Blues South under 16s have a golden opportunity to close the gap on WRU Regional Championship leaders Llanelli Scarlets at Pentyrch tomorrow night (Tuesday 25th January).
Inspired by captain Phil Williams, the side has been in outstanding form all season. However, they will have to reverse one trend tomorrow if they are to continue their challenge at the top of the table – their one defeat in the inaugural season of age grade competition came at Stradey Park back in November when they went down 14-3.
At under 18 level, the Blues take on an Ospreys side who are fresh from defeating the table topping Llanelli Scarlets. The side was beaten 9-0 by the Dragons in a dreadful game at Abertillery Park last time out, but Gafyn Cooper, district development officer for the region, said, “It was a poor game but we actually had chances to beat what is a very good Dragons side. Hopefully we can follow up that performance with a winning performance against the Ospreys.”
On Wednesday the Blues under 20s, who edged out the Dragons two weeks ago at Abercynon, take on the Ospreys at Aberavon. Although the side is still without the likes of Pontypridd’s Rhys Shellard, the Blues welcome back Cardiff centre Dafydd Hewitt.
Amongst the crowd at the Talbot Athletic Ground will be competition ambassador Rob Howley, who was this week confirmed as one of David YoungÂ’s coaching staff for next season.
Howley said, “The competition has taken off really well and can imagine the remaining games up to the final are going to be eagerly contested.
“It will be interesting for me to see the kind of players who are coming through the system within the region.”