Speaking after the game Dragons coach Steve Pritchard said,
“What pleased me more than the result was the fact that after scraping a win over the Scarlets last time out, we asked the boys to improve in certain areas and they responded exceptionally well.
“We must now work on our discipline as we gave away several silly penalties at vital times which prevented us building up some good momentum.
“However, we are delighted to have won these two games and we look forward with confidence to the remainder of the competition.”
The game got off to an enterprising start and both teams had crossed their opponents’ line within the first ten minutes. The Ospreys were first on the scoreboard and hooker Mike White (Loughor) was driven over by his pack following a lineout for a try which Nathan Healy (Nantyffyllon) converted. The home team responded immediately and Jordan Rees (Caerphilly) rounded off a fine handling movement to cross with Jamie Howells (Bargoed) adding the first of four conversions.
The Dragons pack were making things difficult for the visitors and it was no surprise when they took the lead with a good team try by Blackwood full back Kristian Perry. Despite having the run of play, The Dragons were unable to add to their total until just before the break when centre Phil Price (Caerphilly) made a telling break through the heart of the defence to cross near the posts. A Healy penalty reduced the arrears but a try from a scrum by Dragons number 8 and captain David Brake (Caerphilly) effectively made the game safe for his side before the Ospreys struck back with the Dragons temporarily reduced to fourteen men and prop Dennis Pugh was rewarded for his efforts with a try after a spell of concerted pressure. A number of unforced errors and numerous replacements disrupted the continuity of the remainder of the game and both sides struggled to maintain their cohesion. A penalty from Dragons replacement Shaun Thomas (Blaina) was the last action of the game.
Scorers:
Dragons Tries: J Rees, K Perry, P Price, D Blake
Cons: J Howells (4)
Pen: Shaun Thomas
Ospreys Tries: M White, D Pugh
Con: N Healey
Pen N Healey
