After three seasons of disappointment, the Gwent region were celebrating their first real success thanks to a 32-19 victory over the old enemy. First half tries from Adam Hughes and Craig Attwell put the Dragons U18 in charge and second half scores from Tom James, Tom Driver and Ieuan Coombes settled the issue.
Outside half Danny Ellis kicked three conversions and a penalty, whilst the Blues U18 who were within three points at 22-19, with ten minutes remaining, scored tries through outstanding scrum-half Rhys Downes, full-back James Loxton and centre Will Rees-Hole. Ian Smerdon added two conversions, bu it was not enough to deny the Dragons U18 their opportunity of lifting a first Reebok Regional title.
Team Manager Billy Vivian said: “We are absolutely delighted for the boys. They have worked so hard this season and now, they have got their just rewards. We know what lies ahead, but we have got there and as we speak, we couldn’t have done anymore.”
With the Ospreys U18 having already reached the December 23rd final at Llandovery, it came as no great surprise that they lost their final game of the campaign, 26-14 to the Scarlets U18 at the Talbot Athletic Ground, Aberavon.
Gareth Jenkins and Matthew Jarvis crossed for the Ospreys U18, whilst for the victorious Scarlets U18, who have knocked on the door all season, there were tries from Guto Griffiths, Gareth Davies and Daniel Etteridge. Etteridge kicking a conversion and three penalties. Jarvis added two conversions for the Ospreys U18, who will go into the final as warm favourites.
Tonight it’s the turn of the U20 Reebok Regional Championships with the Dragons U20 and Blues U20 meeting at Pontypool Park and the Scarlets U20 taking on the Ospreys U20 at Narberth.
