FOUR members of Newtown’s under 16s set-up represented the North Wales region RGC against the Llanelli Scarlets last weekend.

Cai Herdman made history as the first Newtown player to captain an RGC side at any level.

Herdman was joined by club-mates Tomas Parry, Rhys Jones and Morgan Lewis in representing North Wales in a 35-19 defeat at the hands of the highly rated young Scarlets outfit.

Newtown RFC chairman Mark Lloyd praised the quartet.

“It was honour for the players concerned to represent the RGC region and the whole club is proud of their achievement,” said Lloyd.

RGC under 16s back row coach Paul Craft added: “ The whole team can look back with credit on their performance.

“They made mistakes but they were mistakes that can be corrected and we will be working hard on so doing over the next few weeks before our next match.

“I thought that our Cai Herdman had an outstanding game and forced a number of turnovers as well as very much leading by example.”

Meanwhile the region’s senior rugby sides have stepped up their preparations for the new season.

Newtown slipped to a 24-22 defeat at home to Ludlow while North Wales League Two rivals Welshpool were held to a17-17 draw at home to Telford.

Elsewhere Builth Wells claimed a 29-10 win at Aberystwyth with tries from Ben Pugh, Dan Oakley, Lucas Jones and Aiden Luxton ensuring victory for new coach Simon John.

Meanwhile newly appointed youth coach Chris Offa also oversaw his side completing a 12-10 victory at Aberystwyth.

This Saturday is the Cambrian Training Mid Wales Finals at Llanidloes RFC which were pushed back from last season.

The shield final between Welshpool and Bulth Wells takes place at 1pm with COBRA and Llanidloes clashing in the cup final at 3pm.