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Evans guides Blues to U18 Championship win

Evans guides Blues to U18 Championship win

The Cardiff Blues claimed the WRU Regional Age Grade Under 18 title on Sunday after a 55-15 win over Newport Gwent Dragons at Cardiff Arms Park.

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After the match was moved from The Gnoll to the Arms Park due to a waterlogged pitch in Neath, the Blues were not put off by the delayed kick off as fly half Jarrod Evans guided them to victory. 

The Pontypridd pivot crossed for a remarkable four tries and converted five of the nine tries in a superb all-round individual performance.

“Sunday’s game was a fitting culmination to a long season,” said Richard Hodges, WRU Performance Manager for the Blues.

“A lot of people put a lot of hard work in and it was good to see that rewarded. We’ve used our resources throughout the tournament – we had a full strength side out yesterday and we have been lucky with injuries.

“But we produced a good performance and played a great style of rugby which was good to see.

“A lot of this side will go on to further things now. Some will play Principality Premiership rugby and we’ve got 11 boys in the Wales Under 18 side. Hopefully they will transfer this success on to the next level.”

The Blues never looked like letting the Dragons take home the title with left wing Ellis Wyn Benham opening the scoring after just a couple of minutes. Arwel Robson responded with a penalty for the Dragons but Evans converted the first of his own scores as the Blues pulled clear.

Jordan Viggers, Hemi Barnes and a second from Benham extended the advantage to 29-3 before the Dragons got their first try of the day.

Lock Ben Watts dived over with Robson converting but it only served to shake the Blues up once more.

Evans added three more scores of his own to cap a remarkable day with Lloyd Lewis’ effort a mere consolation for the Dragons.

Wales Under 18 head coach Allan Lewis will now finalise his squad for the forthcoming internationals and FIRA-AER tourmament following the completion of the Age Grade tournament.

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