The Dragons were left frustrated and disappointed in equal measure last night after two interception tries closed them out of their match against Cardiff Blues, despite a strong and ambitious performance.
The men of Gwent played some great rugby against the Heineken Cup semi-finalists, who had named seven players from Sunday’s starting line-up in their side.
Ben Blair put the Blues six points up with two penalties as Dragons prop Adam Black was shown an early yellow card for coming around the side of a ruck.
Jason Tovey brought the Dragons within three points with a drop goal just inside the home team’s half, but Tom Shanklin intercepted a pass from Connor and scored a try under the posts which Blair converted.
A penalty from Tovey left the Dragons trailing 13-6 at half time.
The Dragons dominated the second half in terms of both territory and possession and it looked like the men of Gwent were going to capitalise on the fatigue kicking in to the Blues side. But despite consistent pressure, the Blues always looked very dangerous on the counter-attack.
Tit-for-tat penalties and a yellow card for Tom Jones left the Dragons trailing just 19-12 with a man over, but in the 71st minute a wild pass from Dan Lydiate was intercepted to give replacement Nicky Robinson a try under the posts and Blair converted easily.
The men of Gwent played some great rugby against the Heineken Cup semi-finalists, who had named seven players from Sunday’s starting line-up in their side.
Ben Blair put the Blues six points up with two penalties as Dragons prop Adam Black was shown an early yellow card for coming around the side of a ruck.
Jason Tovey brought the Dragons within three points with a drop goal just inside the home team’s half, but Tom Shanklin intercepted a pass from Connor and scored a try under the posts which Blair converted.
A penalty from Tovey left the Dragons trailing 13-6 at half time.
The Dragons dominated the second half in terms of both territory and possession and it looked like the men of Gwent were going to capitalise on the fatigue kicking in to the Blues side. But despite consistent pressure, the Blues always looked very dangerous on the counter-attack.
Tit-for-tat penalties and a yellow card for Tom Jones left the Dragons trailing just 19-12 with a man over, but in the 71st minute a wild pass from Dan Lydiate was intercepted to give replacement Nicky Robinson a try under the posts and Blair converted easily.
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