HAYDN Pugh’s flying start to his Neath career hit new heights on Saturday when he steered them to victory live to the nation. The 19-year-old from Flint’s first try for the four-time defending Principality Premiership champions and reigning Welsh Cup holders sealed a crucial 29-19 home win over Newport that was televised on S4C. And there are now growing hopes the 6ft 5in second-row powerhouse will be put forward for selection to the Ospreys. Mold Rugby Club product Pugh made it his ultimate aim to make the step up to the Celtic League giants after joining Neath from Llandovery in the summer. But if he maintains the fine form he is showing for the Welsh All Blacks, that opportunity might arise sooner rather than later. The former Flint High School student, one of Wales’ unsung heroes in their fourth-placed finish at the IRB Junior World Championship in June, has already established himself as a firm fan favourite with a Gnoll faithful that has seen legends like Jonathan Davies and Shane Williams graduate through their ranks. In leaving Llandovery for the oldest rugby club in Wales, Pugh had to sever his ties with the Scarlets, whose academy he joined at 16, to ply his trade in the region of their close-rivals the Ospreys. | 
Flintshire Sport 
