Supporters Q&A - Blues Fixture

In order to ensure the needs and expectations of the Dragons Supporters are taken into account for the upcoming end of season fixture with the Cardiff Blues, which is scheduled to be moved elsewhere across the Region, the DOSC will be holding an open meeting with Dragons Supporters. 

This meeting will take place downstairs (The Cwtch) in Tiny Rebels, Newport at 8 pm on Weds 22nd Feb.  We'd encourage attendance for us to be able to discuss the situation itself, and ensure you have the opportunity to provide the DOSC with your thoughts and ideas for how best to deliver this Fixture from a Supporters perspective. 

These discussions will then form a key part of the future meetings the DODC will be holding with the Dragons in the coming weeks, to ensure the needs of the Supporters are taken into consideration, and influence the planning process accordingly. 

The situation, and the circumstances that has led to movement of the fixture, is obviously a concern for a number of Supporters, however with the decision now made,  it is critical that we work together with the Region to make this event as successful as possible, and make the event itself as memorable and enjoyable for all of those involved.

#StandUpForTheMenOfGwent

The DOSC get around....Gwent club rugby

Pontypool RFC Fans pack CAP in their 2nd round cup match on Saturday.

With the Dragons away at Connacht and kicking off at 7.30pm, the DOSC spread its wings throughout the grounds of Gwent on Saturday (and Sunday) to sample some of the rugby that the region's finest had to offer, and we weren't disappointed! We witnessed a derby, a very well promoted bowl game and a David vs Golliath cup match which ended with a victory that will go down as one of the victor's finest. Oh yes, club rugby is certainly alive and well and breathing fire in the Dragons' region! 

Below we provide a synopsis of the games we attended. Congratulations to all the victors and thank you for having us! 

Chepstow Grind Out Win Over Gritty Monmouth

The first game the DOSC watched was the East Gwent derby at the Memorial Ground where high flyers Chepstow RFC entertained their close rivals Monmouth RFC.

Chepstow came into the game sitting 2nd in the table, having only lost twice all season, and were, in this reporters eyes, favourites to take the spoils over mid table Monmouth. The hosts certainly started the brighter of the two, spending the first ten minutes camped firmly in the opposition's 22m, but they failed to turn that pressure into points, turning the ball over and allowing Monmouth's backline, whose outside centre looked particularly dangerous, to run the ball up the other end of the field.

The first 10 minutes set the tone for the game, with Chepstow looking the more physical in the contact area and strong at the set piece, and Monmouth looking the pacier and more clinical out wide. It was the latter who drew first blood when a poor clearance kick lead to a string of neat passes to put their winger over in the corner.

Chepstow responded through their lineout, and a well worked pushover score saw them claw the game back to 7-5, and a further kicked penalty put them into an 8-7 lead.

Monmouth, starved of possession for long periods, still looked dangerous on the counter attack, and they were unlucky not to be ahead shortly before the break when another incisive run from their backline was only thwarted by an excellent scramble defence from Chepstow, which meant they maintained their lead at half time.

The second half started much like the first, again Chepstow going to their forward pack, setting up a series of mauls, including one from open play which was straight out of Italy's 6n playbook, and powering over from short range to make it 13-7.

To their credit, Monmouth did not give up, but in the last 20 minutes Chepstow's bench really made an impact, with their big ball carrying replacement centre looking particularly menacing. A line break from Chepstow's answer to Mathieu Basteraud resulted in good phase play in the 22 before going over to score out wide. 20-7.

The scores remained the same despite Chepstow pushing hard for the 4 try bonus point, while Monmouth also had a couple of chances to claw a try back which would have seen them claim a losing bonus point. The result sees Chepstow stay in the hunt for promotion to Division 2 East next season.

FT: Chepstow 20 - 7 Monmouth

The Cheesemen Drop Taff's Down the Well

Regional Touch: Caerphilly with the Region's logo on their strip

While Chepstow and Monmouth were getting stuck into each other in the East of the region, Caerphilly RFC were in National Bowl action in the West and welcomed their friends from down the A468, Taffs Well RFC, to the Constructaquote Stadium. Caerphilly, currently plying their trade in Division 3 East A, are in fine league form this year and find themselves a few points off the leaders with a number of games in hand due to their bowl exploits. 

