THE ever rising standard of Montgomeryshire rugby has led to a wave of call-ups for the regional North Wales squad.

Newtown’s Owen Randell and Joe Hughes both made their bows for the RGC under 18s against the Gwent Dragons in Ystrad Mynach last weekend.

Meanwhile Cai Herdman captained the RGC under 16s squad which included club-mates Morgan Lewis, Tom Parry, Rhys Jones against the Dragons in Colwyn Bay last weekend with Gruff Evans missing the season opener through injury.

Herdman led his side to a 14-14 draw from his position as openside flanker while hooker Lewis and No8 Parry also played key roles with Jones making an impact from the bench.

Proud Newtown under 16s coach Paul Herdman said: “All four plated a crucial part in securing the draw and are to be congratulated on their achievement of plating Regional Age Grade Rugby.”

Newtown secretary Dai Davies said: “The club is very proud of the players. We are well represented in the regional set up and all the credit belongs with the players, coaches and parents.

“This latest batch of players have been with the club since under nine level so it is so pleasing to see them progress to the RGC set-up.”

Meanwhile two of the region’s leading players were part of the RGC squad to slip to a 15-12 defeat at Scarlets in the Women’s Regional League opener.

COBRA outside centre Grace Hill was joined in the North Wales squad by Welshpool scrum-half Grace Johns as RGC tasted a slender defeat.