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Thomas named Player of the Series for Wales Under 18

21st August 2017


Ben Thomas was named Player of the Series, as Wales Under 18's claimed two victories during their three-test trip to South Africa.

Thomas proved instrumental in his side's historic victories over England and South Africa Schools, and despite a 31-19 loss to France in the final fixture of the tour, there were plenty of positives for the young side to take from their summer games.
 
Three Cardiff Blues players were named in Geraint Lewis' squad, as forwards Joe Miles and Ben Warren joined outside half Thomas for the tour.
 
The schedule began with a tough clash against South Africa Schools at Cape Town, where all three Cardiff Blues players were named in the starting XV, with Thomas taking his place at inside centre. 
 
The youngster played a crucial role in Wales' victory over the hosts, as his break in midfield eventually resulted in a close range scrum for Wales, where Dragons' Len Greggains would cross for the decisive score in the 30-28 triumph.
 
Thomas was back in the number 10 jersey in a reshuffled line-up for the following fixture against arch rivals, England, with Warren and Miles both named on the bench.
 
With only four minutes on the clock, Thomas' cross field kick forced an error by England full back Ollie Hassell-Collins, with Tomi Morgan taking full advantage, touching down to open the scoring.
 
Thomas added the extras from the boot.
 
Despite dragging two long-range penalties wide of the posts, Thomas successfully converted a difficult touchline conversion to extend his side's lead to 14 points, after Scarlets prop Kelsey Mathias powered over.
 
England fought their way back into the game, but Thomas' successful conversion proved decisive as Wales claimed a 14-12 victory, after England's Cameron Redpath crucially missed a conversion in the final play of the game.
 
However, Wales couldn't make it three out of three, as they fell to a 31-19 defeat to France in the final fixture.