On a cold evening The Dragons amateur team travelled to face the Blues at Abercynon RFC. This was the first game this season for the regional champions against a very youthful Blues team. Right from the start the Blues laid down their intentions by running the ball at every opportunity. Unfortunately for the Blues they gave away a penalty on the half way line, this allowed The Dragons to score first with a long range penalty from outside half Jamie Howells (Bargoed), before The Dragons players could settle into any game plan the Blues scored underneath The Dragons posts for a converted try by Dan Povey (Llantwit Fadre) to take the lead. In reply The Dragons pinned the Blues down in their corner and from a driving lineout captain Anthony Lott scored with Jamie Howells (Bargoed) converting.
Within five minutes The Dragons managed to put some good runs together with Shaun Powell making good head way into the Blues 22 before the ball was moved to Darren Humphries (Bargoed) who scored with Jamie Howells (Bargoed) converting. The game was played at a high tempo with both sides looking to play attractive rugby, again the Blues moved the ball wide for their fullback to score which was unconverted. Half time score 12-17.
The Dragons were not to be out done within the next five minutes from the kick off some good driving play by the forwards allowed Shaun Powell (Penallta) to score which was unconverted. Straight from the kick off the Blues number five picked up a loose ball and handed off the last defender to sprint in at the corner to score. The Dragons then moved up a gear with good inter play between forwards and backs with the back row running with ball in hand. This play produced a score for right wing Lewis Prothero (Bargoed) which went unconverted. With Blues being starved of any quick ball they were caught offside at a ruck, this allowed Jamie Howells (Bargeod) to slot over a penalty to take the score to 17-30.
The Dragons started to turn the screw with the pace of the game telling this allowed the forwards to make big headways into the Blues defence, some good close play by the forwards produced a try for Andrew Packer (Newport Saracens) with Jamie Howells (Bargoed) converting. With the game opening up the Blues did not stop trying and pressurised the Dragons defence, this pressure turned into a score for the Blues which went unconverted. Not to be out done in the final minutes again from some good forward play Ross Jones (Bargoed) scored which was converted by Jamie Howells (Bargoed). With The Dragons backs now looking dangerous with every attack they put together a final move with Gavin Ferguson (Pontypool) taking a short pass off Owen Biddescombe to score under the posts which he converted.
Final score was 22-49 to the Dragons.
The next game for the reigning champions is against the Scarlets North on the 12th of December, at Bargoed, kick off 7pm.
