KEV KICKS OFF

IT WAS good to go to the Bridgendford Brewery Field last Wednesday to watch Bridgend Athletic Youth play Bridgend County in a game to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Athletic Youth. They won the game.

The crowd was superb and the game was exciting with some good rugby being played, especially in the first half. I think the game was also used as a trial for Bridgend District. There was some exciting talent coming through and my nephew Stuart Floyd Ellis played well so he might get a call-up with a lot of his team-mates.

I remember playing district rugby when I was at Brynteg and Bridgend Youth with Paul Yardley as captain. They were great times and an honour to get selected. I hope these youngsters today realise it’s a step up and a lot of academy coaches/Wales age-grade coaches watch these games and if you impress, there’s the chance of a regional academy contract or a Premiership club on offer.

I have got to say Scarlets played well and were the better team in the European Champions Cup against the mighty Saracens at Parc y Scarlets. The Scarlets were winning by seven points with fulltime gone but Saracens had possession and a lapse in defence saw them score a try in the 82nd minute and they drew the game 22-22. It’s a shame we don’t see games like this in the Pro12 league. I think teams raise their game and the intensity and skill levels are much higher.

Well done to the Ospreys on hammering French side Lyon in the European Challenge Cup. They now go through to the quarterfinals where they could possibly meet Cardiff Blues. The Ospreys lost winger Keelan Giles with a leg injury. His form has been quiet lately but he is a very exciting young talent.

Question: What do you think of Rob Howley’s Six Nations squad? I’M not too sure to tell the truth. It’s great news Alun Wyn Jones has taken over the captaincy. I just hope Taulupe Faletau and Rhys Webb are ready and fit as it’s going to be tough in Italy and we need their experience.