NEWPORT Gwent Dragons Ladies are confident a first win of the season is around the corner after an encouraging start to the WRU Women's Regional Championship, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Dragons were edged out 14-7 by the Ospreys at Ystrad Mynach on Sunday after pushing the Scarlets, the reigning champions, hard when beaten 13-0 in Whitland on opening weekend.

Coach Gwesyn Price-Jones believes the signs are promising and is confident that they will reap the rewards of hard graft when they travel to Cardiff Blues on December 20.

"We've lost both games so far but have been competitive and have played some really good rugby," he said.

"We have gone from strength to strength even without always getting the results – the Ospreys last year was a 30-pointer and the Scarlets was a 40-pointer.

"I feel that we have come a hell of a long way and we are now proper contenders rather than whipping girls.

"One of the most pleasing things was that last Sunday four girls from the previous year's under-18s starts and plenty more who have been involved have come through the system.

"Four years ago we were getting 10 at training and getting thumped whereas now we have had 60 plus at under-18 level."

The Under-18s have also been progressing well, showing their fighting spirit with a pair of late scores to draw 14-14 at Cardiff Blues before being downed by a strong Scarlets side.

They play the Ospreys at Ystrad Mynach on December 13 have set up a pair of fixtures with two English sides, Filton College and Bicton College from Devon.

The next generation will get a chance to push for senior rugby after Christmas in the second half of the Regional Championship when the national squad members are taken away for the Six Nations.

Anyone interested in getting involved in girls rugby as a player or coach can contact Price-Jones on 07812 590909 or gwesyn@gmail.com.