“We expect a lot from this group” said backs coach Nicky Lloyd “and if they continue in this vein, they will be force to be reckoned with.”
Strong, organised and aggressive in both the tight and the contact area where hooker Rhys Williams (Aberdare Boys School) was outstanding, Wales had the Italians under the cosh throughout. It was significant, too, that all the Welsh tries came from their adventurous backs, Dwr Y Felin centre Ashley Beck leading the way with a hat trick of tries through strong running and sharp alertness.
Beck was one of seven Ospreys in action and wing Chris Lewis (Cefn Saeson CS), Biggar and centre Kristian Phillips (Ystalyfera) also flew the Ospreys flag in scoring very smart tries. Blues South wing Joe Xiberras (St Illtyd’s CS) and Blues North scrum half Rhys Downes (Rhydfelen) also crossed in a vibrant and confident display by the Schools side.
Biggar, a major influence throughout, kicked four conversions in one of the biggest away wins in the 102-year history of the Welsh Schools Intermediate Group.
Italy U17
Try: M Bernini
Wales U16
Tries: A Beck (3), D Biggar, C Lewis. J Xiberras, K Phillips, R Downes
Cons: D Biggar (4)
Italy U17: Sintich (ASR Milano); Frara (Union Pordenone), Missaglia (Amatori Conegliano), Ricci (IVPC UR Sannio), Santavicca (Conad l’Aquila); Dotta (Orved San Donà), Bellini (Bellabarba Livorno); Sacillotto (Union Pordedone), Zecchin (Orved San Donà), Petilli (Rugby Primavera), Rossi (Ruggers Tarvisium), Riedi (US Primavera), Zitelli (HDI Ur Capitolina), Bernini (Lions Amaranto), Angelini (Coopser CUS Ferrara)
Wales U16: James Loxton (Mary Immaculate HS/Blues South); Chris Lewis (Dwr Y Felin CS/Ospreys), Kristian Phillips (Ystalyfera/Ospreys), Ashley Beck (Dwr Y Felin CS/Ospreys), Joe Xiberras (St Illtyd’s CS/Blues South); Daniel Biggar (Capt)(Gowerton CS/Ospreys), Rhys Downes (Rhydfelen/Blues North); Aaron Coundley (Blackwood CS/Dragons), Rhys Williams (V Capt)(Aberdare Boys/Blues North), Marcus Lewis (Aberdare Boys/Blues North), Rhys Ruddock (Bishopston CS/Ospreys), Lee Bray (Blackwood CS/Dragons), Cory Hearne (King’s Monkton/Blues South), Rory Pitman (Llanhari/Ospreys), Ben Howe (Bryntirion CS/Ospreys)
