WRU Wednesday Under 18 League:

Pembrokeshire Schools Academy 7

Newport High School 47

A CLINICAL display of finishing from Newport High School was enough to overcome the Pembrokeshire Schools Academy at Narberth on Wednesday afternoon.

The visitors, coached by ex Wales international Robert Sidoli, raced into a 21-0 lead early on, and then cut loose in the second half after the home side had fought their way back into the game.

It was blindside flanker Marcus Jones who got Newport going with an early try after full back James Scolfi had cut through the Pembrokeshire defence, and outside half Joshua Malson converted.

Scrum half Samuel Ireland then benefitted from an overlap to speed down the left wing and score, before centre Connor Edwards powered over from close range.

Malson converted both tries to make it 21-0, but to the credit of the home side, they refused to buckle, and got on the score sheet when prop Scott Jenkins rounded off a period of pressure by bursting over from 10 metres.

Outside half Geraint Jones converted, before Pembrokeshire winger Fola Dairo pounced on a loose ball and sped down the left wing, but he was hauled down by the cover defence.

The ensuing ruck saw the home side awarded a penalty that Jones kicked into the corner, but hooker Euan Jones saw his throw taken against the head.

Moments later, Pembrokeshire earned a similar opportunity and after Jones found his man in the line out, scrum half Elgan Roberts sniped towards the line but knocked on as he was tackled just short.

But they continued to press and a Jones miss pass in midfield nearly put centre Ryan Davies clean through, but he was ankle tapped as he accelerated through a gap in the Newport defence.

So despite trailing 21-7, Johnny Llewhellin’s side had finished the first half in the ascendancy, but they failed to take their momentum into the second period as the visitors cut loose.

Second row Bryce Morgan struck within seconds of the re-start, and Malson converted before going close himself after breaking from inside his own 22.

Pembrokeshire skipper and flanker Josh Macleod then broke from deep and set up Davies on another run, but he was bundled into touch on half way and moments later, Newport struck again.

A set move from a scrum saw right winger Lewis Phillips come into the line and he set up Scolfi for a try that Malson converted.

Phillips himself then jinked over, and it was Scolfi who completed the win when he strolled under the posts.

Replacement No 10 Sam Watkins added both conversions to complete a tough day for the home side, who can at least take heart from a 20 minute period before the break where they dominated in terms of possession and territory.

Pembrokeshire School Academy: Elliot Evans, Max Lewis, Ryan Davies, Josh Hewins, Fola Dairo, Geraint Jones, Elgan Roberts, Jonathan Clout, Euan Owens, Scott Jenkins, Geraint Harries, Ryan Bean, Alex Thomas, Josh Macleod (capt), Llyr Davies.

Replacements: Jordan Frank, Ieuan Bevan, Dax Leggett, Ryan Palmer, Kyle Hamer, Jack Parkinson, Jevan Mumberson.

Newport High School: James Scolfi, Lewis Phillips, Jarred Rosser, Connor Edwards, Kain Hooper, Joshua Malson, Samuel Ireland, Frank Crosby, Wade Langley, Christian Coleman, Connor Shefford, Bryce Morgan, Marcus Jones, Nathan Rudd (captain), Joe Lewis.

Replacements: Alex Pope, Joe Bell, Ellis Evans, Thomas Hancock, Ashton Robinson, Ben Pesci, Sam Watkins, Charlie Bale.

Referee: Simon Mills.