Dragons squeeze past the Blues

Newport Gwent Dragons 14 Cardiff Blues 13

Newport Gwent Dragons improved their lowly position in the Magners League with a scrambled 14-13 victory over the Blues at Rodney Parade.

This time last year the Blues shoved 41 points into their local rivals as the Dragons suffered an all-too-familiar away day defeat.

However, the boot was on the other foot on this occasion with the Dragons taking the points thanks to the kicking of Wales centre Ceri Sweeney.

Sweeney put the Dragons ahead with a sixth-minute penalty, although the hosts had to withstand a fairly torrid opening during which an under-strength Blues side took the upper hand.

However, that changed after 14 minutes when scrum-half Gareth Cooper broke along the left flank, chipped ahead and duly punched the air with delight as Nathan Brew dived on the loose ball for a try Sweeney failed to convert.

Before half-time, however, the Blues were back in contention when number eight and captain Xavier Rush picked up close to the Dragons’ line and muscled his way over for an unconverted try.

Sweeney added a second penalty just before the interval and added a third 16 minutes into the second half to give the Dragons a 14-5 lead.

The Blues hinted at a comeback of sorts when Ben Blair reduced the deficit with a penalty 13 minutes from time but the Dragons looked capable of holding on as the heavens opened and the Rodney Parade pitch caused both sides all sorts of problems.

However, with just eight minutes remaining, replacement flanker Ben White crossed in the corner after a fine handling movement on the right leaving Blair with a chance to edge the Blues in front for the first time in the contest.

The former All Black pushed his kick wide of the uprights and with it handed the Dragons a much-needed victory.

Centre Paul Emerick was yellow-carded in the final 10 minutes for killing the ball on his own line but even with a numerical advantage the Blues were unable to add to their weekend success against the Ospreys.

One concern for coach David Young will be an injury to Tom Shanklin, who was forced off with five minutes remaining.

For the Dragons, however, they take on Ospreys with renewed heart this weekend knowing a second festive victory would further enhance their chances of making the Heineken Cup next season.