Kelly’s Heroes Take On Leinster For Right To Be Top Of The A-Class

Scarlets A will be crowned champions of the inaugural Celtic Cup if they can inflict revenge on Leinster A at Parc Y Scarlets on Saturday (4.00pm)

The West Walians were beaten 16-10 in their own backyard by Leinster’s development side last month, but this time around they have summer signing Clayton Blommetjies amongst their ranks as they go for glory against the unbeaten Irish province.

Richard Kelly’s men topped the Welsh conference after coming from 12-0 down to run in eight tries in a 58-12 victory. Blommetjies starts at full-back alongside Tomi Lewis and Ryan Conbeer in the back three, whilst Wales Under-20 starlets Corey Baldwin and Morgan Williams combine in the centre, inside a half-back duo of Jac Wilson and Kieran Hardy.

Scarlets regular Dylan Evans starts at loosehead alongside summer arrival Marc Jones and Simon Gardiner. Josh Helps captains the side from the second-row ahead of Shaun Evans, Dan Davis and Tom Phillips. The inaugural competition is designed to bring on the next generation at the regions, but Scarlets A coach Kelly is determined to crown their season with silverware.

He said: “Everyone’s excited for the final clash in the cup, we’re all raring to go. We’ve recovered well after last week’s triumph and the boys seem comfortable with the challenge ahead.

“I believe that discipline was the main factor that let us down last time against Leinster A, we definitely gave away too many penalties under challenging conditions that led them to gain territory.

“This was a massive focus for us after the first time we played them this season and I believe it’s all in our control. We need to manage it better in order to get the results were after, which hopefully will be a home win.”

Leinster will have the likes of Ireland internationals Adam Byrne and Dave Kearney in their side as they aim to add the Celtic Cup to their Guinness PRO14 and Heineken Champions Cup trophies.