The Dragons Allstars – our men's mixed ability side - headed west to face the newly formed Port Talbot Panthers on Sunday and emerged with a hard-fought 14-10 victory.
With an injury hit squad and men that had already played the previous day in Worcester, the odds were stacked firmly in the home sides favour with a squad of 30 players.
The weather was wet but spirits were never dampened with a start of power and strength on show by the Dragons Allstars.
Early possession and territory was with the travelling side and, with the Panthers still cold, the Dragons Allstars put together some good phases of play.
A cheeky show and go by fly half Rob Davies saw him run clear and score the opening try of the game, converted by Matthew Brian.
The home side woke up after that and the Dragons Allstars defensive line was put under a lot of pressure, with handling errors coming think and fast in horrendous conditions.
Centre Tom Watkins had been eagerly awaiting his first run out as an Allstar, but unfortunately it was short lived as was injured by an opposing player in his first contact to end his game prematurely.
A set piece move from a scrum saw Gareth Sullivan beat the defence and set up Davies for his brace, that was once again converted.
The home side managed two unconverted tries late in the half to draw close to the Dragons Allstars.
The second half, in worsening conditions, made for a scrappy affair with yellow cards and lots of handling errors.
The Dragons Allstars played the majority of the second half with 13 men and finished it with 12 broken bodies on show.
However, the character shown was credit to the badge and to mixed ability rugby as the Allstars hung on to win.
