SCARLETS WIN THE U18 REEBOK REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Davies, the youngest player on the field, helped himself to four tries as the Scarlets were crowned champions with a 36-3 victory over the Ospreys.
The writing was on the wall for the Ospreys from as early as the third minute when Davies was released on the left flank to score the first of his quartet. Centre partner Steve Martin doubled his side’s advantage three minutes later with a second try and although Nicky Roberts cut the deficit with a penalty on 15 minutes, the Scarlets were never troubled.
To their credit, the Ospreys gained parity at the set piece where their front five were outstanding, but they were sloppy and ineffective in the loose and the Scarlets took control once again when Davies added his second try in the 21st minute. Rhys Priestland bagged his second conversion to make it 19-3 and nine minutes before the ninterval, Davies completed his hat-trick after the outstanding Martin Thomas had initiated another excellent move from deep in his own half.
The Ospreys held on for 20 minutes in the second half before Priestland added a penalty, yut it was Davies who had the final say eight minutes from time after Thomas had once again made hay on the left hand side. Reebok ambassador for the competition Rob Howley said, “It was a fine all-round display from the Scarlets and the young centre took his opportunities well.
“I was impressed with the manner in which both sides played the game and in particular the way they used the ball behind the scrum.”
On Saturday the U16 and U20 finals take place at the stadium with the Blues South taking on the Scarlets in the younger age group and the Scarlets and Ospreys meeting once more at U20 level.
U18 – Llanelli Scarlets 36 Neath
Scorers
Scarlets
Tries: Davies (4), Martin
Conversions: Priestland (4)
Penalty: Priestland
Ospreys
Penalty: Roberts
