The Newport-Gwent Dragons’ European season came to a disappointing end with a 23-32 defeat to Gloucester at Rodney Parade.
The defeat means the Dragons end the group phase propping up Pool 2 with just one win from six games played. And the defeat will be particularly galling as they capitulated in the second period to a far from fantastic Gloucester outfit.
The home side were leading by eight points at the break, but were unable to add to their total of sixteen points in the second period. Instead they dropped 24 points included a demoralising 69th minute penalty try as the visiting pack asserted its dominance.
Gloucester’s Fijian flanker Akapusi Qera scored his first ever Heineken Cup hat-trick with scores after 21, 43 and 65 minutes. Ex Cardiff Blue Nicky Robinson scored the remainder of the points with two penalties and three conversions.
The Dragons grabbed a consolation score at the final whistle when Jason Tovey breached the whitewash. James Arlidge converted to take his personal tally to eleven points after his two penalties and smart first half drop goal.
But the match was as good as over and the Dragons failed to record a losing bonus point for their efforts.