This fixture had certainly benefited from some excellent promotion and a crowd of around 750 witnessed a clinical display from the green army as they raced into a 24-0 half time lead.

The Cheesemen started the second half in the same vein, adding another two scores to extend their lead to 38 - 0. Taffs Well, to their credit, did not give up and claimed a consolation score around the hour mark and a second try close to the end with the final score being 41-14 to Caerphilly.

This was a fine display against a very good Taffs Well team who themselves made it to the Principality Stadium in the same competition last year. We would like to pass on our congratulations to Caerphilly and wish them well as they fly the flag for the Dragons' region for the remainder of the competition.

FT: Caerphilly 41 - 14 Taffs Well

While there is only one Gwent representative in the Bowl, the Plate is graced with two Gwent entrants, as Penallta RFC and Abercarn RFC both came through their ties yesterday. Penallta narrowly beat near neighbours Nelson and Abercarn winning what sounded like a cracker at Pwllheli. Best of luck to both sides and here's hoping you make it an all Gwent affair in the final!

Pooler Show Where They Belong

Cardiff vs Pontypool, a mouth watering fixture regardless of context, was always going to be the pick of the club fixtures on Saturday - and it didn't disappoint, with Pontypool, currently in the Championship, claiming a famous victory over the Welsh Premiership club and, quite frankly, making a mockery of the WRU's decision to ring fence that league.

Any burglars would have a field day in Pontypool on Saturday night as what seemed like half the town had packed CAP to witness their side's win. Allegations of skulduggery were awash as Pooler officials were made to wait outside the ground until after 5pm, and fans were left queuing outside the ground due to a lack of stewarding, but it mattered not in the end as the team rose to the challenge of a Cardiff side that contained a number of full time professionals to win 43-32. 

The DOSC members who did attend the game are lifelong Pooler fans and so, unsurprisingly, are yet to provide a report, but you can read a proper write up of the game on the Argus website here.

All that is left for us to say is a massive congratulations to Ben Jeffreys, Leighton Jones and all associated with the club. We wish you the very best of luck in the next round. (All Gwent affair anyone?)

Young Men of Gwent Downed By Baby Scarlets

The DOSC made their way up to Ystrad Mynach on Sunday afternoon to observe the Gwent production line as the Dragons North U16s took on their Scarlets East counterparts.

The Scarlets, coached by current player and former Wales U20 captain Steffan Hughes, started the brighter of the two teams and went into a 10-0 lead following some excellent back play and handling.

The Dragons rallied to bring the score back to 10-10, but while they were always physically competitive, a trait that one would expect from a North Gwent side, their handling let them down with passes being made either behind the runner, making him check his run, or too high or low to catch. The young Dragons worked themselves into good positions on a number of occasions but failed to turn pressure into points.

That being said, they never gave up and managed to score 4 tries and 22 points, it is just that the Scarlets managed 44 of their own to take the spoils back west with them.  

In the Dragons' Eye - Opposition Preview - Connacht

Opposition view:

Connacht

Quick facts:

League position: 8th

European position: 3rd

Stadium: The Sportsground

Capacity: 7,800

League form:

This season hasn’t been a success for the reigning pro12 champions, with only wins 5 from 10 matches leaving them 8th in the table. The men from Galway have already lost more games this season than they did for the whole of last season's campaign. However, the Irish province did beat the Blues 19 – 13 at the weekend, and as most teams know, the Sportsground is one tough place to win.

European form:

Connacht narrowly missed out on qualification to the knockout-stages after defeat to Toulouse in the final pool game. That defeat left the two teams on the same points; with the French side going through due to a better head-to-head record. Connacht did the double over Zebre and also recorded an impressive win over Wasps at home during the pool phase.

How to get to the stadium:

From the train station / city centre:

Galway Ceannt railway station is located in the city centre, around 2km from the Sportsground. You can walk from the station to the ground, although buses do run to the stadium from the city centre as well.

By Car:

Getting to the Sportsground by car isn't convenient due to a lack of parking, but there are a few public car parks in the city centre that are within walking distance (approximately 15 minutes).

Best place to eat and drink (inside the stadium):

The Official Connacht Supporters Club have their own bar behind the Clan Terrace. It is called the Clan Bar and there are usually player interviews conducted there after the game. I have been told that food options are limited in and around the ground, so fans are advised to eat before going in.

