Rugby: Dragons battle to victory with hard-fought display

Apr 10 2008 by Our Correspondent, Merthyr Express

Ferndale 10
Dowlais 13

DOWLAIS ground out a hard-fought victory to remain in the top half of the division four south east table.

The Dragons chose to play into the wind in the first half and were unlucky not to take the lead when Sion Griffiths burst away from the scrum and linked with flanker Dan Davies who off-loaded to fellow flanker Adam Cullen.

Cullen though lost control of the ball as he went over the try line. Ferndale looked to make good ground through their pack but the Dowlais defence stood firm.

The hosts took the lead with a penalty from Dai Coleman as Dowlais were caught offside.

The Dragons’ response was immediate as the back row caused problems for the home side.

Prop Lyn Williams and Mike Roiser drove forward before scrum half Gavin Harris released his backs.

Scott Brennsan entered the line to cross wide out for a 5-3 lead. Dowlais were enjoying the majority of possession with Jon Davies again dominant in the lineout.

On the stroke of half time the Dragons let Ferndale back into the game when their second row crossed the try line with a good forward drive.

The conversion made the score 10-10 at half time.

A good catch and drive from second row David Kelly launched the Dragons’ first attack of the second half.

Quick ball released winger Craig Thomas on a blind side run, where a high tackle brought an end to the move and Thomas’s game.

Robert Downes kicked the resulting penalty to give the lead back to the visitors at 13-10.

Ferndale continued with their nine-man attack, but could find no way past a solid Dowlais defence.

The Dragons continued to control the game and with a third youth player Philip Rees enjoying a fine debut, the visitors saw the game out to record another good away win.