Captain Steff Hughes hailed the way Dragons ‘stuck in the fight’ to claim a losing bonus point in defeat to Ulster at Kingspan Stadium.
The Men of Gwent are left to wait for an away day success this season in the BKT United Rugby Championship after a 49-26 loss in Belfast.
But while the result went against Dai Flanagan’s men, the spirit and effort shown in adversity was a highlight for Hughes.
Dragons had trailed 28-7 at the break – after a first half try from James Benjamin – but a closely fought second half saw scores from Matthew Screech, Brodie Coghlan and late penalty try to claim a point on the road.
"I thought our effort was really good. I thought we stuck in the fight really well,” said Hughes.
“There were a couple of moments where if we had packed it in it would have been a very different score line.
“Our effort was great, and I thought we attacked well when we did, it was just a couple of critical moments where we could be a bit more rugby smart and put pressure back on Ulster.
“We absorbed a little bit too much pressure in that middle third and consequently they scored a couple more tries than we would have liked.
“I’m proud of the four tries and the bonus point. It’s a tough place to come and play so we’re pleased to come away with something.
“We spoke at half-time and the messages from the coaches was keep being brave to play,” he added.
“Our attacking shape was working well when we kept the ball. The focus was on doing more of that and causing Ulster to defend a little bit more.
“There are still some areas of growth for us, in terms of managing the game at critical points, but it is important for us to come away with something."
Dragons now return home to face Vodacom Bulls and Zebre Parma at Rodney Parade at the end of the month.
And Hughes hopes the young Dragons who have stood up in recent weeks will now benefit as they return to Newport for action.
“We had Joe Westwood with his first start on the wing who was excellent, Huw Anderson gets his first game for the club,” stated Hughes.
“Having these young boys having exposure and playing out here is going to be brilliant for us as a club moving forward.
“We’re really excited to get back to Rodney Parade now and hopefully put in a couple of great performances and win at home.”
Watch the Dragons this March as they face Vodacom Bulls (Saturday, March 23) and Zebre Parma (Friday, March 29) in the BKT United Rugby Championship. CLICK HERE to buy your tickets now or call 01633 670690 during office hours.
There are still some areas of growth for us, in terms of managing the game at critical points, but it is important for us to come away with something...
