In an outstanding season, head coach Paul Fisher’s side won the league with two games to spare having picked up their eighth successive bonus-point victory. It was certainly not an easy game for the visitors, who saw a 26 point lead cut to seven in a tense second half.
But with a hat-trick from wing Alex Varney already in the bag, along with further tries from skipper Gethin Davies, scrum half Dafydd Land and replacement Dai Jones, the base had been laid for victory earlier in the contest.
The brave fightback from the Blues South, which included four tries of their own, made it a tougher night than most the Scarlets have faced to date this season, but wasn’t quite enough to ruin their celebrations. They have been the outstanding team in the tournament this season and have scored 56 tries in eight games at an average of more than seven per game.
“This group has made a big turn-around in the last few years having been reasonably average in the earlier age-groups. A lot of coaching has been invested in them and they have been outstanding this season,” said Fisher, who works in the Scarlets Academy and has worked in player development for the past 15 years.
“They have played an exciting brand of rugby that has been inspired by the way the senior Scarlets have been playing. They’ve worked hard on their skills and there is plenty of pace in the side.
“There has been a huge emphasis on strength and conditioning at this age in the past, but skill levels are equally important. Out of the team that last won the title five years ago players like Steff Evans, Josh Adams, Will Boyd, Dan Jones and Ryan Elias have all gone on to bigger and better things.
“I genuinely feel this group is very similar and we could have another five, six or even seven players progressing into the senior Scarlets ranks to take up professional contracts.”
No fewer than 10 of the 2013 championship winning side made the Wales U18 squad and Fisher is hoping for a similar representation this season. No 8 Jac Morgan came in from outside the Welsh Schools & Colleges U18 League teams to make a big impression alongside skipper Gethin Davies and half-backs Dafydd Land and Llew Smith formed an excellent partnership.
The centre pair of Joe Roberts and Osian Knott ran in many tries, as did full back Harri Doel, while Varney, son of former Neath flanker Adrian, made a big impression on the wing.
“Our policy is that the door is never closed on any player. We provide them with a fantastic environment in which to develop their skills, strength and all-round abilities and then it is up to them to make the most of their opportunities,” added Fisher.
“This group have done exactly that and it has been fantastic seeing a number of them being invited to train alongside the Scarlets’ senior squad. That is a priceless experience for players of 17 and 18 and provides huge motivation.”
The Ospreys just held out to beat Cardiff Blues North 24-19 at Sardis Road thanks to a try from wing Ben Cambo. The Blues had hit back from a 10 point interval deficit to lead 19-17 before Cambo galloped over for the crucial score.
Two tries from No 8 Will Barraclough set the Ospreys on their way to a 17-7 half-time lead before the Blues hit back. Wing George Thomas and flanker Callun James added tires to Liam Lloyd’s first-half score and a second conversion from Rhys Davies took the home side into the lead in a game that saw two players from each side sent-off for fighting in the 46th minute.
Blues North prop Garyn Phillips and lock Thomas John received their marching orders from referee Gareth Newman along with Ospreys hooker Garin Lloyd and flanker Iwan Shenton.
RGC 1404 picked up their first win of the season with an impressive 17-10 home triumph over the second placed Dragons. Hooker Zac Hewlett gave the visitors the perfect start at Parc Eirias with a seventh minute try, but it didn’t take long for RGC to hit back.
Replacement wing Ben Williams, who replaced home skipper Bailey Rae shortly after the opening try, levelled matters with a score of his own on the stroke of half time and Sam Rogers added the extras to take the lead. Full back Morgan Richards then wrestled the advantage back for the Dragons with a second try.
After that the home side recovered their poise and went on to claim victory with a try from replacement scrum half Henry Maitland-Davies three minutes after coming on the pitch. Rogers kicked the conversion and then made victory safe with a penalty.
RAG Under 18 Champions
2018 Scarlets
2017 Ospreys
2016 Cardiff Blues
2015 Ospreys
2014 Cardiff Blues
2013 Scarlets
2012 Cardiff Blues
2011 Cardiff Blues
2010 Cardiff Blues
2009 Ospreys
2008 Ospreys
2007 Ospreys
2006 Ospreys
