A powerful second half performance earned Dragons Under-18s a four-try bonus point 28-15 victory over Cardiff Blues U18s at an ice-cold Centre of Sporting Excellence at Ystrad Mynach on Wednesday.
The Dragons got off to a flying start with an eighth minute try from a jinking run by full back Jake Morgan and was improved on by an excellent wide range conversion by outside half Will Reed.
However, Cardiff Blues hit back on 13 minutes with a superb individual effort by centre Mason Grady, converted by Baily Roberts to level the scores
The Blues enjoyed decent possession and, despite the Dragons losing Number 8 Benji Hoppe to the sin bin for a high tackle, the only further score of the half was a Baily Roberts penalty for the visitors.
Following an honest discussion during half time, the young Dragons side came out with greater vigour and intent.
The hosts nudged four points ahead almost immediately from the restart after a strong driving maul led to a try for Dragons hooker, Brodie Coghlin, converted again by Will Reed.
A third try was quickly added when right wing Ewan Rosser finished off some great approach play to touch down for the third Dragons try. Will Reed followed up his break to add the conversion.
Rosser was again on hand seven minutes later to grab the bonus point score, crashing over form short range under the posts, Reed again duly obliged with the conversion Dragons now had an 18-point buffer.
With about ten minutes to go Lloyd Gregory broke through for what proved to be a consolation score for the Blues.
In the second period the Dragons coaches took the opportunity to introduce some younger squad players into the action thereby showing that development as well as winning is very much on the Dragons RAG agenda.
Dragons Under-18s: Jake Morgan, Ewan Rosser, Lewis Bates, Ollie Lewis, Morgan Richards, Will Reed, Dylan Davies; Dylan Bartlett, Brodie Coughlin, Owen Peddle, Joe Peard, Ben Carter (c), Matthew Jeffries, Ollie Howard, Benji Hoppe.
Replacements: Connor Chapman, Aaron Dowse, Henry Hibbs, George Young, Ben Moa, Morgan Lloyd, Cian Jones, Carrick McDonough
Dragons Red Under-16s are back in action this Sunday as they travel to Aberavon to face Ospreys East Under-16s (kick-off 12noon).
Dragons will be captained by Number Eight Lloyd Thomas.
Dragons Red Under-16s: Ethan Hassell, Orlando Sotomi, Hywel Evans, Oli Andrews, Tom Cashell, Harry Jarvis, Che Hope; Ethan Davies, Jack Legge, Kalum Phillips, Tom Llewelyn, Ben Mattey, Joe Rhys Weldon, Jack Maloney, Lloyd Thomas (c)
Replacements: Pacey Smith, Evan Perry, Marko Coles, Will Evans, Mason Rowson, Elliot Counsell, Charlie Bax, Luke Lezar
