Davey heading west for role with the Pirates

Apr 29 2008 by Anthony Woolford, South Wales Echo

FORMER Pontypridd cup hero Brett Davey, who coached Beddau to the Division One East title last season, has returned to Wales after a short spell coaching at Coventry,

But he is not stopping, as he will be shortly moving to an assistant coach role at the Cornish Pirates.

Joining Brett for next season will be the former Wales Under-21 and Bridgend scrum-half Nicky Griffiths, while former Wales Schools cap Steve Winn, from Bridgend, is in the centre.

The cup final programme in South Wales continued with Markham capturing the Gwent & District Worthington Cup after being runners-up last season.

They defeated Beaufort 24-11 at Tredegar and in doing so completed a treble, having won both this season’s Division Six clashes.

Markham’s tries came from centre Lewis Hughes (2) and Gavin Price, with wing Anthony John landing three penalties. Beaufort’s reply came through a try from centre Mike White and a penalty apiece from fly-half Matthew Jordan and wing Scott Griffiths.

Porthcawl, known to all rugby followers as The Seaweeds, put up a great effort before losing 18-15 to Aberavon Green Stars in the Worthington Silver Ball semi-final at Llanharan.

Porthcawl built up an early 15-point lead courtesy of tries from Fijian full-back Filo Wacakeigu and wing David James, plus a conversion and penalty from outside-half Mathew Owen.

The Stars then pulled a try back through flanker Richard Evans, before a second-half onslaught tipped the balance their way thanks to a try from wing David Dyer and a conversion and two penalties from outside-half Ryan Jones.

Stars will now face the winners of the other semi featuring Bargoed and Tonmawr, while they also have a semi-final date with Tondu in the Central Glamorgan Cup.

The Ben Francis Worthington Cup final has been put back to Wednesday, May 14, at Blackwood, after Abergavenny had won their semi 45-22 at Garndiffaith, but found they have a WRU play-off game set for May 10.

Their cup final opponents will be Pontypool, who defeated Nantyglo 17-7 at Talywain in the other semi.

Tomorrow’s Newport and District Worthington Cup final at Rodney Parade features Hartridge and St Julian’s (6.30pm).