Williams pleased with ‘valuable exercise’ at Saracens

Rob Lloyd News

Gareth Williams described Friday’s friendly clash with Saracens as a ‘valuable exercise’ in the development of the Scarlets’ emerging young talent.

The West Walians went down to a seven-tries-to-four, 47-26 defeat at the StoneX Stadium, but there was plenty to encourage the coaching team from an entertaining clash in North London.

“You look back at it as a real valuable exercise,” said Williams, who took over the reins from Dwayne Peel for the week.

“We spoke about taking opportunities and certain individuals really showed what their potential is. I think there was a cohesion issue which probably cost us and we expected that, but I thought the boys came out with real intent.

“You have to take advantage of exercises like this as much as possible because you have to expose boys to difficult situations. It was pleasing overall, despite the score.”

The Scarlets were grateful to the assistance of Premiership clubs Llandovery, Carmarthen Quins, Llanelli and RGC with Harri Doel, Kian Abraham, Olli Wynn, Lewys Millin, Will Icke, Corum Nott and Chris Long all stepping in.

Williams added: “It gave us a chance to see boys up close, not just on match night but in the training environment as well. Those clubs are a brilliant development tool from our point of view and have been excellent in their support of us.”