New Dock Stars came out on top in the battle of the west at the Principality Stadium, beating Tumble 32-29
Joseph Gough and Ben James Rugby correspondent
18:03, 19 Apr 2026Updated 11:40, 20 Apr 2026
Jordan Williams (background on left) watches as one of his New Dock Stars team-mates carries into contact(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
New Dock Stars won the battle of the west as they ran out 32-29 winners against Tumble in the WRU Division 3 Cup Final at the Principality Stadium.
Player of the match Adam Gealy scored 17 points in a fine individual performance as captain Jordan Williams once again enjoyed success in the Welsh capital.
The 32-year-old tasted victory at the stadium on a handful of occasions during his professional career, coming out on top in three different Judgement Days. The first was with the Scarlets against Cardiff in 2014, before beating his old side with the Dragons in 2019 and 2023.
This time around, Williams – who was an unused replacement for Wales against Tonga back in 2013 – was pulling the strings for his “proper club” as they edged out neighbours Tumble in a high-scoring affair.
“It’s great to be back playing with mates I’ve grown up with, especially at the national stadium — it’s something most people can only dream of,” said Williams.
“I just want to thank the 500 fans who came down from Llanelli. Their support means everything.
“I don’t know what’s planned (in terms of celebrations), but I want it to start sooner rather than later! I’m very thirsty!”
New Dock Stars captain Jordan Williams lifts the trophy with the team(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
New Dock Stars Captain Jordan Williams lifts the trophy with the team(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
While former Wales U20s star Williams was at fly-half for New Dock Stars, it would be the forwards who set the tone in this final.
A driving maul four minutes in saw hooker Jonny Harries dive over for the opening score.
Former Wales U20s prop Ben Leung then powered over for their second, after the ex-Scarlet arrived late onto Jason Baxter’s short ball.
Ellis Dickeson of New Dock Stars is tackled by Iwan Morgan of Tumble(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
Dafydd Daniel of New Dock Stars races in to score try(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
New Dock Stars’ fast start continued after wing Dafydd Daniel raced onto Garen Davies’ inside ball to go over virtually untouched.
Tumble, to their credit, hit back. Centre Steffan Price wriggled through a gap to get them up to the tryline, with second-row Nathan Willard sneaking over a few phases later.
The boot of Gealy moved New Dock Stars’ further ahead from the tee.
(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
New Dock Stars power over for their first try(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
But a superb flowing move just before the break saw Tumble grab their second, with centre Dafydd Thomas on hand to finish it off nicely.
New Dock Stars began the second half well, with full-back Gealy crossing out wide after a lovely floated pass by Williams.
Another penalty by the full-back took his tally to 17 points.
New Dock Stars celebrate the win(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
Tumble hit back, with prop Garin McPherson-Williams spinning through two tackles to score from close range.
They made a game of it late on, with centre Thomas crossing for his second to set up an exciting final 10 minutes.
A superb tackle by Gealy ended a Tumble attack after fly-half Ellis Payne had glided down the left flank.
Chasing the game, Tumble found some spaces behind late on, but weren’t able to find a fifth try until after the clock had gone red.
No. 8 Steffan Owen forced his way after a driving maul, but it was too late to deny New Dock Stars from lifting the cup.
Dafydd Thomas of Tumble races in to score try(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
Tumble
Tries: Nathan Willard, Dafydd Thomas x2, Garin McPherson-Williams, Steffan Owen; Cons: Steven Hewitt x2
New Dock Star
Tries: Jonny Harries, Ben Leung, Dafydd Daniel, Adam Gealy; Cons: Adam Gealy x3; Pens: Adam Gealy x2
Player of the Match Adam Healy of New Dock Stars(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
New Dock Stars Captain Jordan Williams receives the trophy from WRU President Terry Cobner(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
Tumble: Steven Hewitt; Scott Jones, Dafydd Thomas, Steffan Price, Rhys King; Ellis Payne, Iwan Morgan; Iago Richards, Dafydd Humphreys, Garin McPherson-Williams, Ryan Williams, Nathan Willard, Leonard Ellery, Harri Bennet, Steffan Owen.
Replacement: Osian Flint, Ifan Samuel, Ryan Lewis, Jack Morris, Owen Bunford, Dafydd Griffiths, James Owens, Liam Willard.
New Dock Stars: Adam Gealy; Rhys Howells, Luke Morris, Garen Davies, Dafydd Daniel; Jordan Williams, Jason Baxter; Ryan Tovey, Jonny Harries, Ben Leung, Matthew Cherry, Elis Evans, Keane Davies, Ellis Dickieson, Iestyn Bunyan.
Replacements: Rob Jones, James Evans, Josh Davies, Liam Doran, Jordan Evans, Tom Lewis, Alex Kwan, Dale Watts.
Dafydd Daniel of New Dock Stars races in to score try(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)