Mike's star turn (From Western Telegraph)

Mike's star turn

LOCAL boy Mike Phillips was deservedly awarded the man of the match accolade in Wales' heart-breaking 21-16 defeat at the hands of the RBS Six Nations champions France.

It's been a very disappointing Six Nations campaign for last season's Grand Slam heroes who finished second from bottom this time around.

However, Cardiff Blues No9 Phillips has been waiting patiently in the wings for his opportunity.

And with both Gareth Cooper and Dwayne Peel picking up injuries, Phillips quite literally took his opportunity with both hands, as he put in a superb showing against the Le Blues.

The 23-year-old terrorised the French with a succession of breathtaking breaks which certainly had them rattled.

Unfortunately for Wales they couldn't get on Phillips' shoulder in time and his searing breaks didn't finish with points on the board which they deserved.

Speaking to Telegraph Sport, Phillips was delighted to have made the most of his opportunity handed to him by Dwayne Peel's shoulder injury.

"I was chuffed to bits with my performance and really pleased with the way it went," he said. "I couldn't have done much more. I'm just glad that I've shown the fans what I can do."

"I was disappointed with my start against New Zealand in the autumn.

"I'm chuffed with the way things have gone this time. It was great to be out there and, hopefully, I'll get a chance again.

"I want to be first choice all the time."

Well done Mike. Telegraph Sport believes that he certainly deserves another crack.

Hopefully that Wales No9 jersey will be his for keeps in the not too distant future.

Another senior local player flying the flag for Pembrokeshire at top flight level is Ospreys' Jonathan Thomas who came on at the Millennium Stadium, as a replacement in the French defeat.

And Scarlets' Tal Selley and Gloucester's James Merriman were both part of the Wales Sevens squad that dramatically beat South Africa at the weekend to win the Plate Final in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.

Well done boys!