Pencoed Phoenix U18s Women are in the hunt for silverware, when they face Cardiff Quins in the Girls U18 Cup Final next week.
Speaking ahead of the game, Team manager of the young side, Michele Halse said:
“It’s fantastic, it’s so exciting! The girls have worked so hard. They’ve all really developed, and their skill level has just gone from strength to strength. They’re absolutely over the moon to be able to play in the Principality Stadium, it's going to be really special for the girls.”
The coaching team of Ieuan Evans, Wayne Jenkins and Richard have worked incredibly hard all season with the young squad, with the results both on and off the pitch speaking for themselves.
Not only have the girls put in a huge shift for the club, but 12 girls were named in the Ospreys U18s Women side who went onto win the U18s Women Regional Championship with the region at the beginning of the year.
“The coaches have done a brilliant job with the girls, they’ve had a cracking season.” Halse added: “Training has gone from strength to strength. Participation numbers have increased, and we have a squad of around 28 girls which is just fantastic.”
Pencoed have picked some impressive wins over the course of the competition, including a 53-17 victory over Ynysddu, and a 50-0 away triumph over Haverfordwest in the semi-finals.
Halse added: “With the girls, they’re so strong at the moment because they’re playing for each other. They’re a really tight unit and they take that into their game. They’re developing their skills and game together and training hard as a team. When they’re out on the field, everything they learn in training they take with them into their game and it really has shown out on the park.”
In the final round, the women’s side will face a strong Cardiff Quins outlet, who won their semi-final against Whitland 51-0 to secure their place at the Principality.
“It’s going to be a tough game. Cardiff Quins are a really strong team with a huge amount of skill level. They’re a big pack and they like to play a physical game. We’ve been training three times a week and working hard in preparation for the game ahead to make sure we have everything in place. We’re building our skill level and increasing that intensity so that we do all we can to hopefully come out with a win.”
“We’re fairly confident, but at the end of the day, the experience of the whole day is going to be something really special for the squad. Running out onto that pitch is an incredible opportunity for the girls and one I’m sure they won’t forget.”
Catch the girls in action on Friday 3rd May at the Principality Stadium against Cardiff Quins, K.O 5:30pm.