Bedford 32-20 Dragons

New Dragons captain Tom Willis suffered a debut defeat

The Dragons' pre-season got off to a poor start with a four-try-to-three friendly defeat at English National League One part-timers Bedford Blues.

Australian debutant Rory Sidey crossed for two tries for the Dragons.

New Zealanders Tom Willis, James Arlidge and Grant Webb also made their debuts, Webb crossing for a try.

But Bedford full-back James Pritchard claimed a try and 12 points with the boot, Ian Davey, Ryan Owen and Karl Dickson getting the Blues' other tries.

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Fly-half Arlidge kicked a penalty and conversion for the Dragons, but was erratic with his shots at goal.

Australian centre Marc Stcherbina made his debut for the Welsh side after a summer move from Cardiff Blues, while veteran flanker Colin Charvis came on for a cameo appearance from the bench.

"There were a couple of pluses but we were a bit shaky in a few other things," Dragons coach Paul Turner told the South Wales Argus.

"I'm really pleased with the way Sidey played. He's a strong runner and all we said he was before we brought him here."

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Bedford: Pritchard; Davey, Twelvetrees, Burke, Owen; Vass, Dickson; Cecere, Sammons, Boulton, Botha, Hoy, Tupai, Daynes, McKay.
Replacements: Richmond, Brown, Parkin, Gillanders, Howard, Walshe, Davies, Knight, Taylor.

Dragons: P Dollman; G Maule, R Sidey, M Stcherbina, R Fussell; J Arlidge, R Lewis; H Gustafson, T Willis (capt), L Harrison, A Jones, L Charteris, J Ringer, G Webb, R Parks.
Replacements: A Black, G Robinson, S Jones, A Brown, T Isaacs, J Tovey and from rest of squad.

Att: 1,475