If the RGC 1404 Under 18 team’s self-confidence had been affected by the heavy defeats suffered in the opening two matches of this year’s WRU regional Age Grade Championship, it certainly did not show as they produced a performance full of character in going down 27-16 to the Dragons at Parc Eirias.
The opening 20 minutes of the first period were spent almost exclusively within the Dragons 22, as the young North Walians showed a level of commitment that had been absent from their opening defeats against the Ospreys and Blues.
Twice they were held up close to the visitors’ try-line before the Dragons broke the deadlock courtesy of a penalty from outside half Ethan Davies.
Although the home side’s captain Alex Schwarz soon after levelled the scores with a penalty of his own, the Dragons redressed the balance when wing Dominic Franchi went over in the corner for a try Davies duly converted.
Schwarz, once again, cut the deficit with a penalty shortly before half time and with the likes of Aaron Gwyn (Caernarfon), Meilir Parry (Bangor) and Jamie Williams (Colwyn Bay) in outstanding form, the hosts went in front after a break from Lewis Barker (Mold) put Dion Jones (Nant Conwy) in for a try.
From the re-start, RGC then twice coughed up possession to allow the Dragons to score crucial tries through Jordan Purcell and Jack Williams.
Thomas Ashmead rounded off a long-range effort for the Dragons to extend the lead, Davies converting, before Jason Blackmore (Rhyl) finished off a sweeping move for RGC in the final moments.
Meanwhile RGC 1404 under 16s went down 55-5 to the Dragons at Rydal School.
Osian Jones scored the single try for the North Walians, while Mitch Starr (2), Jack Dixon, Lloyd Rogers (2), Hallam Amos, Andy Garrett, Rhys Pugsley and Mark Sandercott all crossed for the Dragons.
Rogers converted five of the nine tries as the Dragons ran out comfortable winners.
