Interim Head Coach Filo Tiatia said he was “proud of the effort” his players put in as they secured a memorable 22-14 away win against Newcastle Falcons in the EPCR Challenge Cup at Kingston Park.
A first half try from Rodrigo Martinez along with a penalty and conversion from captain Angus O’Brien gave Dragons a 10-7 half-time lead.
Despite Falcons starting the second half brighter and taking the lead, Dragons roared back with a score from Aaron Wainwright before Huw Anderson’s solo effort secured the win.
After missing out narrowly on the win last week at home to Montpellier, it means Dragons now have five points from their first two EPCR Challenge Cup games this season before they take on Section Paloise and Emirates Lions in the new year.
“I’m proud of the effort,” said Tiatia. “Really happy that we came out the other side.
“The boys dug in deep and there were good moments.
“I thought we capitalised and built a lot of momentum, there were a couple of chances we didn’t take but I’m really happy.”
Dragons’ win was a superb way to celebrate Dan Lydiate’s 100th appearance for the club, who was a big part of a formidable pack which earnt dominance early doors leading to the first half try for Martinez.
“I thought the pack were really good from a set-piece perspective,” said Tiatia.
“Some of our collision work we have to keep working on both sides of the ball but when we got it right, we built a lot of momentum and played in the right areas of the field.
Alongside the experience of Lydiate and Wainwright there was plenty of young talent on show with Dragons Academy players Anderson, Oli Andrew, Che Hope, Joe Westwood and Ryan Woodman all starting.
There was further cause for celebration too after teenagers Evan Minto and Nick Thomas both made their debuts off the bench, along with new signing Paula Latu.
On his first start for the club, Anderson lit up the match with deft touches and regular breaks, capped off with his game-sealing score which pleased both the Player of the Match voting panel and his head coach.
“I thought the young fellas who got an opportunity a lot of them stood out,” said Tiatia. “Overall, I’m happy, the majority of the squad have all had a crack and showed their hand.
“Huw Anderson certainly lit it up, he was exciting. We know what he can do, like most young guys they just need a chance and he was very good.
“Really happy for both Nicky and Minto, I really admire the way they carry themselves as young men.
“I asked Minto how old he was and he’s still 18, it was a bit quicker than he was used to, so he got exposed to that intensity and speed.
“Really proud of Paula Latu, coming on after a short week, arriving Monday and able to front up and produce what he can do.”
Dragons have a short break ahead of their next match, at home to Cardiff on Boxing Day but instead of looking ahead to that game, Tiatia was keen to enjoy the performance and result before the derbies to come.
“I just focus on the now, we can’t focus too far ahead,” said Tiatia.
“Recovery is a big focus going into the Christmas derbies against Cardiff and Scarlets.
“At the moment it’s about living in the moment, enjoy while we travel home and get the boys to sleep in their beds and then get ready to go again!”
Huw Anderson certainly lit it up, he was exciting. We know what he can do, like most young guys they just need a chance and he was very good.
