Two wins, 17 tries scored and more than 100 points in the bag too. Those were the raw stats as Dragons A end their development block.
The team performances have been a huge positive with more than a smattering of individual brilliance.
Whether it be Lloyd Lewis’ acrobatic finish against Ospreys, the hot-stepping Dai Richards, try-machine Harry Rees-Weldon, the pace and power of Evan Minto or the forward grunt from Nick Thomas and Nathan Evans, the Dragons pathway is clearly in rude health.
Fans will have another opportunity to watch some of the Dragons A stars in closer detail on the weekend with Ebbw Vale hosting Newport in Super Rygbi Cymru, with the likes of Harry Rees-Weldon, Nick Thomas and Lloyd Lewis just some of those who may make an appearance having featured at St Helens on Saturday.
“It’s been a really positive block,” said Dragons Forwards Coach Sam Hobbs.
“Two good wins first and foremost but also two very good performances, played a lot of attractive rugby in both games.
“Even though the conditions against Ospreys were quite challenging but I thought the intent and attitude to play was excellent across both games.”
The fortnight saw a mix of senior first teamers, Super Rygbi Cymru and Dragons Academy players on the field together and Hobbs believes first teamers like Joe Davies and Will Reed were crucial in helping the youngsters to thrive.
“Across the squad there were some really good performances with senior boys dropping down to get minutes after injury and they led the group the youngsters well,” said Hobbs.
“There were standout performances from the youngsters who definitely put their hands up and some Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) who were excellent as well.
“Across the board as coaches we’re really happy and it’s created a good buzz amongst the squad coming into train this week, pushing towards URC.”
A week Saturday, Dragons return to the URC as they face Cardiff at the Arms Park. However, for several players they will be returning to their clubs in the semi-professional SRC game with a big Gwent derby between Ebbw Vale and Newport set for Saturday.
“The performances of the SRC boys in training, their application, the way they’ve bought into everything was excellent and the way they performed,” said Hobbs.
“The SRC is a really good league and those boys have been standouts for a few seasons and it’s only right they get to test themselves at the next level.
“Even boys like Nathan Evans and Dai Richards who’ve played professionally previously, giving them that step to try and bridge and get back into the pro game is a strong point.”
Others, like Academy second row Nick Thomas and Hartpury backrower Evan Minto received praise from Hobbs for their “excellent” performances and with plenty of years left he is looking forward to their development.
“Nick Thomas has had a really good six months since returning from the 20s, had a really good SRC block, filled out and conditioned well,” said Hobbs.
“He is someone who started the league very well for Newport in the SRC and his two performances were excellent in the A games with one game at five, one at six, he ran the lineouts well, high work-rate and someone who’s got a big year with the 20s this year on the back of SRC.
“Other boys like Evan Minto were excellent and he was very good in pre-season and that’s the thing we’re seeing is boys who had an opportunity in pre-season have kicked on and performed in the SRC or in Minto’s case he’s playing Championship rugby for Hartpury.
“We’ve just got to push on to make sure we look after them, push them on at the right time, surround them with quality senior players and add them to our other exciting players like Ryan Woodman, Harri Ackerman’s, Joe Westwood et cetera."
Across the board as coaches we’re really happy and it’s created a good buzz amongst the squad coming into train this week, pushing towards URC...