Best place to eat and drink (outside the stadium):

Murty Rabbitt’s on Forster St is the Connacht Clan’s official home. There is a good food menu here, with various match day specials representing good value for money. If you want to chat to our hosts then this would be my recommendation.

Other pubs near the stadium are McSwiggans, The Skeff and O’Connells.

For food, McDonagh’s and Quay Street Kitchen are the best options and can be found on Shop Street.

What the Connacht fans think:

Dragons danger men:

The fans I have spoken with have all expressed their delight that Ashton Hewitt has been called up to the Wales squad. After scoring two tries in the victory at Rodney Parade, as well as many other scintillating performances, their feelings are certainly justified.

Angus O’Brien has been the other player that many Connacht fans have mentioned as one that could change the game.

Connacht danger men:

4 Connacht players have been called up to the Irish 6 nations squad. Despite this, their fans have upmost confidence in the players left to fill the void. The three I have been told to watch out for are Jake Heenan, Kieron Marmion and John Cooney.

From our game at Rodney Parade, I would also add Niyi Adelokun and Bundee Aki to the list of potential game changers.

In victory at the Blues last week, Tiernan O’Halloran was awarded the man of the match award after his 79th minute drop goal secured victory for Connacht. The Dragons will have to limit the full back's time and space in their own 22.

Chances:

The Connacht fans I have spoken with have been very cagey about their chances. I have been told that before the start of the season, they would have expected a 5-pointer. Unfortunately, their season hasn’t been great so the general consensus is a narrow Connacht win.

Verdict:

I’ve said before that trips to Ireland are the toughest tests of the season. However, Connacht are in a bit of a rut and we need to capitalise. In victory at Rodney Parade, we got off the mark early and then held off a strong fightback for victory. If we can start early again then doubts immediately creep into the crowd.

From looking at Connacht’s results, it is apparent that points are at a premium for the Irish side. With the exception of the Italian sides, they have scored the fewest points in the league. If the Men of Gwent are clinical with their finishing, then they have a great chance of winning.

Both sides are missing a similar number of players to injury and 6 nations call ups, so this game could be very close.

Prediction:

Connacht 12 – 17 Dragons

Ryan Robinson – Dragons Community Ambassador

(Special mention to Kieran from the Connacht Clan for his help)

#SUFTMOG

Munster 45 - 17 Dragons

A Frustrating Evening in Cork

The Dragons opened the first of their three consecutive games against Irish opposition this month with a frustrating first half against Munster, seeing us 24-3 down within just twenty-seven minutes.  

Despite early competition and both outside-half’s trading penalties, Munster took an early lead with a try scored by attacking fullback Conway, converted by Munster Captain Blayendaal.  This was then compounded by an intercept given by the Dragons in the Munster twenty-two, kicked on by Blayendaal and collected by Conway for his second.  Frustrating, especially as the intercept try was conceded only a few phases after the Dragons were awarded a penalty advantage in the Munster 22.  Weak defense saw us concede our third and we were 24-3 down with 13 minutes to turn things around before half time.

A period of sustained pressure in the opposition twenty two saw the Dragons build momentum despite one maul being deemed held up, a quick penalty being brought back by referee Adamson and we eventually scored a driving maul from the line out with Rhys Buckley scoring the try.  However, the Dragons quickly negated this score and any good work done by Ollie Griffthis in defense with a try saving tackle within five meters of our line.  The following phase saw Carl Meyer yellow carded for an intentional knock on.  The ref also saw fit to give a penalty try which awarded Muster the bonus point on the stroke of half time, 31-10 to the good.

What was interesting was the way in which the former Scotland 7’s player, Mike Adamson, refereeing his third pro 12 Game, was twice directed by the television match official.  Ollie Griffith was penalised in the first half, after a Munster forward had jumped in to the tackle, despite the ref initially awarding a scrum and secondly, the television match official had a large hand in recommending the penalty try on the turn of half time, in addition to Carl Meyer’s yellow card.  However, it is pleasing to see another example of a former elite player taking up the whistle.

Not to take away from the Dragon’s efforts, Munster could smell blood and continued to press in the opening ten minutes of the second half whilst the Dragons were down to 14 men.  Munster, who beat the Ospreys with same back line, held the bulk of possession and started to comfortably dictate the pace of the game, and always looked likely to score again in the second half.

