| Dragons 27 Connacht 14 | |||||
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  Andrew Farley catches the Dragons kick off at the start of Connacht's game in Rodney Parade on Sunday. Photo: INPHO/Huw Evans Newport Gwent Dragons 27 Connacht 14 Connacht went down to a hungry Dragons outfit, who were out for revenge having lost to the visitors at the Sportsground three weeks ago. An uneventful first half only kicked into gear 36 minutes in when the Dragons went ahead with a penalty through outhalf James Arlidge from in front of the posts 25 metres out. Arlidge had already missed a penalty earlier in the game and by putting the home side in front, settled a few nerves. The Dragons then extended their lead just before half time when number eight Joe Bearman went over after a well worked lineout move from five metres out. Arlidge added the extras and the Dragons went in at half time 10-0 in front. Connacht hit back eight minutes into the second half through a Fionn Carr try to the left of the posts after Ian Keatley made an initial break. Keatley then added the extras to reduce the deficit to three points. On the hour mark the home side went further ahead through outside centre Rhodri Gomer-Davies, who was well rested having just returned to the field following a sin binning. Arlidge again added the conversion and a Rhys Thomas try put them 22-7 in front four minutes later which Arlidge again extended from the boot. Arlidge then added a penalty with ten minutes remaining to go 27-7 ahead, but Connacht finished brightly through a Keith Matthews try under the posts straight from the restart which Keatley converted. Scorers: Newport Gwent Dragons Tries: Bearman, Gomer-Davies, R Thomas Con: Arlidge (3) Pen: Arlidge (2) Connacht: Try: Carr, Matthews Con: Keatley (2) Newport Gwent Dragons J Tovey; G Wyatt, R Gomer-Davies, A Smith, R Fussell; J Arlidge, W Evans; A Black, T Willis (C), R Thomas; H Macdonald, L Charteris; D Lydiate, R Parks, J Bearman. Replacements: L Evans for Parks, 77mins; N Hall for Black, 77mins; M Thomas for Evans, 78mins. Connacht: G Duffy (C); F Carr, N Ta'auso, K Matthews, L Bibo; I Keatley, F Murphy; B Wilkinson, S Cronin, B McGovern; M Swift, A Farley; A Browne, J O'Connor, R Ofisa. Replacements: A Flavin for Cronin 54mins; R Loughney for McGovern, 60mins; O'Loughlin for Murphy, 66mins; D Gannon for Farley, 75mins; T Nathan for Bibo, 75mins; A Dunne for Matthews, 77mins. Referee: Graham Knox (SRU). |
