Dragons RFC’s produced a stunning fightback to push play-off chasing Connacht all the way in a pulsating BKT United Rugby Championship encounter at Rodney Parade.
In a topsy turvy encounter, Steff Hughes and Rhodri Williams scored first half tries as the Irish province took a slender lead to the break.
But a brave rear-guard action – when down to 14 men – and try from Wales star Rio Dyer sparked a ferocious comeback to level up matters.
However, a dramatic late twist and red card to Ben Carter swung the game back to Connacht and they took advantage with a score from Dylan Tierney-Martin.
Dragons had lost just once in their last four home games in the Championship at Rodney Parade and they went toe-to-toe with Connacht for long periods.
But the wait for win over an Irish province - since Munster visited Newport in September 2022 - went on after the late red card drama as they were forced to settle for a losing bonus point.
Home hooker Elliot Dee led Dragons out on his 150th appearance for the Men of Gwent, but the hosts found themselves behind after three minutes.
Connacht, who have lost just two of their last six BKT United Rugby Championship matches, capitalised on an error and kick out on the full.
They went through the forwards and power up close, with back row Shamus Hurley-Langton touching down after three minutes.
The response was immediate as Connacht were drawn to Aaron Wainwright in midfield and the inside ball found Hughes to cut a superb line and dive over. Cai Evans added the extras.
Dragons were defending with real spirit against a physical and powerful Connacht side who looked to keep the ball alive and punch holes.
The home side were working ferociously at the breakdown and counter rucked Connacht off ball twice before Taine Basham forced men back with a huge tackle.
The Irish looked menacing every time they entered the home 22, but more disciplined work kept them at bay as a penalty eased pressure at the midpoint of a frenetic opening 20 minutes.
Dragons finally succumbed to mounting heat and the penalty count, as Connacht kept the ball tight, and Ireland ace Finlay Bealham bashed his way over for a 14-7 lead.
Connacht’s composure in the 22 was giving Dragons no chance to get on the ball and slow down ball, with more territory allowing Bundee Aki to spin a long pass out wide and send wing John Porch over.
Rhodri Williams darted past men with a foray into the visiting half and Rio Dyer brushed off tacklers as he weaved across field, but there was no way past a green wall of defiance.
One final push before half-time saw Dragons get the penalty after Ewan Rosser had threatened a breakaway when he popped up in midfield.
And after the home side kept it tight the ball found scrum half Williams who sniped down the blindside to score. Evans converted to cut the lead to 19-14 at the break.
Basham broke down left and produced a sweet offload before Dee burst away as Dragons looked to make a strong start to the second period.
But a succession of penalties worked the Irish up field before they finished the job as Dee was yellow carded and Heffernan was shunted over to loud boos from a disgruntled home crowd.
Evans ate into the lead with a penalty with thirty minutes to go before a third home score – despite being down to 14 men – as Jordan Williams kicked in behind and Dyer tore past men to dot down.
Evans added the conversion from out wide to a thunderous ovation as the teams were drawn level at 24-24.
Hanrahan eased growing away nerves with a penalty before Evans again drew the games level once more with his own off the tee.
Former Dragon Hanrahan was forced off with a knee injury as Connacht came again from a resulting penalty from a shoulder charge after TMO intervention.
The game then dramatically swung back in the favour of Connacht after Ben Carter was given a red card for a shoulder to head tackle in midfield.
With the numerical advantage, Tierney-Martin was driven over to settle the game.
Timeline:
03m Shamus Hurley-Langton t Hanrahan c 0-7
06m Hughes t Evans c 7-7
19m Bealham t Hanrahan c 7-14
26m Porch t 7-19
40m R. Williams t Evans c 14-19
45m Heffernan t 14-24
50m Evans p 17-24
54m Dyer t Evans c 24-24
59m Hanrahan p 27-24
63m Evans p 27-27
71m Tierney-Martin t Forde c 27-34
Dragons RFC: Jordan Williams, Rio Dyer, Steff Hughes, Aneurin Owen, Ewan Rosser, Cai Evans, Rhodri Williams; Rhodri Jones, Elliot Dee, Chris Coleman, Ben Carter, Matthew Screech, Sean Lonsdale, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: James Benjamin, Rodrigo Martinez, Luke Yendle, George Nott, Barny Langton, Che Hope, Will Reed, Joe Westwood
Connacht Rugby: Tiernan O’Halloran, Shane Jennings, Tom Farrell, Bundee Aki, John Porch, JJ Hanrahan, Matthew Devine; Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Joe Joyce, Gavin Thornbury, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Conor Oliver, Cian Prendergast
Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, Sam Illo, Oisín Dowling, Jarrad Butler, Caolin Blade, Cathal Forde, Paul Boyle
Referee: Federico Vedovelli (FIR, 8th game)
Attendance: 4,212