Two players of notable mention for the Dragons were backrow duo Cudd and Griffiths, who were strong in defense.  Alongside the ever consistent Cudd, Griffiths seems to be both capable of the ‘nuts and bolts’ at the coal face and covered the pitch with an engine and physicality that has seen him talked about as a young man with a big future in the game.

With Munster down to 14 men in the second half, the Dragons repeated their catch and drive from the first half with Elliot Dee scoring in the 59th minute, converted by Dorian Jones, 31-17. Kingsley Jones changed both halfbacks with 20 minutes to go in order to inject some pace into the game but it was all defense as the Dragons repelled numerous attacks on their line, following a clean break in midfield by Rory Scannell.

The fifth try was scored by 14 men Munster when prop Dave Kilcoyne used his size when fed off quick fourth phase from the line out to be driven over the line, converted by Blayendall.  The Dragons never said die and continued to make chances in the last fifteen minutes, but chasing the game saw unforced errors which continue to frustrate. The game was put to bed by Ronan O’Mahony when he took a poor exit kick to slice through the heart of the Dragons backline.  Unfortunately 45-17 is indicative of the strength in depth that has seen Munster climb to the top of the Pro 12 despite numerous international call-ups and left a spirited Dragons side found wanting.  

Munster: A Conway (D Goggin), D Sweetnam (F Saili), J Taute (A Griesel), R Scannell, R O'Mahony, T Bleyendaal (captain), D Williams, D Kilcoyne (P McCabe), R Marshall (K O'Byrne), S Archer (B Scott), J Kleyn (C Oliver), D Foley (D O'Shea), D O'Callaghan, T O'Donnell, J O'Donoghue.

Dragons: C Meyer, A Hughes, T Morgan, A Warren (S Beard), P Howard, D Jones (A O'Brien), T Knoyle (S Pretorius), S Hobbs (T Davies), R Buckley (E Dee), B Harris (L Fairbrother), M Screech (N Crosswell), R Landman, O Griffiths, N Cudd (H Keddie), L Evans (captain).

In the Dragons' Eye - Opposition Preview - Munster

Opposition view:

Munster

Quick facts

Pro 12 position: 1st

European position: 1st  

Stadium: Irish Independent Park

Capacity: 8,200

League form:

Munster returned to the top of the pro 12 after a tense 10-9 victory in Edinburgh last week. Munster were strong at the scrum in that match, but were put under pressure at times resulting in poor clearance kicks or ‘exits’, giving Edinburgh good field position from which to attack. Man of the match was Ross O’Mahoney, but Tyler Bleyendaal continued his good form this season and was superb in most facets of play.

The Munstermen have only suffered two defeats this season. These came away at Irish counterparts Leinster and at home in a 24-23 defeat to the Cardiff Blues.

European form:

Munster finished top of their pool to set up a home quarter-final against Toulouse. The province were in a tough pool, with Glasgow, Leicester and Racing 92 all featuring. Munster finished with 5 wins; a solitary defeat at Welfare Road their only blemish. Only 27 points were conceded at home during the pool phase. 

How to get to the stadium:

From the airport:

The stadium is located about 15 minutes away from Cork Airport. The Munster fans I spoke with advised me that it can be difficult to get a taxi in the build-up to the game, so pre-book a taxi to the stadium to avoid disappointment. Hailo, an app based taxi service,  can be downloaded on any smart phone and comes highly recommended by the natives.

From the city centre:

The city centre is located about 10 minutes from the stadium. Again, the taxi service Hailo can be used, but buses also go to the ground from St Patrick’s Street.  

Best place to eat and drink (inside the stadium):

There are 2 clubhouses at the stadium. The Dolphin Bar is in the north stand and Sunday’s Well is in the south stand.  Food outlets can also be found next to these clubhouses as-well as throughout the ground.

Best place to eat and drink (outside the stadium):

There is great debate amongst Munster fans as to which restaurant is the best in Cork. In Grand Parade in the city centre, the recommendations are The Fishwife and Hillbilly’s - Cork’s only Michelin star restaurant (you may want to remove any Dragons paraphernalia before entering – no Dragon hats!). Other options are available like Rossini’s and Clancy’s. Recommended pubs are The Mountain, Thomand Bar and The Evergreen. The closest pub to the stadium is 300m away and is called the Tory Top.

