West Wales, under the guidance of Scarlets Ladies Head Coach, Daryl Morgan, secured the WRU East v West Plate for the fourth consecutive season, through playing some exciting free-flowing attacking rugby, outscoring East Wales 7 tries to 1, to maintain their recent domination of the fixture with a convincing 41-5 victory.
Leading the way for the West Walians with two tries was powerful Ospreys and Bridgend College back rower, Amy Morgan. With impressive fly half Keighley Powell (Ospreys and Bridgend College), scrum half Lucy Packer, centre Carly Jones (both from Ysgol Dyffryn Amman and represent the Scarlets), outstanding open-side flanker Bethan Lewis of Ysgol Bro Myrddin and the Scarlets and livewire hooker Lauren Morgan of Pembrokeshire College and Scarlets all contributing a try apiece for the West. Powell converted three of the tries. The try for East Wales was scored by Dragons’ Courtney Greenaway (Heolddu Comprehensive School).
The difference between the two sides was the clinical finishing ability of the West outfit who grasped every opportunity that came their way, however credit must be given to East Wales for sticking to their task throughout the game and never giving in until the final whistle, with Blues forward Georgia Fricker and Dragons centre India Berbillion both putting in impressive displays in both attack and defence.
Speaking after the game, East Wales Team Manager and Welsh International, Cerys Hale said, “All credit to West they outplayed us today, but I can’t fault the commitment, passion and desire the East Wales girls have shown over the past few weeks. There’s been a great spirit and atmosphere within the squad and I’m sure the opportunity of playing at the home of Welsh rugby is an experience that will stay with them forever”.
After presenting the WRU plate to West Wales captain, Kelsey Jones, Caroline Spanton, National Manager of Womens Rugby at the WRU added, “The memories from today will live forever for the players who took to the field, it’s been an excellent showcase for women’s rugby and both sides played with vigor, commitment and passion.
“The regional programme continues to go from strength to strength and I am confident that many of these players will go on to gain full international caps in the future.”