Cardiff Rugby Under-16s were back in action this week as both North and South groups faced Dragons opposition in a valuable evening of age-grade rugby.

With South hosting Dragons Black at Cardiff Arms Park and North travelling to Ystrad Mynach to take on Dragons Amber, it proved another important step in the players’ ongoing development. Results were shared across the two fixtures, with South producing a strong attacking performance to secure victory at the Arms Park, while North were narrowly beaten in a closely contested encounter at Ystrad Mynach.

South show attacking intent at Arms Park

At the Arms Park, Cardiff South made a bright start. Good early ball movement created space for winger Jacob Hunter to finish well in the corner, with Max Phillips adding the conversion.

Dragons responded quickly with a well-worked try of their own and the pattern of the half was set, with both sides looking to play positively. Hunter added his second after reacting sharply to a kick through, but the visitors again replied from a lineout move to level the scores at 12-12.

As the half progressed, Cardiff began to find greater fluency in attack. Noah Hopkins crossed twice in quick succession, while Hunter continued to profit out wide as the South looked to move the ball whenever possible. In total, the wingers accounted for six tries, reflecting the side’s willingness to use width and back their pace. Phillips added three further conversions to give Cardiff a 38-19 lead at the break.

The second half provided a different challenge. Dragons built momentum through a mix of direct carrying and well-structured attack, while Cardiff were made to work defensively. Hooker Zander Hobrough added a try from a driving maul, but the gap narrowed to 45-38 midway through the half.

The South coaching team made good use of their replacements in the final quarter, with fresh energy helping to steady the performance. Tries from Jake Barkley and Harry Dobbs ensured the hosts finished strongly and secured a 55-38 victory.

North narrowly beaten at Ystrad Mynach

Up at Ystrad Mynach, Cardiff North were involved in a tight and physical contest with Dragons Amber.

Opportunities were limited in a game where both sides defended well and competed strongly at the breakdown. Dragons took their chances to edge ahead, but Cardiff stayed firmly in the contest throughout.

Cardiff North’s try came through Will Creed King, who finished a well-worked move to keep the scoreline close heading into the final stages. Cardiff pushed hard in the closing quarter, applying pressure in search of a decisive score, but Dragons’ defence held out to secure a narrow 10-7 win.

Internal clash next up

Both groups now turn their attention to the annual internal fixture, with South facing North at Cardiff Arms Park next Wednesday (18th).

After two contrasting tests against the Dragons, the fixture will provide another valuable opportunity for players to continue their progress in the Cardiff academy system.