Newport Gwent Dragons gave their supporters an extra Christmas present when they beat closest rivals the Blues at Rodney Parade by 14 points to 13.
In a wet encounter dogged defence from the home side saw them hang on at the end for a deserved win.
Ceri Sweeney got The Dragons an early lead with a five minute penalty and it was a lead they never relinquished. Ten minutes later Nathan Brew scored a try, following a break from scrum half Gareth Cooper who kicked ahead and Brew beat the defence to claim the touchdown.
Five minutes later Blues captain Xavier Rush crashed over for a try following a drive from the lineout which left The Dragons defence in tatters.
Just before half time Sweeney increased his sides lead with a penalty and sixteen minutes into the second half and Sweeney slotted over another penalty before a tense final ten minutes for the home side.
Paul Emerick was sent to the sin bin for failing to clear the ball for the attacking side and with a man advantage Ed Fairhurst broke from deep and found Chris Czekaj who passed to Bradley Davies who found fellow substitute Ben White to score in the corner. Ben Blair missed with the conversion as The Dragons held on for what was a deserved win.
