RGC 1404 Under 18s produced the first real shock of this year’s regional age-grade competition as they took the Scarlets unbeaten record in Llanelli.
Having shipped 182 points in their opening three matches, the North Wales region held on at Bynea RFC to win by a single point, 23-22.
When Scarlets stand-off Nick Setaro crossed after only five minutes of the game, the North must have feared the worst. However, in attempting to build upon a much improved performance in their previous game against the Dragons, they were combative and competitive at forward and shows signs of real star quality behind.
Their reward came in the shape of a 19th minute try from Mike Jones and a second, eight minutes later from Lewis Barker. Dion Jones converted both before Scarlets hooker Simon O’Leary crossed late on in the half to leave RGC 1404 14-12 to ther good at half way.
As expected, the second period saw the Scarlets come out with all guns blazing and they were soon rewarded when second row Curtis Morris touched down for his first try of the season. Setaro added the extras and at that juncture, the Scarlets looked well placed to improve their already impressive start to the campaign.
However, the young North Walians had no intention of raising the white flag and two penalties from Jones edged them back in front. It was a slender lead that was to last until the final moments when the Scarlets, following a period of sustained pressure close to the RGC line, were awarded a penalty which was converted by the competition’s leading scorer this season, replacement outside half Jordan Williams.
It was cruel blow for the RGC side to take, but one that spurred them on to seek one final flourish. Having crabbed their way up-field, the visitors were awarded a penalty and with full-back Jones showing nerves of steel, he calmly slotted the winning kick.
Not only was it the side’s first win in this year’s competition, but it was the first victory that an RGC 1404 under 18 side has achieved since entering the competition back in 2008.
The Scarlets under 16s made it two victories in as many games thanks to a hat-trick of tries from Tom Phillips. Josh Helps, George Kenniford and Charlie Randall were also on the mark with Jac Maynard kicking a penalty and three conversions and Jamie Evans a conversion in their side’s 41-0 success.
Having beaten the Dragons 14-7 in midweek, it was a win that keeps the Scarlets on course to challenge for a place in the final and team manager Wyn Thomas said; “The midweek win was crucial, so it was nice to follow up with a second victory in as many matches.”