What the Munster fans think:

Danger men:

13 players have been called up to the Irish 6 nations squad and James Cronin is facing a lengthy spell on the side-lines. Despite this, the fans still have confidence in the players left to fill the void. The 3 to watch out for are Jaco Taute, Francis Saili and Niall Scannell.

Dragons danger men:

Pat Howard was mentioned by a few of the fans I spoke with. Having joined Munster on a 3-month deal in 2014, their fans understand what an asset he is. Cory Hill also picked up a few votes; with one fan describing him as ‘tough as nails.’ Rynard Landman and Tom Prydie were also mentioned.

Chances:

Munster’s fans think that the game will come down to defence and doing the basics right. Munster’s defensive stats are impressive, they haven’t conceded 4 tries in any game all season, which no doubt is a contributing factor to their being top of the pile in the Pro12. Despite notable absentees because of the 6 nations, the Irish province remain optimistic of victory.

Verdict:

Any away trip to Ireland is going to be difficult, but we can learn from the Blues who snuck away with a one-point victory there earlier in the season. Like that game, scoring early is going to be crucial. Any reason for the crowd to be quieter than usual will only aid the Men of Gwent. The Blues exposed Munster early on and caught them napping to lead by 7 at half time. Although the Red Army fought back, they were resolute in defence to get victory. 

In the encounter at Rodney Parade, Munster wasted a lot of opportunities and made errors which, if made again, need to be capitalised upon.

There is no easy time to play Munster away from home, but I would rather face them with them missing so many players than any other time of the season. The Dragons have won in Ireland as recent as last season, and we will need the spirit of that victory, not to mention more than a drop of good fortune, to do so again. As ever, yours truly, remains optimistic!

Prediction:

Munster 16 – 19 Dragons

Ryan Robinson – Dragons Community Ambassador

#SUFTMOG

Today's 50-50 winning raffle ticket....

...was number 497 on a pink ticket. The prize, a signed match day ball and a cash prize of £45, was claimed by a lucky fan from Blackwood.

In the Dragons' Eye - Opposition Preview - CA Brive

Opposition view

CA Brive

Quick facts

League position: 8th  

European position: 1st

Stadium: Stade Amédée-Domenech

Capacity: 13,979

League form

Brive have had a below par season. The old cliché of French sides not travelling well seems to be truer than ever, with the French club chalking up just 1 away league victory in their Top 14 campaign. That solitary away win came against moneybags Toulon. This, and their inability to beat the sides around them, leaves Brive dangling just above the relegation zone in eighth. Their home form, on the other hand, has been superb, suffering just the 1 defeat at the hands of Clermont Auvergne.

European form

Brive have the chance to secure top spot in the pool against the Men of Gwent after navigating tricky opposition in the pool so far.  Following the 37-16 drubbing at Rodney Parade, Brive went to Worcester and snuck away with a one point victory. Home and away victories then followed over minnows Enisei STM, before a win on French soil against Worcester last weekend. Those results leaves them top of the pool leading into this week’s contest, but the Dragons can still qualify if they win the game without Brive registering a losing bonus point.

In victory over Worcester last week, Brive utilised their driving lineout, and I would fully expect them to use this again. Brive will be looking to make it 3 from 3 in their home conquests against our proud Men of Gwent.

How to get to the stadium

From the airport

The Brive – Souillac airport is located roughly 12kms from the stadium. Our French counterparts work with ‘Car Delbos’ to provide transport for supporters to the stadium. These operate every 20/30 minutes up until kick-off. If you would like to find out about availability of this service, you can call 05.65.34.81.94 or email sophie@cars-delbos.com

From the train station

Located a little more conveniently, the Gare de Brive – la – Gaillarde station is only 2.5km from the stadium. You can walk to the stadium, but again, the club have organised transport with ‘Car Delbos’ to be running on match day to get supporters to the stadium. Schedules can be picked up from the tourist desk just inside the station.

Best place to eat and drink (inside the stadium)

Supporters are being advised to use the Café des Monédières at the stadium before the match.  About twice the size of the We Fight Any Claim family zone, it is an ideal place to meet and greet with the home team. Food and drink is also sold here.

Best place to eat and drink (outside the stadium)

The Stade Amédée-Domenech is situated in the epicentre of the city. I have been informed that you can get everything you could possibly need within a 10 minute walk of the stadium. The top picks from the Brive supporters are Café De La Poste and Café des Paris for traditional French cuisine. Numerous more English based restaurants and bars like Le Watson and Le Grillardin are located close to the stadium.

