Six-try Dragons U18s open in style

Impressive Dragons Under-18s opened the new Regional Age Grade Championship season with a six-try 42-14 bonus point win over Ospreys at the Centre of Excellence in Ystrad Mynach.

Dragons made a dream start as they forced the error from the Ospreys from the kick off and, after a strong scrum, went wide for full back Huw Anderson to score in the corner.

Sam Berry converted. Scrum half Zak Roberts almost doubled the lead but lost control as he looked to dive over after a sniping run before Dragons were held up after a powerful forward drive.

The second home try did arrive on 16 minutes through captain Harri Ackerman, after a brilliant cross field kick from Huw Anderson to Will Rees. The winger drew the last man to give Ackerman an easy score and Berry converted.

Ospreys, though, hit back just before the break when a strong counter-attack and offload from winger Llien Morgan gave captain Cori Jenkins the chance to wrestle over. Rhys Harris converted to cut the lead to 14-7 at the break.

A third try for the Dragons on 52 minutes was all about a brilliant chip over the top from Berry. He collected himself before giving a lovely offload to second row Nick Thomas who ran 40 metres to score. Berry converted for a 21-7 advantage.

On the hour, a brilliant move off a dominant scrum saw Will Rees break the line and score under the posts to seal the bonus point. Berry converted.

A fifth score saw replacement centre Cameron Davies show his pace and power to cross for an excellent individual effort.

A final flourish saw Walker Price dot down after move slick handling before Ospreys scored a late consolation.

Dragons U18s: Huw Anderson, Walker Price, Tye Davies, Harri Ackerman (c), Will Rees, Sam Berry, Zak Roberts; Morgan Williams, Freddy Harding, Gethyn Cannon, Nick Thomas, Will Gregory, Connor Lewis, Lewis Robey.

Replacements: Aneurin Jenkins, Taran Moa, Alex Uwimana, Owain Osmond, Kobi Rees, Tom Horan, Jack Woods, Cameron Davies.