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Carmarthen Athletic picked up their third title at the home of Welsh Rugby after defeating Bargoed Youth 34-22.

You had to go back to 2013 for their last win at Principality Stadium, while their first success came a decade earlier at the old National Ground in what was then the National Youth Cup final.

Two tries from scrum half Ethan Price led the way for the Athletic. Jac Bennett, Ben Thomas, Harry Conick, and Charlie Clarke scored the other tries as they hit Bargoed for six.

Harry Conick added two conversions to complete the scoring as the west Walians built up an impressive 34-8 lead after changing ends with a mere two-point advantage. But there was a sting in the tail from Bargoed as they ended a high with two late tries cutting the gap and making the scoreline far more respectable.

Whilst missing Sam Williams, who is on international duty for Wales U18 in Italy, Scarlets U18 RAG winners Bennett, Dafydd Ebsworth, Osian Williams, and Lewys Thompson steered the ship up front for the Athletic.

They enjoyed the early territorial advantage in the opening 15 minutes but couldn’t find a way to open their account as two great chances went begging. Bargoed’s defensive resilience and discipline served them, and they were able to absorb the pressure before hitting back to score a try of their own.

A huge drive from prop Rhys Davies brought the Bulls to within two metres of the Athletic’s line, and then scrum-half Harvey Jones offloaded to lock Ashton Roberts, who crossed half-way out on the left. Outside-half Charlie Williams’ conversion attempt deflected off the post.

Bargoed then conceded a penalty at the break down and a deep kick into their 22 set-up an attacking line-out option for the Athletic. Instead of going for an all-out drive, they pulled off an impressive front of the line peel which ended with back row man Bennett crossing.

Williams then kicked Bargoed back in front with a penalty, but the first of Price’s brace edged Carmarthen into the lead. It was anyone’s game moving into the second half, but back-to-back powerful driving mauls from the Carmarthen pack forced the Bulls to deliberately bring down the second one.

The referee indicated a penalty, but Carmarthen played on and worked centre Thomas over for a try that this time Conick converted. Full back Conick was next to score after Kieran Andrews had regathered a kick and that opened up a 14-point gap.

Price again and then Clarke added further tries, once of which Conick improved, and the west Walians were cruising. Then came Bargoed’s defiant finish as hooker Joey Hall was sent over by his outstanding skipper and No 8 Taylor Meades before breaking away from a driving maul for his second.

Williams converted them both, but it still wasn’t enough to save the day.

Match report courtesy of the Welsh Rugby Union website.

Pictured opposite, the victorious Athletic Youth Squad who lifted the National Plate 2024.