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Dragons fell agonisingly short of a first European final on the weekend, losing 18-12 away to Montpellier.
It was a spirited effort by the Men of Gwent, who were narrowly denied a place in the Challenge Cup final later this month.
Here are this weekend’s winners and losers…
Winners
Thomas Young
It’s remarkable to think that Thomas Young has just four Wales caps.
The openside was superb in France. The Dragons’ top tackler, a constant threat at the breakdown and a wonderful carrying threat.
Just a superb player.
Gwernyfed, Bargoed Athletic, Llangadog and Beddau Athletic
Mold, Carmarthen Athletic and Pontyberem had already finished their respective seasons unbeaten ahead of this weekend.
But, across the reaches of Wales’ grassroot game, four other sides joined them as ‘invincibles’.
Gwernyfed were the first, beating Garndiffaith 57-21 to finish their Admiral National League 3 East with a perfect record.
Then on Saturday, Bargoed Athletic went unbeaten in Admiral National League 5 East, beating Bettws 66-10 in their final game.
In Admiral National League 4 West B, Llangadog finished the campaign with an unbeaten record following a 61-21 win over Cefneithin
Beddau Athletic completed the set, hammering Whitchurch 87-0 to finish Admiral National League 6 East Central with a 100 per cent record.
Aneurin Owen
The glue of the Dragons’ midfield, Anuerin Owen is closing in on 100 appearances for the Dragons.
At times, playing in a struggling side has seemingly weighed down on the 25-year-old a little. You wonder whether he might have won Welsh caps in a different environment.
But, he’s remained a crucial cog for the Dragons and has been pivotal as they have taken big steps forward this season.
How good to see him scoring twice in a European semi-final.
Dale MacLeod
The hire of the season.
The Dragons’ defence coach has helped make the Men of Gwent a very tough side to beat.
Montpellier brought plenty of power, while they were dominant in terms of possession and territory.
Yet they just couldn’t shake the Dragons – with the Welsh side’s ‘never say die’ attitude part of how MacLeod has helped improve the Rodney Parade outfit this year.
Losers
Dragons’ missed opportunities
It took one hell of an effort for the Dragons to be within one score of a first European final.
However, the close final score will only make them rue missed chances even more.
Early on, there was a chance for Thomas Young to cross – only for David Richards’ offload to not stick.
There were also easy three points turned and a yellow card period where Montpellier actually scored.
That will hurt.
Ben Whitehouse
The Welsh official copped a fair bit of stick after the Champions Cup semi-final between Bordeaux and Bath.
Former England star Austin Healey claimed Bath were “robbed”, while ex-England captain Will Carling had it in for the Welsh TMO.
It’s not easy being an official, especially when you’ve got big names on your case.
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