Dragons Women U18 draw against RGC in Ystrad Mynach

The second match of the day in Ystrad Mynach was evenly matched in attack and defence and both Dragons and RGC showed a huge amount of intent to play running rugby with ball in hand.

RGC travelled south on a 29-8 win over the Ospreys last weekend, while Dragons were keen to get some match points after a 20-0 defeat to Cardiff in Round 1.

Dragons were closest to the try line through lock Angel Band and right wing Molly Mae-Powell, who ran past the RGC defence to lose possession over the line.

Halfbacks were impressive with both full-backs and Dragons forwards, Eleri Davies, Chiara Pearce, and Molly Owen who strongly carried the ball.

It was Pearce who scored the Dragons only try of the game with ten minutes left before the final whistle.

Liza Burgess, WRU lead female age grade coach said: “The standard has gone up so much since last year. We watched two very exciting games and over the first two regional rounds so far, we’ve seen an impressive level of consistency.

“We’ve seen some great skills especially in the line-out and all the teams today showed an encouraging intent to spread the ball. RGC set their stall last week with an impressive win, Dragons were determined to improve this week.

“Both teams this evening were keen to get the win, but their defences were up to the mark too.”

Wales U18 head coach Catrina Nicholas-McLaughlin added, “I’m very impressed by the standard.

“We’ve seen a vast improvement this season already. We are seeing the advantages of having the pathway in place. We are seeing a lot more girls playing rugby at this level and their athletic ability has improved too.

“Nine tries altogether in round two and there was a clear desire to win until the bitter end while the quality of the sides’ defences have also gone up a notch.”

Dragons are fourth in the table and are yet to win there first match of the Age Grade Championship.

They face Scarlets next Sunday at midday, in hope of a first victory.