Scarlets end Blues' unbeaten record to move into semis

Centre Billy McBride's attack halted by Callum Sheedy
Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

Scarlets U16's ended their counterparts' Blues South unbeaten record in a tightly contested 16-12 triumph at Llangennech, securing a place in the WRU Championship semi-final, as they look to retain the Cup.

The next generation Scarlets went into the match high in confidence following some good performances in December which saw the West Walians securing victories over the Dragons and local rivals Ospreys.

However, it was Blues South that got off to the better start with outside half Callum Sheedy firing home an early penalty, but their lead was short lived as Daniel Jones replied in kind.

Outside half Daniel Jones kept the points ticking over for the Scarlets.

Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

In a match where both sides' defences were very much on top, it was the Blues that looked the more dangerous as full back James Whittingham cut the line, sidestepping his way past the first line of defence to chip ahead. And he looked to have weighted his kick perfectly, only to be just beaten by the dead ball line.

The boot once again prevailed as Sheedy and Jones traded penalties, but a flurry of penalties saw the hosts find touch five metres out and a driving line-out was held out by some strong Blues defence.

Just before the interval, Sheedy slotted his third penalty of the night to give his side a narrow 9-6 lead.

Within moments of the second half starting however, the South were reduced to 14 men for one too many repeated infringements, and the Scarlets clinically capitalised on the numerical advantage to score ten points during the sin binning.

Jones firstly slotted a penalty, before second row Ryan Morgan showed great strength to cross the whitewash, with Jones on hand to stroke home the extras and give his side a 16-9 advantage.

Cardiff scrum-half Rory Harries threatens the Scarlets defence.

Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

Back up to their full compliment, Sheedy closed the gap to four points with another well-taken penalty and could have brought the sides within a point, but saw his effort five minutes later drift wide.

With time running out, the Blues pressed hard but could find no way through a resilient Scarlets defence. There was to be one last scare for the hosts however, when Blues wing Ellis Wyn Benham looked clean through, only to be called back for an offside.