Dairymen are among the cream - star Davies

Jul 31 2004 Gareth Griffiths, South Wales Echo

FORMER Wales rugby legend Jonathan Davies has hailed Llanharan duo Marc Roper and Dennis John after they scooped the Lloyds TSB Division top awards yesterday.

John was awarded the Coach of the Year and Llanharan outside-half Roper picked up the player award after the Dairymen lifted the First Division title and secured promotion to the Welsh Premiership next season.

"The First Division is a shining example of the pool of talent we have here in Wales," said Davies. "Both Mark and Dennis have enjoyed fine seasons and their club Llanharan had to be at their very best to pip Maesteg to the title.

"They had a thrilling run into the end of the season and it was Marc's boot and Dennis's cunning that kept them on course for a ticket into next season's Welsh Premiership.

"Marc kept his cool, kept kicking the goals and scoring the tries and had the self-belief to deliver what was required.

"Next season will be harder for him but he will get the chance to measure himself against a high quality of opposition week-in-week-out, which is a challenge I'm sure he is looking forward to.

"Dennis has done it at the highest level as both a player and a coach and always manages to keep his teams one step ahead of the opposition.

"I'm sure he will be relishing the chance to take the village side into the Premiership next season and pitch them in against the biggest club names in Welsh rugby."

Davies presented the awards at the presentation dinner at the Millennium Stadium.