Skills Coach Geraint Lewis praised the character and maturity of Cardiff Blues Under-18s as they maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 22-3 win over Scarlets at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Wednesday night.
Aled Ward, Terri Morgan Gee and Owen Lane grabbed the tries as Blues produced an impressive all-round display to thrill the home crowd and coaching staff.
Blues Under-18s have now won four games in the last three weeks and sit at the top of the Regional Championship with an unbeaten record after beating all the other regions.
The competition restarts after Christmas and Lewis is keen for Blues Under-18s to kick on again and maintain the high standards set in November.
“It was very pleasing against a very good Scarlets team,” said Lewis. “I thought the boys showed a lot of character out there and a lot of skill too.
“We have now finished the first part of the Under-18 Championship and can have a little break over Christmas and go into the second half in the New Year with an unbeaten record.
“The boys showed a lot of maturity and when the chances came we took them. That meant Scarlets had to play a bit of catch up and we forced mistakes. It was a very clinical display and it bodes well for the future.
“We know we can improve and there are areas to improve. We need to kick on after Christmas and we’ve beaten all the sides that will give us confidence.”
Lewis also praised the way the team dealt with being reduced to 13 men at the midway point of the second half after two yellow cards added: “We didn’t have things our own way and the Scarlets kept coming right until the end.
“We didn’t drop our heads and worked hard. Our character shone through when we were down to 13 men.
“It’s been an intense period of competition for the players, especially after their college commitments, and we are fortunate that we have got a strong squad and can give people games.
“Everyone has taken the opportunities given to them and added to the group and we want to carry that forward.
“The players are very proud to represent the Blues,” he added. “They are ambitious young men who want to make their way in the game.
“The crowd here saw that and when they put the jersey on they give 100percent. They did the Blues proud today and the region has a good record in this competition and age grade rugby. They are determined to keep that record going.”