Newport Gwent Dragons 28 – 15 Cardiff Blues
On the day of a royal wedding to behold, Newport Gwent Dragons produced another fairy tale finish themselves to produce a regal performance in brushing aside Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade in the Magners League.
Darren Edwards’s men are finishing the season on a high having won three matches on the bounce with victories over Benetton Treviso, the Ospreys and the Blues. The Blues now have to go to the Scarlets next week and win to ensure a play-off place.
The Dragons victory was built on a stirring defensive effort with back row trio Dan Lydiate, man of the match Toby Falatau and Gavin Thomas (before he was forced off due to injury)leading the charge in front of Wales coach Warren Gatland.
The Dragons dominated possession and territory in the first half with 20-year-old full back Steffan Jones and wing Aled Brew going over in opposite corners to the delight of a raucous home crowd.
The home side were fully in control until the 35th minute when lock Adam Jones was sin binned for not rolling away from a ruck. When he went off the Dragons were leading 15-3 but by the time he returned to the fray in the second half the Blues have levelled matters at 15-15 with a late first half try by Sam Warburton and an early second half touchdown by Xavier Rush.
Momentum had swung to the Blues but they were unable to make it count and they paid dearly for their profligacy in the 65th minute. On a rare sortie into Blues territory, the Dragons spurned a shot at goal and went for glory.
A lineout was claimed by Luke Charteris and from close range replacement second row Andrew Coombes powered his way over. Jason Tovey, another who must have impressed Gatland, banged over the conversion to put the Dragons back in front 22-15.
Forced to play catch-up the Blues were smothered by the marauding Dragons who forced the visitors into basic mistakes. The Dragons perfect day was crowned with a late long range penalty from Steffan Jones and a snap drop goal by scrum half Wayne Evans.
