News

The 150 supporters who gathered at Treborth, Bangor to view this first encounter linked to the Ladies Under 18 Regional Championship were immensely proud of each and every individual who graced the field. It was however the greater experience at the Blues disposal that saw them take the spoils by twenty points to nil.

The Blues opened brightly with centre Ffion Revill and flanker Niamh Christopher an immediate threat with their powerful and direct running. RGC were however inspired by the commitment shown by Sara Roberts both in the tackle area and in her forays through midfield. The first score came on seven minutes when a take against the head led to a blind side attack that found gifted flanker Manon Johnes as ever in support and her pick up and charge crossed the whitewash.

Sadly for the RGC the same scenario was repeated some five minutes later with fellow back rower Kacey Dudley this time at hand to squeeze over. RGC to their credit slowly gained a foothold  in the Blues half with an unexpected Molly Kelly chip over the defence causing the confusion that allowed Sara Roberts to pick up and nearly reach the try line. Her offload to supporting Beth Whittle gave the winger the opportunity to cross but the grounding was deemed not conclusive and the try they craved was denied.

The Blues regained the ascendancy for the final ten minutes of the half with quickly taken penalties causing confusion in RGC ranks and having entered the danger zone it was second row Catarina Balalas who added her weight to the onward rush to ground amongst the melee.

It could have been expected that the RGC would find life difficult during the second period, facing the slope and the heavy pitch but they returned to action with vengeance with the tackling of captain Ruby Roberts a revelation together with the drive and engine of number eight Mali Williams to the fore.

Half an hour of fully committed play followed with numerous replacements joining the fray and having to adjust quickly. RGC's Alaw Sharp tackled well on the wing whilst Holly Jones was capable with ball in hand. Replacement Blues centre Bethan Picton  also impressed with her deft hands and vision.

The only score of the second period stemmed from another series of drives and with the focus of play drifting wide, replacement second row Katy Broome fielded  before pirouetting to cross the try line to ensure a Blues victory by creating the twenty point margin with only minutes to play.  

All who played were a credit to their region and all augurs well for a competitive and interesting  Under 18, Ladies Championship for 2017.