At a rain soddened Eugene Cross Park, Ebbw Vale, the Dragons U16 produced a fine display of attacking rugby to defeat North Wales convincingly by 41-12. The Dragons coaching team had targeted the game as a possibility to raise both motivation and confidence levels following a mediocre display against the Blues South. There were first starts for forwards Louis Tovey and Gareth Allen and backs Owen Davies, Tyler Morgan and Taylor Dimmick who all put there hands up for a starting jersey against the Scarlets.
The Dragons were initially slow to start in the first ten minutes with nerves slowing the pace of the attack. Once the Dragons broke the deadlock through stand out back Tyler Morgan there was only one way in which the game was going to end. The Dragons were dominate in all aspects of play and took a lead of 19-0 into the half time interval. The words from the coaching team at half time was to maintain the pace and intensity of play despite the tough conditions.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Dragons team, keen to maintain the attacking flair evident in the first half. Two quick tries from an excellent line break Tyler Morgan and support play from Khan Keen put the Dragons at 33-0 with still 25 minutes of the game left to play. Time was made for the whole bench to enter the frame with debuts for Gianni Kanda, Luke Leddington and Matthew Williams. All substitutes used made an excellent impact and have made lives difficult for the coaching staff to select a 23 man squad for the game versus the Scarlets. With the game opening up and defensive structures frail, North Wales finished with a deserved two tries for their endeavour and commitment.
Attentions now turn towards an away fixture against the Scarlets with backs coach Matthew Chapman highlighting “Today demonstrated the brand and style of attacking rugby we wish to play and will pose a threat to any team in the regional championship, this a steeping stone towards the next game”
