“We are trying hard in Wales to develop our own players and this particular competition is proving successful in those terms. Some of the young players on view here tonight were outstanding and I am sure that a handful of them have really bright futures in the game.”
The Blues scored first half tries through Chris Czekaj and Jamie Roberts with James Dixon replying with a penalty for the Ospreys. Dixon bagged another brace of penalties for the Ospreys before David Watts crossed for a try that Dixon improved.
Scarlets’ hero was centre Darren Daniel who scored a first half hat-trick and added a fourth as the visitors ran riot at Rodney Parade. Left wing Mike Davies, a penalty try and a seventh try, for Craig Everett eased the Scarlets clear with Aled Thomas bagging three conversions. Scott Marasco and Stuart Vokes crossed for consolation tries for the Dragons.
Meanwhile Scarlets under 18s booked their place in the final of the under 18 Championship with a 17-10 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons at Narberth. However, they had to come back from a 10-0 half time deficit as the Dragons ran in a try from James Lewis and added five points from the boot of outside half Rhys Jones.
The second half was a different story altogether with the Scarlets scoring 17 points without reply. Rhys Priestland kicked a penalty for the home side and that was followed by tries from wing Kieran Davies and centre John Davies. Priestland converted both before Dragons hooker Neil Williams was yellow carded.
The Ospreys, who have been in excellent form of late, leapfrogged the much fancied Dragons thanks to a 16-13 victory over the Blues at Abercynon.
The Blues actually led by 13 points going into the final quarter thanks to a try, conversion and two penalties from outside half Christian Bala. However, a Rhys Lawrence try and 11 points from the boot of Nicky Roberts gave the Ospreys the points. Victory leaves them a point clear of the Dragons with the winner of the final game at Abertillery certain to go through.
At under 16 level the table-topping Scarlets went down 7-3 to the Blues South at Pentyrch whilst the Ospreys defeated the Dragons 25-11 at Chepstow.
