Back row dynamo Ollie Griffiths has paid tribute to the supporters at Rodney Parade - and vowed that the team will be doing everything to finish the season on a high this weekend.
The curtain will fall on the 2021/22 campaign on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm) when the Men of Gwent face Emirates Lions from South Africa in the United Rugby Championship – a first-ever clash between the teams.
After going close against Gloucester, Scarlets and Cardiff Rugby, Griffiths – a try scorer in last week’s derby game - insists there is much to play for on the final afternoon.
And he admits getting a result for the home faithful as they head into the summer is his top priority.
“We will be looking to finish strong and on a positive. We’ve got one last game in a what has been a difficult season, there is no shying away from that,” said the back row.
“The fans are itching for us to get a home win. I just want to let them know that we are doing everything that we possibly can, all we can do is try our hardest and fingers crossed on Saturday we can get the win for them.
“The Dragons fans have stuck by us even though we have had some tough seasons through the years. Their support is appreciated and hopefully we give them plenty to cheer about.”
Dragons came agonisingly close last week when a late penalty attempt by Will Reed drifted wide in the Welsh derby against Cardiff Rugby. And Griffiths was full of praise for the young playmaker for going for the shot at goal under huge pressure.
“It was a close game throughout and fair play to Will at the end, he’s youngster in only his second start and he had the guts to say that he wanted to try and stick it over,” said Griffiths.
“Unfortunately, he didn’t get it but I will back his decision all day – fair play to him, it would have been the easy option to just stick it in the corner and shift the responsibility off himself.
“He will probably be hard on himself, but he had the confidence to have a go.”
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The Dragons fans have stuck by us even though we have had some tough seasons through the years... Their support is appreciated and hopefully we give them plenty to cheer about.”