Danger men

I have been told from the Brive supporters to watch out for Gaetan Germain, Arnaud Mignardi and club captain Arnaud Mela. From our meeting at Rodney Parade, I would like to add in Thomas Laranjeira; who scored all of Brive’s points that day. Having also watched their victory at Worcester, Poutasi Luafatu and Johannes Snyman proved a difficult wall to break down and therefore Ashton and co. will have their work cut out to get past these.

What the Brive fans think

Dragons danger men

The Brive fans have spoken of a few players that they fear ahead of our European showdown. Firstly, try scorers from the game at Rodney Parade, Cory Hill and Rynard Landman, their ability on the field there for all to see. A little more surprising might be the inclusion of Craig Mitchell who received a few votes from the French fans I spoke with. Rhys Thomas was also mentioned. 

European hopes

I am told that before the start of the Challenge Cup, Brive targeted this competition. The Challenge Cup has presented the club a welcome distraction from a torrid league season. Brive are looking to replicate their French adversaries Montpellier winning of the Challenge Cup, and they will be up for this game – as most French teams are at home!

Chances

Despite their defeat at Rodney Parade, Brive’s fans are extremely confident of victory.  Since defeat at RP (and a convincing one at that), they have gone on to record victories over every other team. In round 5, Brive beat Worcester in France, setting up this tie for the top position in the group. With home advantage, Brive supporters expect the victory that would confirm their qualification for the knock out stages.

Verdict

Having seen Brive play on two occasions, I think we have a great chance. We’ve proven that we can go to France and win, with victories over Stade Francais and Pau in recent years, and we need to continue that tradition here.  In their win over Worcester, Brive exposed gaps in the Warrior’s defence after keeping the ball after several phases. It sounds simple, but if we can prevent those gaps occurring then I don’t think our opposition will have a plan B. Line speed will be key. In the fixture at Rodney Parade, the French club lost interest after an hour because we did not allow their big ball carriers to gain momentum.

Start quickly, keep the score board ticking over and the French fans will turn on their team, and we will have a good chance. Let’s not forget that both ourselves and Worcester put 3 tries past Brive. Theirs is a defence that does concede tries.

All this makes me optimistic of a first away victory of the year. Our future in the competition depends on it.

What the Dragons need to qualify

The Gwent region need to win by 4 points. Then, both teams will be level on points, but the Dragons will qualify having won both games against Brive. So it is either a win without Brive registering a losing bonus point, or a 5 point win in which we can afford Brive to gain one bonus point.

Prediction

Brive 17 – 26 Dragons

Ryan Robinson- Dragons community ambassador

#SUFTMOG

Men of Gwent, can you hear us?

Show the foe that you are fearless,

Into battle you will lead us,

DRAGONS will prevail!

SING!

Dragons 6 Nations Supporters Event - Wales vs England @ Rodney Parade

We have discussed with the Region the possibility of holding a live 6 Nation event at Rodney Parade, supported by Dragons Players.  The proposed format being planned would be pre match entertainment, a live showing of Wales v England, with the Bar open and food being served.  

During the event members of the Dragons Playing Squad would attend for a pre-match Q&A and mix with the Supporters, followed by the Supporters watching the live broadcast of the 6N Wales v England fixture together.

In order for us to ascertain whether this event would be something that the Supporter community would be keen on attending, could we request you submit your interest through the small form below, this will allow us to gauge numbers, and calculate whether this is something that we should try to arrange.

Dragons 26 - 8 Treviso

The Dragons got back to winning ways at Rodney Parade, where 14 points from Angus O'Brien, and Tries from Sarel Pretorius and skipper Lewis Evans seeing us home against a stubborn and determined Treviso side.

With conditions damp and windy, the Dragons intent to spread the ball was evident from the off, with a number of positive attacks breaking down with handling errors with a wet and slippery ball.  The pack once again played superbly in the conditions, following up on their strong performance against the Ospreys with an aggressive and determined performance against an opposition pack of 7 full internationals.

The opening try went to Treviso, where a poor kick in midfield was allowed to bounce, it evaded the Dragons defenders and allowed former Ospreys scrum half Tito Tebaldi to go over in the corner.

