PICTURE by Wynne Evans shows
WITH the end of yet another thrilling Anglesey League season coming to its end, it’s time to take a look at some of those clubs’ star men who have really stood out during the 2018/19 season.
I thought I’d start off with one of the league’s newcomers – Cefni – who have been in formidable form for most of the season and finished in fourth place in their debut Anglesey League campaign.
I truly believe that if the Llangefni-based club can keep this squad together next season (and add a new face or two), they can challenge for a lot of things – including the league title itself. Here’s my top five Cefni stars of the season (all my own opinion of course!) …
Ben Wright (Central Midfielder)
A tall figure is not the only thing that makes this 25-year-old stand out on the pitch. Wright is a dynamic midfielder who has ran the show in the middle of the park for Cefni this season, playing a key role in the club’s debut campaign.
The former Llangoed man’s height and power make him a handful to try and deal with. Add that to his determination, aggression and ability to score goals (8 this season) and it’s fair to say that he’s a quality player whose really underrated in my opinion.
For me (and many others too), he’s been their Player of the Season purely for his work rate and efforts in midfield.
Nathan Lewis (Striker)
Into the history books as the club’s first ever goalscorer and finished the season as their top scorer too with 13 goals to his name.
Lewis, who also bagged double figures whilst playing predominantly as a substitute for Bryngwran Bulls last season, is a pacy forward who really knows where the goal is and is not afraid to take defenders on.
He’s also proved he’s a big game player too – having bagged a cup final goal for The Bulls last season (2-1 Dargie Cup win over Mynydd Tigers), he ended up finishing this campaign by bagging a goal against them in in his side’s shock 2-1 win at Isgraig last week.
Grahame Jones (Centre Back)
“Squeeze” as he’s known has been a player-manager for Cefni (alongside Danny Taylor) this season and has been equally as influential on the pitch as he has been off of it.
Playing as a centre back, the 35-year-old has been one of the best defenders in the league at times. He’s solid, very vocal at the back and is a born leader who would add quality to any team in this division.
Jones is also great in the air and has played well at the back, particularly when paired up with Henry Caldecott. Cefni have only conceded 38 goals this season and those two have been a big reason for that.
Henry Caldecott (Centre Back/Right Back)
As mentioned above, Caldecott has been superb this season. Cefni have often opted for a back three and he is usually the one who provides a bit of pace when playing as one of the three centre back’s.
Having signed from Bryngwran Bulls in the summer, he’s continued his form from last season (which eventually saw him named in my Team of the Season for his displays).
He is without a doubt one of the most consistent defenders in the league in my opinion and Bryngwran’s loss has certainly been Cefni’s gain as he’s been quality throughout once again this season.
Gary Winnard (Wing Back)
My final choice is a player who’s really impressed me whenever I have had the chance to watch Cefni play this season.
Winnard is a full back/winger who loves to get forward down the flank and is full of energy. He’s hit four goals this season too – including a very memorable one in a 4-0 win at Pentraeth Reserves, where he ran through four players before smashing the ball home.
With an exceptional work rate and the ability to create and take chances well, it’s not hard to see why the 25-year-old is one of the first names on the team sheet for Cefni.
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I feel that although those are the five players I have picked out, a special mention should also go out to some of the others in the side who have performed very well.
Gwion Williams, who has captained the side on a number of occasions, has been a great player to watch in the middle of the park. Wing back Liam Griffiths (pictured above on the left) is another one who never stops working and Paul Jones had a great first half to the season with the club, scoring eight goals before eventually moving to Llandegfan. The likes of Lee Lewis and Macauley Lewis have also contributed well with three goals each.
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