Youth Rugby Feature:


Parade of talent from both clubs in the Plate Final

 
Pembrokeshire Youth Rugby enjoyed its moments in the limelight last week as the Youth Cup Final, between league champions Aberystwyth and runners-up Haverfordwest, plus the Plate Final, between Narberth and Neyland, were enjoyed by large crowds who appreciated the high skill levels on view, that are promoted by excellent coaches from all four clubs.
 
Today on PembrokeshireSport.co.uk we are delighted to continue our unrivalled coverage of the sport in the county as we cover the Plate Final, with the Blue Riband event – the Youth Cup Final, to follow tomorrow!







 

Youth Plate Final:

  
Young Otters just too strong for battling All Blacks' Youth  
 

Narberth 29 - Neyland 17

 
Venue: Heywood Lane, Tenby (which was in superb condition!)
Referee:  Dyfrig Dellar
Assistants: Edward Howells & Gareth Scourfield
 
Narberth and Neyland Youth teams demonstrated all that is best in the age group  for our county and there are a number of players from both camps who are likely to provide a steady stream of senior players in the years to come – and show why it is so important for EVERY club to invest in teams for this age group. Youth organiser Ken Davies was quick to praise the high skill levels on view and said that much of it was due to the hard work of dedicated coaches from both clubs.
 
Narberth started brightly, which hasn't always been the case this season, and their first try came from strong-running centre Iori Phillips after he gathered the ball near the halfway line to run opposed to the posts, before adding the extras himself. With their pack winning quality possession Narberth struck again shortly after through livewire hooker Charlie Reynolds, his try again converted by Phillips.
 
Neyland refused to submit, however,  as they came back into the match as forwards Declan Walters, Gethin Frayling , Braydan Jones, Sammy Wilson and Alfie Thomas all carried well and the back row of Marley Swift, Finley Phillips and Corey Riley supporting well they grabbed an unconverted try from nippy scrum half Dylan Lewis as he sniped over after a period of pressure.
 
But Narberth went into half time 21-5 ahead after they had added a third try after a quick tap penalty by Gethin Llewelyn caught Neyland napping and quick hands from Tom O’Toole, Dan Coaker and Sam Morris put James Owen over as reward for his hard work in the back row alongside Charlie Rooney and Callum Goeman, again converted by Phillips.
 

All Blacks start second half well – but The Otters ease home

 
Neyland started the second half the stronger but some resolute defence from the whole of the Narberth team maintained the margin – and then increased it with the ever-alert Charlie Reynolds chipping ahead and gathering the ball himself to score under the posts to give Phillips an easy conversion.
 
The Young All Blacks’ back line looked really dangerous with the ball in hand as Kian Jones linked well with centres Josh James and Taio Hein, plus the back three of Cai Griffiths, Charlie Evans and Henry Mayhew, who looked to run at every opportunity and they struck back late on and had the final say when they ran in tries by Kian Jones and Josh James, who also added the conversion, give them due credit in an entertaining contest.

So, Narberth were delighted winners of the Youth Plate, which was presented by Delyth Summons, the outstanding District H representative on the WRU, with standout performances from Charlie Rooney, having his best game of the season. Cal Goeman, leading by example,  Iori Phillips being the defensive linchpin in the midfield , and finally, Gethin Llewellyn for his outstanding contribution in both attack and defence.
 
Neyland were inevitably disappointed to miss out on the silverware but The All Blacks still have another chance when they play Crymych on Friday, May the 8^th, in The Mike Fry Under 17 final again at Tenby, with kick off at 7:30pm.
 
Narberth Youth: 1 Joe Rimmer 2 Charlie Reynolds 3 Theo Wright 4 Jake Leavitt 5 Tyla Beeken 6 James Owen 7 Charlie Rooney 8 Callum Goeman 9 Gethin Llewellyn 10 Tom O'Toole 11 Sam Morris 12 Iori Phillips 13 Dan Coaker 14 Owen Wooff 15 Ioan Thomas. Replacements:  16 Jack Monk 17 Josh Owen 18 George Millar Injured unavailable 19 Morgan Bethel 20 Noah Jenkins 21 Sid Castree.
Coaches: Jason Jennings; Steve Landrey, Fifitapuku Faletau, Robert Ayers.
Team Manager: Selina Owen.
First Aider: Steve Beeken.
 
Neyland Youth:  Henry Mayhew: Charlie Evans; Taio Hain; Josh James (Capt); Cai Griffiths: Kian Jones; Dylan Lewis: Declan Walters; Gethin Frayling; Braydon Jones: Samie Wilson; Alfie Thomas: Marli Swift; Finley Phillips; Corey Riley. Replacements: Alfie Cole; Isaac Jones; Connor John; Morgan Doncaster;Evan Roberts; Jamie Sitoe; Korey Arran; Ollie Barrett; Mason Montague; Iori Morgan; Ieuan Roberts.
Coaches: Mark James, Chris Busby, Richard Banner
Team Managers: Karen James & Nina Thomas.
First Aider: Andy Wilson.