Winner takes all for U18s title

Rob Lloyd News

Scarlets U18s take on Ospreys in a winner-takes-all battle in Aberavon on Wednesday evening (19:30) for the Regional Age Grade Championship title.

Both sides are unbeaten after three rounds, with Scarlets top of the pile by a point following three successive bonus-point victories.

Head coach Tom Phillips has made a number of changes to his starting line-up following the hard-earned 41-6 win over RGC last time out.

Skipper Tiaan Sparrow, outstanding in all three matches, returns to lead a side who have scored 21 tries in their three outings to date.

“It’s a fantastic way to finish the Championship, two unbeaten sides going head to head in a derby game,” said Phillips.

“The U18s programme plays a crucial role as a stepping stone to professional rugby and while we have been delighted with our performances and results in the previous three games, their development as rugby players over this block has been just as important.

“Selection has been tough this week, lots of boys have put their hands up to play in this game.

“It will be a tough challenge, as it always is against the Ospreys. Hopefully, we can get a good crowd in Aberavon supporting the boys with the RAG title on the line.”

The match has been moved from The Gnoll to the Talbot Athletic Ground and will be broadcast live on S4C’s Clic and Facebook page.

Scarlets U18s v Ospreys (Talbot Athletic Ground, Aberavon; 7.30pm S4C clic)

15 Iori Badham; 14 Owen Griffith, 13 Tyler Davies, 12 Ioan Thomas, 11 Sion Jones; 10 Carwyn Jones, 9 Bowyn Clark; 1 Tom Phillips, 2 Daf Ebsworth, 3 Jac Pritchard, 4 Sam Williams, 5 Osian Williams, 6 Dom Kossuth, 7 Tiaan Sparrow (capt), 8 Keanu Evans.

Reps: 16 Will Davies, 17 Lewis Jones, 18 Nathan Davies, 19 Gabe Cahsay, 20 Joe Denman, 21 Jac Moon, 22 Steff Jac Jones, 23 Ellis Payne.