The Dragons U16s will play in the WRU Reebok Regional Final at Rodney Parade on Sunday, kick off 2pm. They will compete against the Ospreys in a bid to see who will be crowned U16 Champions. The U16s clinched their place in the final thanks to a hard fought 22-21 win over the Blues North last Monday.
In a game where the Blues North team knew that they had to get out of the blocks quickly they did this scoring a converted try after only three minutes of play.
The young Dragons then settled into the game and from a well won lineout captain Craig Fillier burst up the middle and with Adam Hughes in support he went over under the posts, with Danny Ellis converting to level the score 7 - 7.
In a fast paced match, the game then went from one end to the other and on 20 minutes following a wonderful break from scrum half Hywel Walsh The Dragons were awarded a penalty which Danny Ellis slotted over.
On 26 minutes and following good quick handling across the back line wing Ieaun Coombes crossed for a try which again was converted by Danny Ellis. Half Time Score 17 - 7.
If ever a game epitomised a game of two halves then this was surely it. The Blues started with vengeance attacking The Dragons line for the opening quarter of the second half with only superb defensive work keeping them at bay. It eventually cracked when the Blues went over for a converted try.
On 65 minutes The Dragons broke up field and this led to Danny Ellis going over in the corner, this try was not converted.
With nothing to lose the Blues threw everything at The Dragons and on 69 minutes scored a converted try.
The final score was 22 - 21 in the young Dragons favour, thus making them the first Dragons age grade side to reach a final.
The win secured The Dragons a place in Sunday’s final where they will take on the Ospreys. The Dragons U16s and the Ospreys U16s have gone head-to-head twice already this season with spoils even, one win a-piece.
Looking ahead to the match on Sunday U16 Team Manager Billy Vivien commented, “It was a hard fought match last Monday and we had a few changes to our team to give opportunities to other boys. Sunday’s game will be a difficult one as both sides are evenly matched. We know each other very well and respect the Ospreys team, it is finely balanced as to who will win and the match could go either way.”
Players to Watch
Adam Hughes (Centre) – a balanced runner who has a good eye for a gap. Sharp in attack and strong in defence, one of The Dragons most promising players.
Craig Fillier (N0.8) – captain to the U16 side. A No.8 who leads by example, never afraid to put his body on the line. Doesn’t ask of his teammates anything he would not be prepared to do himself.
Dragons U16 Team
I Coombes, N Preece, J Woods, A Hughes, J Spear, D Ellis, D Jones, A Coundley, R Price, S Maguire, M Allen, L Bray, R Jenkins, E Cracknell, C Fillier (c)
Replacements H Walsh, J Tibbs, G Hopkins, G Young, M Fox, D Watchurst, J Bodin.
