The Dragons under 16s kicked off their WRU Regional Age Grade campaign with a deserved 20-16 defeat of Blues South at Pandy Park, Cross Keys.
Having trailed 13-0 mid-way through the first half, the hosts recovered to lead 15-13 at half time courtesy of tries from centre Hallom Amos and wing Ashton Hewitt and a conversion and penalty from outside half Lloyd Rogers.
Geraint Llewellyn, who kicked two penalties and converted his own try before the interval, edged the South back in front with a penalty in the early stages of the second period, before the Dragons struck back with a winning try, five minutes from full time, by full-back and captain Mitchell Starr.
Although the Dragons found themselves down to 13 men in the second half when prop Luke Garrett and lock Derryn Jones were yellow carded, assistant team manager Colin Brennan said his side were good value for their opening night success.
“We had to hang in there when we lost the two forwards, but to the team’s credit, they did exactly that and were deserving of the win,” said Brennan.
