The Dragons under 16s missed the opportunity to improve their position in the WRU Age Grade Championship when they lost out to the Blues North at the Recreation ground, Tredegar.
Having beaten the North at Merthyr back in September, the Dragons knew that a second successive victory over last season’s finalists would keep them in the hunt for a place in the final of the competition.
However, on a night dominated by heavy rain and gusting wind, the visitors were too strong and ran out 14-10 winners.
Dragons team manager Wayne Pugh said; “It was an awful night in terms of the weather and all credit has to go to both sides for producing such an entertaining game.
“Yes, we are disappointed to lose, but the boys showed great character and we are relieved that the one or two potentially serious injuries we suffered have turned out to be okay.”
A penalty from Niall Martin on 26 minutes put the Dragons in front, but by half time, the North had stolen the advantage courtesy of a penalty try, a try from James Parry and two conversions from James Dixon.
Scott Matthews crossed eight minutes from time for Ethan Davies to convert, but despite pressing hard in the final moments, the hosts were unable to snatch the try that would have given them an important victory.
In the other game, at Taffs Well, Blues South reaped revenge for their early season defeat by the Ospreys. Tries from Zak Deere, Rauraigh Smith and Jack Phillips set them on their way to a 24-18 victory.
Gareth Thompson’s three conversions and a penalty helped the South into a 24-0 half time lead whilst after the break, the Ospreys used the elements and ran in three tries to gain a bonus point.
Rhys Williams, Evan Yardley and Nicky Smith crossed within a 20-minute period with Ben Thomas kicking a penalty.
