A dominant second half display saw Dragons Women Under-18s claim an impressive 26-3 victory over rivals Scarlets at the Centre of Excellence at Ysrad Mynach on Wednesday evening.
A hat-trick from wing Amy Williams and a powerful score from centre Savannah Picton-Powell - plus six points from the boot of scrum half Demi Williams - gave Dragons a comprehensive victory. Scarlets could only manage an early three points off the tee in reply in a physical and entertaining contest.
Scarlets started the better side dominating possession and territory due to Dragons indiscipline and they opened the scoring with three points off the tee to take an early lead.
Dragons responded well with some territory of their own with Scarlets unable to clear their lines.
Dragons wing Williams - who scored a spectacular solo try last time out against Leinster - reproduced that moment of magic as she claimed a high ball and beat three Scarlets defenders with her pace and footwork to cross the line. Scrum half Williams converted the score to extend the hosts lead to four points after the opening fifteen minutes.
Dragons continued to grow into the game with strong carrying from prop Dali Hopkins and back row Lucy Isaac, while wings Williams and Molly-Mae Powell were dangerous out wide.
Scarlets had moments of their own, but some powerful defence from the Dragons forced the visitors back.
An injury on the stroke of half time for a Scarlets player brought an end to the half. Everyone at Dragons offers our best wishes to the player and we hope she makes a speedy recovery.
The second half started brilliantly for Dragons with wing Williams scoring her second by finishing a brilliant team try. The hosts went from one touchline to the other with some fantastic hands in the process and Williams was there to finish in the corner for a 12-3 lead.
Williams sealed her treble when she collected a loose ball and showed her blistering pace once again to score under the sticks. Demi Williams converted to extend the lead to 19-3.
Shortly after centre Picton-Powell, who tackled hard all day, had her chance to show what she could do in attack as she powered through four players on the angle to score her side’s fourth of the evening. Williams added the extras.
Both sides went back and forth in the final quarter, but there was no further score as Dragons claimed a comprehensive victory.
Dragons: Teagan Gwyther, Molly-Mae Powell, Summer Chick, Savannah Picton-Powell, Amy Williams, Natalia Barnes, Demi Williams; Dali Hopkins, Katie Skinner, Maddison Collins, Ffion Lewis-Jones, Lowri Freeman, Corri-Jo Greenslade (c), Lucy Isaac, Molly Owen.
Replacements: Megan Matthews, Katie Bevans, Mia Thomas, Cat Wilkes, Shauna Hazeldon, Lauren Stephens, Lois Powell, Molly Reardon.
