RGC 1404 UNDER 18 22 SCARLETS UNDER 18 28
In spite of outscoring their visitors from South-West Wales by three tries to one, it was the metronomic boot of Scarlets fly-half Scott Maynard that proved the difference between the 2 sides as he calmly slotted over 7 penalties and 1 conversion in an immaculate kicking display. As has been so often the case this season,the RGC 1404 side soon found themselves on the backfoot as Scarlets prop,Gareth Thomas, crossed after only 5 minutes, and with Maynard adding the extras and the first of his 7 penalties just five minutes later it appeared as if the home side might be in for a long afternoon. However showing the same tremendous spirit that has been evident throughout this season,they fought back,firstly through a try from full-back Dion Jones after 25 minutes and then just three minutes later with another from Chris Holmes which was converted by Jones to give the RGC side a narrow 12 points to ten lead.Although Maynard soon kicked the Scarlets back in front it was the home side who went into the half-time break with a narrow lead following their third try of the game through Lewis Barker on the stroke of half-time,which was again converted by full back Jones.
He was to extend the lead further with a penalty soon after the restart but that was the final score of the game as far as the home side were concerned as Maynard added a further four penalties to those he had scored in the first half. The game ended with the RGC 1404 side camped on the visitors try-line but in spite of being awarded a series of penalties they were unable to secure the try that might have led to them gaining their second win of the season over the Scarlets. Nonetheless in spite of the loss this was probably the RGC 1404 sides best performance of the season so far,and with so many of their squad being eligible to play in the regional age-grade competition next year,they can look forward with confidence to the future.
North wales Officer, Marc Roberts added:
' We are moving forward and todays U18s performance defines our ambition but the score line defines our reality. The reaction from the Southern regions has been complimentary and all have been shocked with regards our progress in this years competition. To be honest there is a hunger and passion in the RGC region to do far, far more. The players, coaches and management of both teams will be working hard to improve for 2011 campaign"
