Scarlets Ladies U18s 40
Dragons Ladies U18’s 10
SCARLETS LADIES Under 18’s have put themselves on the brink of a fourth consecutive regional title by outscoring a determined and resolute Dragons outfit by 6 tries to 2 in difficult conditions at a damp and windswept Ammanford on Sunday afternoon to triumph 40-10.
Leading the way for the Scarlets with two tries apiece were centre Carly Jones and scrum half Lucy Packer, with ever impressive back row forward Lleucu George converting three of the six tries scored.
The Scarlets began the game with a strong wind at their back and were immediately put on the front foot by the powerful ball carrying of the red pack. The determined defence of the visitors held the home team at bay, before the back line of the Scarlets finally broke the defensive shackles and released flying winger, Katie Thicker on a 40-meter sprint to the line to open the scoring. George added the extras to give the Scarlets a 7-0 lead on 10 minutes.
Despite the home team dominating territory and possession, the Dragons defence, led superbly by India Berbillion and flanker Eve Jones refused to buckle under the pressure and indeed began to exert pressure of their own forcing the normally fluent Scarlets team into several uncharacteristic handling errors.
Eventually, the Scarlets backs finally clicked, a half break by centre Libby Jones, released her co-centre Carly Jones who outpaced the cover defence to score near to the posts. Outside Half Sioned Phillips converted the try giving the home team a 14-0 lead with five minutes until half time.
The Scarlets failed to deal with the restart, which allowed the Dragons to mount their first serious attacking opportunity. The ball was eventually released to full back Imogen Shide to score out wide with the last play of the half.
The girls in red began the second half in dynamic fashion. With barely a minute on the clock, Packer evaded several would-be defenders to touch down and give her team the perfect start.
Seven minutes later, a moment of individual brilliance saw centre Carly Jones gather the ball inside her own half and race in, to score the bonus point try under the posts. Lleucu George converted the try to extend the Scarlets lead to 26-5.
Strong running by second row Ffion Howells and prop Ruby Roberts once again put the Scarlets deep inside Dragons territory. Packer, fed her half back partner Megan Beech, who’s delicate pass put the impressive Carys Lloyd through the gap and power her way over for the Scarlets fifth try of the day. Again George adding the extras.
The Dragons refused to lie down and went on the offensive from the kick off. The powerful running of their pack once again took play up to the Scarlets’ try line, with the pressure eventually leading to flanker Eve Jones to score a thoroughly deserved second try for the visitors.
The Scarlets responded immediately from the kick off. Excellent defensive work by Scarlets winger Caitlin Lewis, eventually led to the home team turning the ball over at the contact area. The forwards drove powerfully up to the Dragons try line where Packer sniped her way over the line to score wide out. The excellent conversion by Lleucu George rounded of the scoring, giving the Scarlets an excellent win over a vastly improved Dragons squad.
The Scarlets Girls are next in action on March the 6th against the Blues in Ystrad Mynach, where they will be hoping to secure their fourth title in four seasons.
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