Stand-in captain Brok Harris praised the improved intent and attitude of Dragons as they battled with play-off chasing Ulster in an entertaining Guinness PRO14 clash.
Dragons lost out 28-15 to the Irish side who chalked up their third successive away win to stay in contention for a top three place.
However, Harris – who was captain for much of the game following the late withdrawal of Richard Hibbard and an injury to Harri Keddie – believes Dragons can build on the final quarter.
“It’s mixed emotions after the game,” admitted Harris. “We tried our best and after last week (at Benetton) we spoke about picking up our intent and attitude. That was there.
“Our execution let us down at key times and when you do it against Ulster you are going to be punished.
“It’s often won and lost up front and I thought our pack went through a massive work-rate today.
“However, the result didn’t go our way so we go back and see how we can fix it.”
Dragons conceded two tries at the start of the second half, but showed spirit to keep battling away and hit back with two tries of their own.
“I told them to not dwell on it and keep working hard,” revealed Harris. “Credit to them they stuck to it and gave it a go.
“The last 20 minutes went well for us and we have to build on that.”
Our execution let us down at key times and when you do it against Ulster you are going to be punished...
