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Maddocks Pleased By Ruthless Dragons

Backs Coach Barry Maddocks praised Dragons as they ran in nine tries to overwhelm Romanian side Timisoara Saracens 59-3 in the European Challenge Cup and build on recent momentum.

Ben Mottram | 11/01/2019

Hallam Amos, Will Talbot-Davies and Rhodri Davies – on full debut – grabbed a brace of tries while Matthew Screech, Jordan Williams and Ben Fry - also on full debut - also crossed the whitewash at Rodney Parade.  

“We always felt they (Timisoara) would be a tough side to beat in the first half, they are a team that battles hard and we knew that was coming,” said Maddocks.

“It was important we moved the game forward in the second half. Once we got the ball it went to plan. We scored some nice tries and were unlucky not to get a few more.

“We had some nice movements and patterns of play and are really pleased with the win.

“It’s massive for confidence,” he added. “We’ve tried to keep the momentum going forward from the festive period and the derby games we have played.

“We did target this one as an important one to keep the momentum going.

“A lot of boys came in and did well. A couple of youngsters had full debuts and Ben Fry did really well and Chris Coleman was outstanding. It bodes well for the future.”

Paddocks also hailed the performance of Wales international Amos, who switched from centre to wing early on after an injury to Dafydd Howells.

And Gavin Henson also made a successful comeback, setting up a try for back row Fry with his first touch.

“Hallam is a very talented player,” said Maddocks. “I’m fortunate that I can put him wing, centre or full back and he can deliver because of his skill set and ability – he was excellent tonight.

“He was unlucky to miss out on the autumn internationals for Wales, but he has played very well for us over this period.

“Gavin’s first touch was very good,” smiled Maddocks. “The catch, the movement and a bit of a show and go and he has created the try for the other lad.

“That last pass, when he is not even looking at the players around him, was exceptionally. His awareness of what is around him is fantastic.”

Dragons next face French giants Clermont Auvergne on home soil next Friday evening (January 18) and Maddocks insists the team are looking forward to the final challenge in Pool 1.

“It will be a completely different challenge. With the squad that they have, they could pick their first choice, second choice, third choice and still bring a super strong team to Rodney Parade,” he said.

“We played well over there and gave them a good game – at one point we were close to them. I’m sure they will want to come and play well too.

“Hopefully we will get a good crowd in and put in a good performance for them.”

Tickets to Dragons versus Clermont Auvergne are on sale NOW - click HERE to buy online.

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