The Young Dragons Under 18 Development side replicated what their senior XV side had done a few weeks ago, and got their season off to a winning start with a very gutsy and very determined performance against a Filton College side.
This young Dragons squad, 17 of which have another year at under 18s level, showed huge character coming from 17 - 0 down at half time to win the game 24 - 17.
Playing up the slope and against a mighty wind in the first half you would have thought it was a damage limitation exercise, but that was not to be as the Dragons had the possession and the will to play at every opportunity, and apart from some poor kicking and some first up tackles being missed the Filton side would not have scored their 3 tries from broken play.
The second half started very well for this young Dragons side, who until this game had not played together at all, with a kick and catch try for the impressive wing Jordan Purcell who danced his way to the tryline and Rhodri Lloyd converted. This gave the Dragons the self belief they needed and they again raised their game to go on and score another 3 tries through backs Rhodri Lloyd, Thomas Ashmead and rampaging centre Elliot Wheaton plus 1 more conversion from Rhodri Lloyd.
Coaches Nigel Smith and Jeremy Rogers know there is work to be done, but they were delighted with the spirit and tenacity of this young side, considering 95% of them are 16 years of age still.
This young Dragons squad, 17 of which have another year at under 18s level, showed huge character coming from 17 - 0 down at half time to win the game 24 - 17.
Playing up the slope and against a mighty wind in the first half you would have thought it was a damage limitation exercise, but that was not to be as the Dragons had the possession and the will to play at every opportunity, and apart from some poor kicking and some first up tackles being missed the Filton side would not have scored their 3 tries from broken play.
The second half started very well for this young Dragons side, who until this game had not played together at all, with a kick and catch try for the impressive wing Jordan Purcell who danced his way to the tryline and Rhodri Lloyd converted. This gave the Dragons the self belief they needed and they again raised their game to go on and score another 3 tries through backs Rhodri Lloyd, Thomas Ashmead and rampaging centre Elliot Wheaton plus 1 more conversion from Rhodri Lloyd.
Coaches Nigel Smith and Jeremy Rogers know there is work to be done, but they were delighted with the spirit and tenacity of this young side, considering 95% of them are 16 years of age still.
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