Dragons Secure Famous Win in France
Dragons produced an historic performance in France to claim a 15-21 victory and stun Section Paloise at the Stade du Hameau.
Tries from Ashton Hewitt and Max Clark plus eight points from the boot of fly half Will Reed and a late JJ Hanrahan penalty was enough for the visitors saw the visitors to claim a first European win of the campaign.
The home side managed scores through wingers Daniel Ikpefan and Vincent Pinto, but it wasn’t enough for the hosts as Dragons claimed an historic victory in the Pyranees.
Dragons now face the Emirates Lions next weekend at Rodney Parade in the final round of group games where a win will guarantee a place in the last 16.
It was the home side who took the early lead with wing Daniel Ikpefan finishing nicely with a chip over the top to score in the corner.
But Dragons didn’t panic as the visitors grew into the game with some sharp hands from the backs putting us on the front foot.
The pressure led to an Ashton Hewitt try following a terrific inside pass from Lewis Jones from the base of a ruck. Reed converted to bring the sides level.
A few minutes later Dragons were on the front foot once again as they searched for a second try, but had to leave the Pau 22m with just a penalty which Reed converted to give his side the lead.
Dragons maintained the pressure on the home side with George Nott managing to steal a number of the oppositions line-outs.
The pressure eventually told as the forwards did all the heavy carrying before Max Clark took on the crash ball to score his second Dragons try in as many weeks.
Pau had some dangerous moments of their own before the break as they looked to narrow the score but a try saving tackle from Reed saw Dragons to half time with an eight point advantage at 7-15.
The home side started the second half as they begun the first with an early try as full back Theo Attissogbe used his footwork to break the Dragons line from nothing before offloading for Pinto to score.
A scrappy second half followed with both teams trying to win the kicking battle and dominate territory.
It was Dragons who managed to extend their lead to six points as fly half Reed kicked three more with a great strike from 40 metres out, following a late hit on himself.
An edgy contest followed heading into the final stages but some excellent defensive work from Jack Dixon earned his side the penalty right in front of the posts.
Replacement JJ Hanrahan sealed the victory converting the penalty as Dragons held a nine point lead heading into the final couple of minutes.
Pau pushed for a late score but settled for one final shot at goal to claim a losing bonus point on home soil, as Dragons departed the Stade du Hameau with the 21-15 victory.
