Blues North Under 16s maintained their winning start to the WRU Age Grade Championship with a hard-fought 10-3 victory over the Dragons.
With the Blues South U16 game against the Scarlets at Taffs Well postoponed due to the inclement weather and the U18 match between the Dragons and Blues at Rodney Parade falling foul of the rain too, the remaining game took centre stage at the outstanding, new facility at Abercwmboi.
And though there was precious little opportunity to play any expansive rugby, it was an intriguing contest between two of this season’s much-fancied sides.
Outside half Lloyd Rogers gave the Dragons the lead with a 20th minute penalty before opposite number Jarrod Evans levelled matters three minutes before the interval with a penalty from in front.
Despite the appalling conditions, the Dragons, who defeated Blues South at Cross Keys last week, dominated the third quarter and posed the Blues North side a number of searching questions. However, having held out for the best part of 20 minutes, the hosts snatched victory when captain Jack James nipped in for a try that replacement outside half Jordan Jones converted.
Blues North team manager Nigel Way said; “First of all, it has to be said that the faciklities and the pitch at Abercwmboi are first class.
“It was a dreadful night, but all credit to the two sides for putting on a wonderful show in trying conditions. The Dragons looked for long poeriods in the second half as if they were going to make it two wins on the bounce. However, we got the all important try and held on in the final minutes.”
