photo by Jane Harris

Cardiff Demons opened their tenth anniversary season by beating the newly named NPT Steelers 43-12.

The Demons had never beaten the old Aberavon Fighting Irish side so this victory was extra special for the hosts.

Skipper John Byers led the way for the Demons with four out of their eight tries, the first in just the sixth minute.

Demons’ longest serving player Rhodri

Thomas, who was at the club when they were founded in 1997, grabbed the second try before Chris Cornelius got one back for the Steelers.

Byers completed his hat-trick with two quick scores before half-time while Gareth Holtam, who scored five conversions, added a drop goal to put the interval score on 23-4.

Player-chairman Andrew Bradshaw broke through to score just three minutes into the second half to increase the Demons’ lead. Thomas added his second four minutes later, Byers added his fourth on 52 minutes before debutant Eliot Kear wrapped things up on the hour.

But the Steelers had the final say with two consolation tries through Keiron McGilligan and Damian Adams.

article by Ian Golden
19 May 2007