Young Blues dominate on 4G with thirteen under-21s in matchday squad

HAVERFORDWEST Rugby Football Club’s development side delivered a powerful statement of intent with an emphatic 54–28 victory away to Milford Haven Rugby Club on the hosts’ 4G surface.

The young Blues ran in eight tries in an open, fast-paced encounter, pulling clear in the second half after a competitive opening spell.

Club representatives praised not only the scoreline but the make-up of the side, with thirteen under-21 players featuring in the matchday squad — a clear sign of the strength of the club’s pathway from youth rugby into the senior ranks.

Even more encouraging for coaches was the leadership on display. Five former and current youth captains and vice-captains took to the field, underlining both the experience and character coming through the system.

Despite playing away on an artificial pitch, Haverfordwest adapted quickly, moving the ball sharply through the backs and showing composure in contact to stretch the Milford defence. A strong finish sealed the result, with the visitors pulling away late on to put daylight between the sides.

A spokesperson for the Blues said the performance reflected the hard work being done behind the scenes to develop local talent.

They added that giving young players meaningful game time is central to the club’s long-term plans and that results like this show the future is in safe hands.

The win keeps momentum building for the development squad and provides plenty of optimism for supporters watching the next generation push for senior opportunities.

With energy, pace and leadership throughout the side, the Blues’ youngsters look more than ready for the step up.

Arundell hat-trick and two Welsh sin bins as hosts rack up seven tries in one-sided Six Nations opener

ENGLAND blew Wales away with a ruthless seven-try display to secure a thumping 48-7 victory in their opening match of the Six Nations Championship at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday (Feb 7).

In front of a full house in south-west London, England national rugby union team combined pace, precision and power to overwhelm a Wales side that simply could not live with the hosts’ intensity, particularly during a devastating first half that effectively settled the contest before the break.

The tone was set early.

England dominated territory from the kick-off, fly-half George Ford dictating play with clever tactical kicking and sharp distribution. After an early penalty nudged them ahead, the first try followed when quick hands released wing Henry Arundell in space and he raced clear down the touchline.

It was the first of three.

Arundell’s pace repeatedly exposed the Welsh edge defence and he completed a clinical first-half hat-trick, twice finishing sweeping backline moves and once chasing down a perfectly weighted kick in behind.

Wales’ task became even harder when discipline deserted them. Prop Nicky Smith and hooker Dewi Lake were both shown yellow cards within minutes of each other for repeated infringements, leaving the visitors down to 13 men at one stage.

England ruthlessly punished the numerical advantage.

Ben Earl crashed over from close range after a series of pick-and-go carries, before Tom Roebuck finished smartly in the corner as the ball was spun wide at pace. By half-time England were 29-0 ahead and in complete control.

To their credit, Wales national rugby union team showed more fight after the restart. A sustained spell of pressure finally produced their only score when Josh Adams gathered a cross-field kick to dot down in the corner, briefly lifting the travelling support.

But any hopes of momentum were short-lived.

England struck back almost immediately. A powerful maul marched deep into Welsh territory, leading to another close-range score, and matters worsened for Wales when a clear try-scoring chance was illegally stopped, prompting the referee to award a penalty try.

Tommy Freeman added the final flourish late on, slicing through tired defenders to cap a dominant afternoon.

Ford added four conversions and a penalty from the tee to keep the scoreboard ticking.

No players were sent off, but the two sin bins proved hugely costly, coming during the period when England built their decisive lead.

For England, it was close to the perfect start to the championship. Their pack won the collisions, the breakdown was slick, and their back three looked dangerous every time they touched the ball. The blend of control and cutting edge suggests they will be genuine title contenders.

For Wales, it is back to the drawing board. Defensive lapses and ill-discipline were punished at the highest level, and conceding seven tries will concern the coaching staff ahead of their next fixture.

Scorers
England: Henry Arundell (3), Ben Earl, Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, penalty try. Conversions: Ford (4). Penalty: Ford.
Wales: Josh Adams. Conversion: Edwards.

A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).