Penallta Youth won a bruising encounter 31-0 points and with the National Youth Cup already in their trophy cabinet became Wales’s most successful Youth team for a number of seasons.
In perfect playing conditions and before a large, vocal but very well behaved crowd the two teams battled hard for the coveted League title.
Penallta took an early lead when pacey right wing Elliot Keep crossed the Aberavon Quins line in the fifth minute for an unconverted try.
Through their strong scrum Aberavon Quins took the game to the Ystrad Mynach-based team and established a firm encampment in the Penallta 22 metre area. However well organised defence by Penallta kept their Afan Nedd opponents at bay.
When opportunities arose Penallta showed the experience that they had gained in “big” matches earlier in the season and struck to score two tries in a short period towards the end of the half.
First classy centre Lewis Barnett scored a try after a well executed planned move and then left wing Arwel Robson took advantage of a mix up in the Aberavon defence to stroll over under the posts unopposed. Robson converted both tries. Penallta went to the dressing rooms at half time with a comfortable 19-0 lead.
The second half started with Aberavon Quins redoubling their efforts. Nippy scrum half and captain Jacob Flynn was a constant threat to the resolute Penallta defence. Penallta held firm and after a short period of pressure drove possession from a lineout and outstanding Penallta captain Jack Condy powered over the Aberavon Quins line to score a try that his general play deserved.
With 20 minutes left Aberavon Quins threw everything at their opponents and showed the crowd the determination that had won them the Ospreys Regional title. During this period dynamic hooker Luke Davies made two strong runs which deserved a score and illustrated why he has already played senior rugby for Aberavon.
Again however the Penallta defence withstood every challenge it faced and the black and red jerseys of the Aberavon Quins players failed to cross the Penallta try line.
With time slipping away Penallta crowned their performance when a wonderful solo run by Lewis Barnett ended with him scoring under the Aberavon Quins posts. Arwel Robson converted to secure Penallta took the league title
Penallta: Ryan Davies, Elliot Keep, Lewis Barnett, Matthew Brewer, Arwel Robson, Joseph Scrivens, Matthew Flanagan, Matthew Davies, Ellis Shipp,Shannon Power, Rhys Spanswick, Max George, Dylan Baines, Dafydd Rees and Jack Condy –Captain. Replacements Josh Price, Angus Brown,Arfon Pritchard, Geraint Dallimore, Nathan Harris, Rhys Gant and Zak Cusack
Aberavon Quins: Jack Dacey, Harley Evans, Calvin Wellington, Niall Price, Regan Grace, Kieran Davies, Jacob Flynn- Captain, Mike Burgess, Luke Davies, Tom James, Jonathon Thomas, Jack Coughlin, Aris Koulisakis, Conor O’Callaghan, Dylan McLachlin,Kyle Williams, Lloyd Pritchard, Jake Price, Daniel Elson, Tylor Hopkins, Connor Davies, Quade Baul
Referee: Nathan Davies
Assistant Referees: Steve Collier and Neil Heavan
