52-44.
And in the under-14 encounter, the visitors from Warrington, Culcheth Eagles, beat South Wales Jets girls 26-0.
Development matches were played, with two matches per age group at U9, U10 and U11 levels, with South Wales Jets and West Wales Jets taking part. No scores are recorded at these age groups, where all genders can compete.
There were no fewer than seven matches that counted for league points.
Opening the day on pitch one, South Wales Jets U13 Green beat Rhondda Outlaws 60-4.
South Wales Jets Pink were up next, but they lost out, 52-14 to Torfaen Tigers.
South and West met at U12, U14, with South victorious each time, 10-0 and 66-6.
The JES Group Rugby League Conference match between South Wales Jets and Rhondda Outlaws was the penultimate encounter of the day.
In that match, Jets were 54-6 winners with debutant Mason Phillips running in for a hat-trick of tries. Jamie Marsh scored a try and kicked seven goals, with Matthew Morgan, Jack Hodder, George Groves, Darrel Moyle, David Hooper and Aaron Harrison also running in scores. Mackenzie Williams replied with a try and goal for Rhondda.
But the best match was saved until last, an U16 thriller where South edged out West 22-20 to keep their unbeaten record this season. Jayden Treherne scored the winning try in the final minute.
Jets chairman Liam Price said: “Jets Fest has been an incredible success, and we’re absolutely delighted with how the day unfolded. To have nearly 450 players taking part across 13 matches over eight hours is a fantastic achievement and a real celebration of inclusive rugby league.
“One of the proudest moments of the day was seeing five girls’ teams from across Wales playing at the same venue. As far as we’re aware, it’s the first time five Welsh girls’ rugby league sides have come together at one ground, and that’s a significant milestone for the growth of the women’s and girls’ game in Wales.
“On behalf of everyone at South Wales Jets, I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the clubs who travelled to be with us – Culcheth Eagles, West Wales Jets, Rhondda Outlaws, Torfaen Tigers, Aber Valley Wolves and Swansea Rams. We know the commitment it takes to travel, particularly for those coming from further afield, and their support helped make the festival such a memorable occasion.
“I’d also like to thank Penallta RFC for being outstanding hosts, along with our volunteers, officials, coaches, referees, supporters and everyone who worked behind the scenes to ensure the day ran so smoothly. Events like this simply don’t happen without people giving up their time and energy.
“The atmosphere throughout the day was outstanding. There was plenty of competitive rugby league on display, but more importantly there was friendship, respect and enjoyment between all the clubs. That’s exactly what Jets Fest is all about.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created, and we hope the success of this festival encourages more clubs to organise similar events. The more opportunities we can provide for players to come together, play regular fixtures and build relationships across the rugby league community, the stronger and more inclusive our sport will become.”
Full Results
Development
U9/10/11 – South Wales Jets and West Wales Jets – no scores recorded
Girls (all friendly matches)
U12 – South Wales Jets 26-10 Aber Valley Wolves
U13 – South Wales Jets 52-44 Swansea Rams
U14 – South Wales Jets 0-26 Culcheth Eagles
Boys
U12 – South Wales Jets 10-0 West Wales Jets
U13 – South Wales Jets Green 60-4 Rhondda Outlaws, South Wales Jets Pink 14-52 Torfaen Tigers
U14 – South Wales Jets Green 30-20 Torfaen Tigers, South Wales Jets Pink 66-6 West Wales Jets
U16 – South Wales Jets 22-20 West Wales Jets
JES Group Rugby League Conference
South Wales Jets 54-6 Rhondda Outlaws
