REEBOK REGIONAL FINALS PREVIEW

On Sunday, it’s the turn of the U16 with the Dragons and Ospreys poised for their head to head at Rodney Parade (2pm). With the Ospreys having already won the U18 championship, back in December, the region has a chance to replicate the feat of the Scarlets last season by winning all three titles.

WRU High Performance Manager Mostyn Richards said, “We had three outstanding finals at the Stadium last season with the Scarlets carryijng off all three titles.

“It was an exceptional feat, although this season it has been somewhat different. The Ospreys have certainly come to the fore with the Dragons earning a place in the final of the U16. The Blues too have improved and the North were unfortunate not to have made it through to Sunday’s final.

“I am sure there is going to be a decent crowd at both games and in my position, I am looking forward to seeing the boys play under the pressure that such a game brings.”

With the Ospreys U16 having beaten the Dragons once this season and the Dragons having returned the compliment in the return game, Sunday’s final promises to be a nip and tuck affair. The Ospreys, who have been guided well by outside half Daniel Biggar, have lost just once all season with the Dragons losing twice.

Dai Arthur High Performance Manager for the Ospreys said, “The boys have developed well and it will be interesting to see whether they can emulate the feat of the U18.”

Ron Schottle HPM of the Dragons said, “When you consider we won only once last season, reaching the final is no mean feat. We will have to see if we can go one step further.”

Full back Ieuan Coombes, flanker James Thomas and Danny Ellis are amongst the key names in a side led by No.8 Craig Filier.

In the U20 game, to be played as a curtain raiser to Llanelli and Llandovery, the Ospreys will fancy their chances of reversing last season’s result having lost only one of their six pool matches. However, the Scarlets qualified with an equally impressive record and with the likes of scrum half Liam Davies on board, they too will be confident of lifting the silverware.

Darryl Hill, HPM for the Scarlets said, “We had a great season last time and the three sides have done well again. But the other regional sides have developed well too and I think Saturday’s game will be a real cracker.”