BOSS Dean Ryan couldn’t have been any happier after seeing his young Dragons side pass their Russian test “with flying colours”.

Jordan Williams, Arwel Robson, Ben Fry, Will Talbot-Davies, Ellis Shipp, Dafydd Howells and Tyler Morgan all crossed as the visitors wrapped up an impressive 49-22 triumph against Enisei-STM.

The bonus-point victory, which came on the back of a Taine Basham-inspired defeat of Castres, took the Dragons top of European Challenge Cup Pool One with two wins from two.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the performance with such a young group of players,” said Ryan.

“Players need to understand what it takes to prepare and compete in these kind of difficult games – I thought we passed that test with flying colours.

“We faced a fired-up Enisei side on a windy and very cold night, but the likes of Ben Fry and Ellis Shipp were absolutely tremendous, and Taine Basham was just outstanding again.

“You come away to teams like this and people expect you to be ahead early on. You should win, but it is a test and you have got to dig in.

“In that first half we played into a strong wind and it was minus six on the back of an hour bus trip to get to the venue. These are things that can derail you.”

He added: “I’m proud of the team. Proud of the way we passed that examination.

“Part of the challenge with these games is the travel, it is all set up to trip you up.

“I’m pleased with the experience we’ve had, the way we have dealt with the pressure and got maximum points.”

Two negatives to come out of the game were injuries to try scorer Williams and his replacement Jacob Botica.

“Jordan William has twisted his knee so that is a concern and we will assess it,” said Ryan. “We will look at him over the next few days.

“Jacob Botica has had stitches after the clash of heads and is okay. I’m pleased to say he is fine.”