HARTRIDGE RFC have been crowned SSE Swalec Division Three East C champions, lifting silverware for the third year running.

The club was presented with their trophy last weekend after a campaign in which they won all 16 games to finish top with 72 points, one ahead of second-placed Aberbargoed.

This triumph follows their Division Six South East win in 2013/14 and marks the end to another successful season.

With the use of new facilities and a new pitch at Lanwern High School, coach Ross Palmer believes that the club has come a long way since it was founded in the early 1980s and now has the potential to keep expanding.

Palmer said: "It is absolutely brilliant to see Hartridge RFC win our league again. We have had an up and down season at times but have pulled together to stay motivated as a team.

"There is such a community here in Ringland - many of our players are local boys and we regularly see large crowds of fans support the team at our away games.

"I am proud to be part of such a close-knit team and I hope that their success continues throughout future games as they thoroughly deserve it. Well done boys!"

WRU Board Member, Ken Hewitt, added: "Congratulations to Hartridge RFC on their win and on such a fantastic season. Having not lost a game, they thoroughly deserve to lift the SSE SWALEC League trophy this season.

"I hope that they will continue to impress fans with their high quality of rugby and I wish them all the best for next season."