Dragons v Scarlets Match Report
Two debuts for scrum-half Dan Babos and prop Josh Reynolds saw the Men of Gwent looking to build upon the opening round of the Anglo-Welsh Cup following a heavy defeat to Northampton Saints, at Franklin’s Gardens.
The young team made a good start against the West Wailians, yet despite continuous pressure inside the oppositions 22 it was the visitors who added the first points to the scoreboard when Tomi Lewis went over following a quick tap and go, however Billy McBryde was unsuccessful with the conversion.
It was Dragons’ fly-half Arwel Robson who chalked up the first three points for the home side thanks to a neat penalty kick. However, the Scarlets were still determined to lead at the half-time break with McBryde knocking over a simple penalty for the visitors after the Dragons were penalised for an infringement at the breakdown.
Half Time: Dragons 3 – Scarlets 15
The Dragons came out firing in the second half with the forwards doing a fine job of pressurising the Scarlets inside their 22. This time the driving lineout was a success with replacement hooker Ellis Shipp claiming the try. The conversion went wide of the sticks. The Dragons’ second try came quickly after with the home side taking advantage over the Scarlets being down to 14-men following a yellow card for prop Javan Sebastian. It was debutant Dan Babos who secured the try, seeing Robson convert for the scores to stand 15-15.
Replacements Gavin Henson, Rynard Landman and Brok Harris came on for Dragons seeing the tempo pick up and soon enough the third try came knocking. With a kick to the corner from Henson, the Dragons pushed towards the whitewash from the successful lineout to see Harris claim the Dragons third. The conversion was missed by Henson but the Men of Gwent went five points ahead 20-15.
The opposition knocked over a penalty with 13 minutes left seeing the gap narrow to 20-18, but the Dragons secured the win through the boot of Henson thanks to a neat penalty kick over the sticks.
Full Time: Dragons 23 – Scarlets 18
Man of the Match: Matthew Screech
Attendance: 3,917
