Harry Rees-Weldon's start to life in a Dragons shirt couldn't have gone much better.
After coming off the bench to score a brace in the 73-21 win against Scarlets Development last week, the 6"1 winger repeated the feat in completely contrasting conditions against Ospreys Development on Saturday.
Against a strong Ospreys, which featured returning senior players Will Griffiths, James Fender and Rhys Henry along with Wales international Luke Morgan, Dragons’ mix of senior, Academy and Super Rygbi Cymru talent stood up to be counted.
Rees-Weldon was no exception, enjoying his opportunity in the A team.
“It's been a really good block," said Rees-Weldon. "We went into it with a development mindset, but the most important thing is to win and grow as a team.
“We came into this game firing, they had a stronger team than we might have expected but the boys fronted up and we were ready."
His first try came from a pre-planned lineout move as Kobi Rees released the ball to from a dummy maul and Che Hope’s smart inside pass found Rees-Weldon who scampered through the gap to score. The move was one which will certainly have pleased the coaches, but Rees-Weldon was humble on his role.
“It was exciting to get my hands on the ball and show what I can do really,” said the 19-year-old.
“The ball just fell into my hands and it was nice to get over the line.”
Rees-Weldon’s second try was set up brilliantly by Newport centre David Richards, who’s break and crossfield grubber kick found his winger to slide in in the corner.
In total it has been a very fruitful period for Dragons wingers after Ewan Rosser and Lloyd Lewis both scored a brace last week, backed up by an acrobatic Lewis finish against Ospreys.
With an Ospreys back three which featured regular senior starters Luke Morgan and Iestyn Hopkins plus Wales Under-20s wing Harri Houston, Saturday was a real test for Rees-Weldon.
"It's really good to play against a player like Luke Morgan with that sort of talent," said Rees-Weldon.
"It'll help me grow as a player and there's a lot to take out of these two games."
Ultimately, this first test of wearing the Dragons jersey is hopefully just the start for Rees-Weldon as he looks to be a part of the Men of Gwent in the future.
"It's a good stepping stone to get into the senior environment," said Rees-Weldon.
"Starting esarly, doing what you need to do and getting as much out of the day as you can and then it shows when you come out on Saturday."
It's been a really good block. We went into it with a development mindset, but the most important thing is to win and grow as a team...
