Wales Under-20s made history on Friday night as they claimed their first Grand Slam at this level with a 35-6 victory over Italy at Parc Eirias.
Four second-half tries, including a double for No.8 Harrison Keddie, put paid to a plucky Azzurri side who had been level at 6-6 at the break.
Shaun Evans and Joe Thomas were the other two try scorers and victory in Colwyn Bay means the hosts sealed their first Under-20s Six Nations title and the Grand Slam to boot – a remarkable achievement after late comebacks against both Scotland and France.
While virtually the entirety of the Parc Eirias crowd had turned up in expectation of an historic Welsh victory, it was the visitors who started the brighter.
Italy Under-20s fly-half Matteo Minozzi sent a drop goal wide but an error-strewn display from the nervous hosts kept the Azzurri dominant in terms of territory and possession.
All they lacked was a cutting edge however and when Wales made their first foray they took the lead – Daniel Jones slotting a penalty.
Italy then turned down a kickable penalty to try and respond but soon after their scrum got a nudge on and Minozzi this time took the points on offer to level at 3-3.
The two fly-halves traded another penalty each before the break but Italy were good value for the 6-6 scoreline – Jones’ second effort coming on the stroke of the interval when parity was not really deserved.
But Wales were a different story after the break, the scrum problems a thing of the past and they hit the front through Jones’ third penalty before Keddie struck.
The front row had created the territory with another fine scrum and from close range there was no stopping the No.8 who went over – Jones’ extras making it 16-6 and Wales could finally relax.
Italy prop Danielle Rimpelli went in the sin bin and soon after Evans struck at the back of a rolling maul for their second score.
Thomas – called in for the injured George Gasson on the right wing – claimed the third score late on and there was still time for Keddie to dive over for his second on the stroke of full time and the celebrations could begin.
