The Cardiff under-16 Regional Age Grade Championship campaign drew to a thrilling finale on Wednesday, as the club’s North and South sides went head-to-head in an enthralling encounter at Cardiff Arms Park.

Both sides have impressed in recent weeks with their running rugby, and the gathering crowd were not disappointed by the action on the pitch.

There were plenty of highly-anticipated match-ups across the field, but it was the South who struck first in the inter-regional derby.

Having kept the ball for a number of phases, Iestyn Williams’ side – playing on their home patch – eventually forced a penalty out of their opponents. With the referee playing advantage, Cardiff Schools scrum half Owain Paskell sniped his way past a breakdown to find a clear path to the try-line.

It didn’t take long for Cardiff North to respond as lock Dylan McDonald showed plenty of composure with ball in hand to send Charlie Morgan Stephens over in the corner, but the hosts soon took control of proceedings.

Osian Darwin Lewis extended the South’s lead with a fine finish down the left, and Rueben Cummings’ try from the driving line-out made it 19-5 at the break.

Cardiff North knew they needed to find the first score in the second half to remain in the contest, and that score came from outside half Tom Hughes, who powered over from short range.

However, a missed conversion meant a nine-point gap separate the sides on the hour mark. Ben Roberts, who has been impressive throughout the campaign, crossed in the corner for Cardiff’s fourth, following good work from replacement scrum half Sion Davies.

John Baldwin’s try put the result beyond doubt before Matthew Bridge had the final word, breaking away from deep after capitalising on loose play in midfield to make it 36-10.

The sides came together for the traditional post-match huddle, showing their unity in representing the same club, and they could be extremely proud of their displays over the past five weeks.