Dragons RFC Academy ace Sam Morgan impressed as Newport got their bid to regain the Super Rygbi Cymru Trophy up and running with a 34-25 win on the opening weekend of the new season as they saw off RGC at Newport Stadium.
Tries from wing pair Morgan and Fin Baker, centre Chay Foster-Smith, lock Ethan Phillips and hooker Henry Palmer secured a bonus-point triumph for the Black & Ambers.
Full back Carwyn Penny added the extras to three of them, as well as sending over a penalty. However, Ty Morris’ side were denied a second bonus point courtesy of a try at the death from RGC No 8 Sam Williams – his second of the match.
Newport included Dragons trio Will Ford, Brogan Leary and Morgan - who was named player or the match - in the starting line-up while Cerrig Smith was among the replacements.
Scott Matthews hailed Pontypool’s never-say-die attitude after they stunned reigning Super Rygbi Cymru champions Llandovery with a 43-41 victory after a thriller at Pontypool Park.
Talismanic back-rower Matthews led from the front and was among the Pooler scorers as they edged an absorbing opening round contest that saw 13 tries scored.
Dragons RFC wing Rhys Cole was among those to cross the whitewash in an absorbing encounter that was settled from the kicking tee, with outside half Evan Lloyd – a summer recruit from Ebbw Vale – snatching victory with a penalty in the 78th minute.
It secured a second home victory for Tom Hancock’s men over the Drovers in 2026, having run out 40-24 victors when the sides last met back in April.
Dragons hooker Tiaan Hall and Cole started the game while Scott Crewe and Dan Bassett were among the replacements.
Ebbw Vale opened the new season with six points after a thoroughly convincing 40-12 win over Swansea.
Jason Strange’s side held a narrow 14-12 lead at the turnaround, but four tries and 26 unanswered second half points sealed a dominant opening win for Ebbw.
Dragons RFC youngsters James Talamai and Regan Jones were among the replacements for Ebbw at Ciner Glass Community Stadium.
