WRU REEBOK REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – U18 FINAL
At the beginning of the season and judging by the development of those players in the Gwent region, it would have taken brave man to bet against the Dragons filling one of the two slots in today’s final. However, as the men of Gwent found out, you should never judge the book by its cover.
Admittedly on paper, and by virtue of contributing almost 50% of the national U18 side, they looked like odds on certainties – a bit like Moscow Flyer in a novice chase. But as the season unfolded and as the Scarlets and Ospreys developed from within, so the favourites dropped off leaving the aforementioned pair to battle it out in a kind of best is west final showdown.
On the evidence of what we have seen so far this season, the Scarlets should be good enough to earn the bragging rights for this season at least. Led so ably by the Wales prop and captain Huw Gustafson and with the likes of outstanding full back Martin Thomas back to full fitness after a series of heavy knocks, they appear well equipped to overcome the black and white collective from the other side of the Loughor Bridge.
Thomas has been the single most outstanding player of the season – in terms of the back division – whilst Gustafson and lock Josh Turnbull would be right up there if there was to be a player of the competition.
Another knocking on that door is Ospreys’ hooker Mark Breeze – one of only two regular internationals in the Ospreys’ side. His desire and attitude has been integral to the Ospreys’ charge on the final and with so many others desperate to prove that David is still capable of beating Goliath, it promises to be an intriguing afternoon.
Dai Arthur, the District Director of Rugby in charge of the Ospreys U18, has spoken of his delight at the side’s progress whilst also suggesting that the youngsters enjoy the fact that all but a few had written them off when the season got underway in October.
“They are a good bunch, no stars, no favourites, just a group of lads who will play for each other from start to finish.
“You cannot ask for anymore than that and if anything it has been that collective spirit and determination that has got them this far.”
Darryl Hill, Arthur’s opposite number for the Scarlets, has already seen his U16 and U20 progress to the final and believes that all is rosy in the home camp.
“We are delighted down here with the manner in which we have played and the way we have managed to get three sides through to the finals,” said Hill. “Now, we would love to finish the job and allow the boys to celebrate their season.”
Tickets for Saturday’s Millennium Stadium final are free of charge if booked in advance of Saturday. Contact Nick Rose on 029 2082 2437 to reserve a ticket. Tickets on the day can be purchased from the Merchandise Marquee at Gate 3 of the Millennium Stadium.
Teams (with clubs and schools / colleges):
Scarlets Martin Thomas (Llandeilo / Tregib); Kieron Davies (Carm Ath/ CCTA), Steve Martin (H West/ T Picton), Jon Davies (Whitland / Dyffryn Taf); Alec Jenkins (Pontyberem / Sir Gar) Rhys Priestland (Carm Ath / Bro Myrddin, Darren Allinson (Pontyberem / Gwendraeth); Huw Gustafson, (capt, Llangennech / Coleg Sir Gar), Emyr Phillips (Llandovery/ Coll Llandovery), Tom Slater (H West / Pembs Coll), Craig Cross (Burry Port / Coleg Sir Gar), Josh Turnbull (Newcastle Emlyn), Luke Hansford (Pembroke / Pembs Coll), Dan Griffiths (Llangennech / CCTA), Bedwr Harries (Carm Ath / Bro Myrddin)
Replacements: Dai Jones (Newcastle Emlyn / Newcastle Emlyn), Endaf Morgan (Aberystwyth / Tregaron), Alex Jenkins (Tenby / Greenhill), Chris Eady (Ammanford / Amman School), Jamie Charlton (Llangennech / CCTA), Rhys Williams (Burry Port / Strade), Richard Thomas (Llangennech / Strade)
Ospreys Geraint Whittaker (Dunvant / Gwyr); James Challenger (Neath College), Alex Wilkins (Mumbles / Bishop Gore), Nick Harwood (Bonymaen / Daniel Jones), James Pike (Resolven / Neath Coll); Nicky Roberts (Pencoed / Brynteg), Liam O’Brien (Aberavon Green Stars / St Josephs); Lloyd Williams-Jones (Bridgend Athletic / Brynteg, Mark Breeze (capt, Aberavon Quins / Neath Coll), Greg Cuniffe (Bonymaen / Swansea Coll), Mike Thomas (Bonymaen / Swansea Coll), Richard Kelly (Dunvant / Olchfa), Sam Kiley (Bonymaen / Danniel Jones), Lee Simms (Bridgend Ath/ Brynteg), Jon Jones (Bridgend Ath/ Brynteg)
Replacements: Chris Morgan (Mumbles / Bishop Gore), Mike Jones (Dunvant / Bishop Vaughan), James Garland (Swansea Coll), Steve Evans (Bonymaen / Swansea Coll), Lloyd Harris (Bonymaen / Neath Coll), Ieuan Watkins (Pencoed / Pencoed Coll), Rhys Lawrence (Dunvant / Olchfa)
