CALDICOT Youth player James Hussey has been called up for the Wales Schools Under-16 squad.

The 16-year-old centre will hope to play a part in the team's forthcoming international games which include a match against England at Oxford University on April 6.

James came through the ranks at Caldicot but left to join Abergavenny in order to play Under-16 rugby. Since re-signing he has been a key member of the Caldicot's Youth team that has won 14 out of 14 league and cup games this season.

Caldicot first XV coach Steve Pritchard said: "He's a talented lad and I am sure he has a very bright future. He's a big unit and handles himself well even though he's one of the youngest in the team. His core skills are excellent and he also kicks very well."

Caldicot's first team could well have done with someone of his ilk on Saturday as handling errors and poor decision-making saw them slip to an 11-5 defeat at home to leaders Cilfynydd.

The home side found themselves 11-0 down with 15 minutes left but nearly came back to snatch a draw.

A try from man-of-the-match Joe Cullimore gave them hope and they looked set to score with one of the last plays of the match before dropping it on the line.

Pritchard said: "I couldn't believe it – even the referee looked at me in disbelief. We had a penalty and asked if we had time to kick for a line out. Their big second row had been sent off so we identified their weakness, worked it really well, drove for the line and then somehow dropped the ball."

The error was by no means the first of a frustrating afternoon of rugby which could easily have ended differently.

Pritchard said: "It was a poor game in truth and both sides made a lot of errors. Our handling and decision making was poor and although their coach said we deserved to win, it doesn't matter if you don't get the points on the board."

The result was Caldicot's second successive defeat and they now lie fourth in the SWALEC League Four East table. They are hoping to rearrange a postponed game for this weekend but will be otherwise out of action until March 23 when they travel to Monmouth.