U18 EUROPEAN CUP GROUP MATCH

Wales set down a marker for the tournament on Monday afternoon with a dominant display against the outgunned but enthusiastic hosts with hat tricks for Crusaders Colts' prop Terry Saunders and Rhyl Coasters' centre Rhys Williams.

The Dragons got off to the perfect start, scoring twice in the first three minutes, full back Kriss Wilkes going on a mazy run through the middle in the first set; Jamie Tibbs adding the goal, the first of ten successes. Powerful front rower Saunders crashed over from a tap penalty and, after 8 minutes, the Czech's lost possession in the shadow of their posts and Saunders punished them again.

From another tap penalty Mark Wool powered over on the right, Tibbs adding an excellent goal from wide out and from the kick off, expansive play sent winger Dalton Grant clear from 50 metres. The Czech Republic's best chance came in the 20th minute, Cenek Holovsky and Patrik Lebl going close but over enthusiasm cost them, the Welsh breaking out down the left for Ross Waddell and Steve Williams to send Ryan Healy clear.

Rhys Williams continued in the same vein five minutes into the second half from a fine Steve Williams pass and even though Wilkes spent time in the sin bin, the Welsh continued to press forward, Steve Williams going over from a Gary Williams break in midfield which was ended by a brave ankle tap.

Saunders completed his treble with a stepping run after good work by Ian Marshall and Steve Williams as the rain fell and two touchdowns in ten minutes by Rhys Williams completed the scoring. His first capitalised again down the left with Steve Williams the catalyst and his third was a fine 50 metre solo effort.

For the Czechs, loose forward Jan Buben was tireless in defeat. Wales now face England, who beat Scotland 52-6 today, in the semi-final on Wednesday at Slavia Prague's ground (midday). France take on Ireland in Wednesday's other semi-final.

CZECH REPUBLIC U18
Jakub Smisek, Martin Chernohorsky, David Polasek, Pavel Vseticka, Martin Cihlar, Michal Vancura, Petr Dobremysl, Michal Hora, Pavel Bures, Cenek Holovsky, Patrik Lebl, Jan Holovsky, Jan Buben. Subs: Lukas Vasek,David Pejcoch,Dalibor Smotek, Karel Faitl

WALES U18
Kriss Wilkes, Dalton Grant, Jamie Tibbs, Rhys Williams, Ryan Healy, Dale Blackmore, Steve Williams, Gil Dudson, Owain Griffiths, Terry Saunders, Ross Wardle, Joe Burke, Mark Wool. Subs: Ian Marshall, Tom Beaumont, Gary Williams, Sam Powell