Nant Conwy lead charge on Youth crown

The semi-finals will be contested tomorrow (Saturday 12th May 2007) between Pontypool United, Rumney, Nant Conwy and Bonymaen with a place in the final at Rodney Parade on Saturday 19th May 2007 and the title of League champions at stake (both kick off at 2.30pm).

Nant Conwy are perhaps the story of the weekend, after rising to the top of the Scarlets region for the second season in a row, with a 7-5 victory over Carmarthen last month, they now face a tough away play off in Bonymaen. Pontypool United, last season’s Champions, have the other home draw after topping the Dragons region and they welcome Blues regional table-toppers Rumney to town.

Nant Conwy disposed of Bonymaen in last year’s semi-finals before going down 17-0 in the final held at Llanidloes RFC, but they still claim the underdogs tag for their visit to the Ospreys regional winners.

“We have a strong set of backs led by our centre and captain Iolo Evans and we have plenty of experience in the side now so, we shouldn’t be daunted by the prospect of travelling to Bonymaen,” said Nant Conwy Youth Honorary Secretary Eryl Owain.

“That said, we’ve had to replace our entire front five since last season and the home advantage is bound to be a help to the opposition. Although we remain extremely confident, we think we probably go into the game as underdogs.

“North Wales rugby is certainly thriving at youth level and has been doing so for the last four or five years. We like to think we are leading the way in Nant Conwy Youth and giving clubs around the rest of the country something to think about.”

Both matches will be played over a period of 70 minutes and sides field teams between the ages of 16 and 19.

National Youth League Play Off semi-finals
Bonymaen Youth v Nant Conwy Youth – Bonymaen RFC – Saturday 12th May 2007 – 2.30pm
Pontypool Utd Youth v Rumney Youth – Pontypool Utd RFC – Saturday 12th May 2007 – 2.30pm