Dragons Rugby claimed a famous 22-35 bonus point victory over Connacht out in Galway to seal the region’s first victory of the URC 2021/2022 season.
Dragons haven’t won in Galway since 2004 but tries from Mesake Doge, Jordan Williams and a brace from Jonah Holmes plus 15 Points from fly half Sam Davies was enough to bring that run to an end.
Connacht fly half Jack Carty scored 12 points and tries from Mack Hanson and Connor Fitzgerald wasn’t enough as the home side fall short at The Sportsground.
Dragons next face the Stormers at Rodney Parade on Friday night looking for back to back victories.
It was a bright start from both sides and it was Dragons who thought they would open the scoring with scrum half Rhodri Williams making an interception on half way with no one in his way.
But the ref deemed Williams offside and brought it back for a Connacht penalty and Carty opened the scoring for his side off the tee.
The Connacht fly half had an opportunity to double his side’s lead but his kick just pulling wide before he made no mistake with his second opportunity moments later.
Davies narrowed the score for Dragons with three points of his own before winger Jonah Holmes scored the game’s opening try to give the visitors the lead.
The try came from a brilliant chip over the top from fullback Jordan Williams who then drew the last man to let Holmes sprint home in the corner. Davies missed the extras.
The lead didn’t last long as Carty knocked over his third penalty of the game following a Will Rowlands infringement at the break down, which saw the lock sent to the sin-bin.
Minutes later Carty extended his side’s lead to four points with another penalty, and despite pressure from Connacht to end the half Dragons held out to enter half time 12-8 down.
Dragons came out a different side in the second half put their stamp on the contest through dominating possession.
The men of Gwent regained the lead through the magic man Jordan Williams who showed brilliant speed and footwork to get outside the Connacht defence and score. Davies converted to give Dragons a 12-15 lead with half an hour to go.
Minutes later the visitors extended their lead with Mesake Doge, who has impressed since joining the region and had another fantastic evening, powered his way over from close range. Davies extended the lead to ten points with the conversion.
Connacht pulled one back with winger Mack Hanson sidestepping his way over the line to after some strong pressure on the Dragons line, which brought the scores within five.
That’s as good as it got for the hosts as Davies kicked another three points before Holmes grabbed his second try of the game after a lovely grubber kick through by Davies. The conversion gave Dragons a fifteen point lead with just 15 minutes to go.
Connacht had time to grab a consolation through replacement Connor Fitzgerald, but Davies all but sealed victory with another penalty five minutes from time.
The hosts pushed for a losing bonus point but Dragons held out and sealed a famous 22-35 victory in Galway.