The Dragons responded with some good phase play, with Cory Hill very prominent, allowing quick ball for Sarel Pretorius to pick the ball at full pace and sprint over under the post for a good try.  Unfortunately Sarel followed this up by a 10 min sin-binning for deliberately knocking down a Treviso attack, but fortunately this did not cost the team during the period.

The second half that followed demonstrated another strong performance up front, and afforded Dorian Jones and Nic Cudd some game time in their return to fitness.  The forwards continued to show their superiority up front throughout this period, with a good rolling maul driving Captain Lewis Evans over for the Try that made the result safe.

Back to winning ways at Fortress Rodney Parade, and hopefully the following weeks will allow the team to build the momentum that was generated pre the Xmas period..  #SUFTMOG

Dragons: Carl Meyer; Tom Prydie, Tyler Morgan, Adam Warren, Pat Howard (Jack Dixon); Angus O’Brien (Dorian Jones), Sarel Pretorius; Phil Price (Sam Hobbs), Elliot Dee (Rhys Buckley), Brok Harris (Lloyd Fairbrother ), Nick Crosswell (Rynard Landman), Cory Hill, Lewis Evans (capt), Ed Jackson, Ollie Griffiths (Nic Cudd). 

Tries: Pretorius, Evans;

Cons: O’Brien, Jones;

Pens: O’Brien (3);

Drop-goal: O’Brien.

Treviso: Luke McLean; Andrea Pratichetti, Tommaso Benvenuti, Alberto Sgarbi (capt), Luca Sperandio; Tommaso Allan (Ian McKinley), Tito Tebaldi (Giorgio Bronzini); Alberto De Marchi (Federico Zani), Davide Giazzon (Ornel Gega), Matteo Zanusso (Tiziano Pasquali), Marc Fuser (Filo Paul), Dean Budd, Braam Steyn (Marco Lazzaroni), Marco Barbini, Robert Barbieri (Tommaso Iannone). 

Tries: Tebaldi;

pens: Allan.

Dragons 0 - 10 Ospreys

A game which will be remembered more for the pre-match drama than the action on the field, where the conditions of the pitch caused much consternation from the visitors.  Due to heavy rain, and the ongoing issue the team at Rodney Parade have supporting 3 teams on the surface, conditions were somewhat boggy underfoot, and proved to be the main factor of the ensuing 80 minute kicking battle.

The opening exchange saw the Dragons forwards performing very well in both scrum and lineout, two promising breaks by Ashton Hewitt and Tyler Morgan coming close, and the home team dominating possession and territory.  Unfortunately for the home team, the Ospreys got the first score, with a chip from Carl Meyer being well gathered by Habberfield, and an accidental elbow to Sam Beard's face resulting in a crucial missed tackle.  A great combination by Cracknell and Tipuric saw the later going over in the corner.

Another break from the Dragons resulted in a yellow card for the visiting Scrum Half Habberfield, for deliberately killing the ball after a quick tap penalty from Tavis Knoyle.  Unfortunately the Dragons got dragged back into a kicking duel for the majority of the 10 minutes they we against 14, and wasted the advantage.

With not much between the teams after this initial try, the game became increasingly scrappy, with the initial bursts from the Dragons becoming less frequent as the game went on.  A number of opportunities were squandered, with the guys working increadibly hard to get into field position, but maul turnovers, missed penalty kicks and dropped balls in the O's 22 meant the team unfortunately came aay with nothing.

With the mood dampened by the nature of the game, it was easy to forget the huge efforts made by a number of Dragons players, especially up front, where they more than matched their opponents.  It was fantastic to see Elliot Dee back in the fold, and back to his spiky best around the field, with his props Phil Price and specifically Brok Harris really standing out.  Nick Crosswell really shone, physical and stealing a number of O's line outs, and Ollie Griffiths continued to show just why he remains so highly rated by not only the Dragons Support, but the wider Welsh Rugby community.   Tipuric did well around the field, especially with his try, but Griffiths really performed at the breakdown.

As it proved, a game of fine margins, which leaves a sense of missed opportunity for Dragons Supporters.  Missed kicks at goal, big line-breaks not being capatilised on, and a number of kicks from hand going out on the full handed the impetus back to the visitors, and the brave attempts battering away at the Osprey's line at the end unfortunately proved too late to influence the final score.