NEWPORT Gwent Dragons Under-18s enjoyed their first win of the Welsh Rugby Union Regional Championship when they beat the Ospreys thanks to a powerful first half display at Ystrad Mynach on Wednesday evening.

The Dragons youngsters had been pipped 22-20 by Cardiff Blues in the capital and 21-13 by the Scarlets Maes y Gwendraeth but fared better in challenging conditions on home turf.

Richie Rees' side were in control from the off with captain and flanker Joe Thomas crossing in the eighth minute, swiftly followed by impressive wing Joe Goodchild to make it 10-0.

Hooker Griff Whitson scored the third after 25 minutes, fly-half Louie O'Brien adding the extras, and tighthead Chris Coleman was rewarded for a strong display with the bonus point try on the half hour.

Blindside James Ratti went over for the Ospreys' only points after 38 minutes but replacement back row forward Dawid Rubasniak capped a fine evening for the Dragons youngsters with a try in the closing stages.

The other fixture saw the Scarlets pip the Blues 20-16 at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park thanks to a last-gasp try.

While the regions' youngsters were playing on two 3G pitches, Cross Keys and Bedwas were frustrated by the weather at Pandy Park.

An early evening downpour forced their Foster's Challenge Cup encounter to be postponed and the Gwent group of the development tournament is now in chaos.

The pool stages were scheduled to be over by February but only 5 of 12 fixtures have been played since it started in November.

Newport have played just once – at Ebbw Vale – and have seen home encounters with Bedwas and Keys washed out along with their trip to Pandy Park while the return fixture with the Steelmen has been pushed back to February 2 so that they can take on Carmarthen Quins in the Swalec Cup on Saturday.

The other geographical groups have come through unscathed and are on course to finish by the end of the month, leaving the Gwent teams scrambling to ensure they are done to avoid a delay to the semi-finals. The three group winners and best runner-up qualify.

Current standings: Bedwas P3 11pts, Ebbw Vale P4 7pts, Cross Keys P2 5pts, Newport P1 0pts