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A crowd of over 1,200 were treated to 7 tries and an entertaining game of rugby on Friday, when the Newport Gwent Dragons Development side edged a 26 -20 victory.

As expected the visitors looked dangerous from the opening whistle with winger Aled Brew threatening with the ball in hand.

The Gogs defence were given an early workout at the breakdown, and were coming out with all the right moves to get the turnovers.  This led to the first chance to claim some points and new recruit Jacob Botica hit his first penalty for RGC.

The first try came soon after and it was the combination for 2 of the familiar faces to link up. Alex Schwarz kicked from the back of the pack and Afon Bagshaw showed some extra pace to collect it and dash over the line.

The Dragons looked powerful and Scott Andrews was having an impact breaking the gain-line.  The visitors got the try their pressure deserved and Arwel Robson claimed the touchdown.  Rhys Jones added the extras.

The game was being played at a fast pace, and the RGC were matching the Dragons in the intensity both with and without the ball.

The Gogs 2^nd try started when they didn’t have the ball, when Tiaan Loots pounced with a tackle on halfway line and then booted the ball ahead.  Centre Tom Hughes sprinted ahead and controlled the bouncing ball and put down.  Botica nailed the conversion.

The 3^rd try was one that would have pleased the coaching staff, with some heads up rugby after a quick tap from Carwyn Ap Myrddin the ball was shifted from right to left and Loots dabbed down in the corner. The home crowd were delighted to see the centre score.

As the clock ticked on to half time the play was still fast in all parts of the field, and it didn’t feel like the first pre-season game of the season. 

The Dragons again attacked with some good running and they picked up tries from Harris and Howard with Jones adding a conversion. 

The 2^nd half began with a slower pace and the intensity was a few levels down on the first 40 minutes.  The game was broken by a number of knock-ons, especially when players were tackled much to the frustration to the players on the field.

RGC’s scrum was looking good, and was causing the visitors some problems.  Botica was steadying his side and a big eased some pressure.  The Dragons began to get into the game and found a 2^nd wind, with the phases and pressure beginning to build.  They got the try from a lineout and James Benjamin touched down.

Replacement Josh Leach turned defence into attack when his clearance turned into a 60 yard chase and he looked to spark his side back into action

As the game entered the final 10 minutes.  Carwyn Ap Myrddin looked for some gaps and Afon Bagshaw also had a go but no one could breach the Dragons line.

Josh Leach and his side can take plenty of positives from the Dragons game

“We talked about building on the foundations of last season, including physicality, intensity and speed of game. Today we were outstanding in all these aspects, especially as it is our first game of the season”

“Our scrum looked good today and so did our set-piece and the addition of Ross Davies looked good on his debut. It was also pleasing to see young players Jed Kerkin and Sam Wainwright gain experience against a regional side.”

“We have a team building day tomorrow (Saturday) at Plas Menai, and then they have a de-loading week.  The players who have been injured or away will be training but the rest of the boys can take a well-earned break before we build for the Chester game”