The Dragons U20s Squad travelled to North Wales last weekend to take on Gogledd Cymru 1404 A Team at Colwyn Bay Rfc.
This was the 4th Fixture this season for the U20s,and although they had a number of changes to the squad which played in the previous games the lads who were drafted in did the region proud and ran out well deserved winners against a very big and very physicall team who contained a number of young senior players in their ranks, but this did not deter the Young Dragons and they ran out winners by 26 points to - 8.
The game started with the young Dragons very much on the attack from the outset,and from the very first scrummage they launched a clinical backline move which split the 1404 centres and winger Sion Jones scored the games first try.
The 1404 side then settled a bit and gained some field posession for about 15 minutes but the determined Dragons defence turned the ball over and sent the ball quickly to impressive centre Ashley Norton who sprinted half the lenght off the firld to score under the posts and this was converted by outside half James Miller.The game then was shared between both teams 22s with both sides having the opportunity to score,but it was the 1404 team who scored next from a penalty by Ashley James getting the North Waliens on to the score board.
The never say die attitude By the young dragons the had thier own penalty opportunity next but decided to not go for the posts but instead Srum Half David Evans take a quick tap penalty and handing the ball on to Hooker Rhys Francis who barged his way over the line.James Miller again converting.Half Time Score 19 - 3 in the young Dragons favour.
The second half was a much closer affair with credit to both teams they each tried to play some rugby and keep the ball on the park,the 1404 team looked to be the ones to score next but a stray kick gave the dragons an opportunity to counter attack and some fine running by wing Sion Jones resulted in the ball getting to powerhouse centre Stefan Morgan to score under the posts which was again converted by James Miller.
In fairness to the 1404 team they never let their heads drop although it now became apparent the victory was beyond them, and even when the young Dragons made a number of changes to give some young players the chance to wear the dragons shirt the defence was outstanding and fierce but they did concede a try on 71 minutes by the huge frame of Welsh Exile Simon Griffiths.
Both teams to thier credit tried to play rugby right up to the final whistle and the final score was 26 - 8 in the Young Dragons favour.
Some outstanding performances by a number of players but No8 Mathew Thomas was superb all game and some of his breaks from the base were excellant and gave the Dragons the gainline platform to give their speedy backline the opportunity to strike from.
This squad was superbly led by captain Rhyddian Wilson and his young troops which also included U18s second rows Joe Bartlett and Lance Randell something to be very proud of.
A special mention must also go to the coaches Paul Young and Nigel Smith who have been excellant all season and put a huge effort in with this young group as they are not together as often as the other age grade sides.
Could we also take the opportunity to thank Colwyn Bay Rfc for allowing us to train there on Saturday and watch the Wales V's Ireland game and for also putting on the game Sunday,their very warm hospatality was appreciated by all from the Dragons region
This was the 4th Fixture this season for the U20s,and although they had a number of changes to the squad which played in the previous games the lads who were drafted in did the region proud and ran out well deserved winners against a very big and very physicall team who contained a number of young senior players in their ranks, but this did not deter the Young Dragons and they ran out winners by 26 points to - 8.
The game started with the young Dragons very much on the attack from the outset,and from the very first scrummage they launched a clinical backline move which split the 1404 centres and winger Sion Jones scored the games first try.
The 1404 side then settled a bit and gained some field posession for about 15 minutes but the determined Dragons defence turned the ball over and sent the ball quickly to impressive centre Ashley Norton who sprinted half the lenght off the firld to score under the posts and this was converted by outside half James Miller.The game then was shared between both teams 22s with both sides having the opportunity to score,but it was the 1404 team who scored next from a penalty by Ashley James getting the North Waliens on to the score board.
The never say die attitude By the young dragons the had thier own penalty opportunity next but decided to not go for the posts but instead Srum Half David Evans take a quick tap penalty and handing the ball on to Hooker Rhys Francis who barged his way over the line.James Miller again converting.Half Time Score 19 - 3 in the young Dragons favour.
The second half was a much closer affair with credit to both teams they each tried to play some rugby and keep the ball on the park,the 1404 team looked to be the ones to score next but a stray kick gave the dragons an opportunity to counter attack and some fine running by wing Sion Jones resulted in the ball getting to powerhouse centre Stefan Morgan to score under the posts which was again converted by James Miller.
In fairness to the 1404 team they never let their heads drop although it now became apparent the victory was beyond them, and even when the young Dragons made a number of changes to give some young players the chance to wear the dragons shirt the defence was outstanding and fierce but they did concede a try on 71 minutes by the huge frame of Welsh Exile Simon Griffiths.
Both teams to thier credit tried to play rugby right up to the final whistle and the final score was 26 - 8 in the Young Dragons favour.
Some outstanding performances by a number of players but No8 Mathew Thomas was superb all game and some of his breaks from the base were excellant and gave the Dragons the gainline platform to give their speedy backline the opportunity to strike from.
This squad was superbly led by captain Rhyddian Wilson and his young troops which also included U18s second rows Joe Bartlett and Lance Randell something to be very proud of.
A special mention must also go to the coaches Paul Young and Nigel Smith who have been excellant all season and put a huge effort in with this young group as they are not together as often as the other age grade sides.
Could we also take the opportunity to thank Colwyn Bay Rfc for allowing us to train there on Saturday and watch the Wales V's Ireland game and for also putting on the game Sunday,their very warm hospatality was appreciated by all from the Dragons region
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