CPD Llannerchymedd – deserved North Wales Coast Division One champions over tough, 30-match campaign
Whoever finished top of the Tier 5 North Wales Coast West Division One this season certainly earned the right to be called champions.
You had the top four – Llannerchymedd, Bethesda Athletic, Talysarn Celts and Cemaes Bay, absolutely cracking teams with rich histories who in any given season could have claimed the title.
And then just below there were the likes of Caergybi, Llanfairpwll, Llanystumdwy and Waunfawr, all shining lights who can beat anyone around their level on the right day.
In the end, it was CPD LLANNERCHYMEDD who were crowned champions, and no-one could begrudge Meirion Grieves and Iwan Griffiths’ side their moment of glory, especially as they were so cruelly denied tier 4 status in the first place, on a very minor technicality.
They fought hard this season over 30 matches, won 23 and lost just three times.
We talked to managers Grieves and Williams about their fine achievement.
How does it feel to be the first champions of North Wales Coast West Division One?
MG/IW: It feels great to be champions, very proud of everyone involved within the club to have achieved our goal at the beginning of the season
Was it exciting being involved in a title race with Bethesda Athletic, Cemaes Bay and Talysarn Celts?
MG/IW: It’s been a tough one no doubt, some very good teams, but a great one to be involved in. Such a close title race and one in which we are glad that we got over the line.
Who were the toughest opponents you faced?
MG/IW: There are some good teams in the league but we would say Talysarn Celts. We have had 3 great battles with them.
Gwion Thomas scored 24 goals for you. Were you surprised to get this many goals from him or was it what you expected? How has he performed over the season?
MG/IW: Gwion is a great level-headed lad and a fantastic player that scores goals. Along with Gwion we have a group of 4 very talented young lads.
Do you feel you were at the right level at the start of the season, or do you think you have always belonged in tier 4?
MG/IW: We were one shower head short of the criteria needed for Tier 4. We are there now – that’s the most important thing.
What has the standard of your division been like this season?
MG/IW: The standard of football has been good; there are 4/5 very good teams in there that would happily hold their own in tier 4 in our opinion.
How do you feel you might fare in tier 4 – and what are the future ambitions for the club?
MG/IW: Only time will tell – let us enjoy being champions of Tier 5.