Head Coach Filo Tiatia admitted it had been a game of two halves at Cardiff Arms Park as Dragons were dramatically edged out 22-19 by Cardiff Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
A first half brace from in-form scrum half Che Hope – who now has four tries in two games - saw the sides locked together at 12-12 at the break.
Cardiff edged ahead in the second half before a late twist as a penalty try saw the Men of Gwent push for a last gasp winner in a tense closing period.
And while disappointed with the second period, Tiatia praised the spirit and willingness to play in the closing stages as Dragons just came up short.
“It was definitely a game of two halves,” said Tiatia. “The first half playing into the wind we played well. We managed to claw it back by the break.
“The second half we just made too many errors. It started from the kick-off, we were unable to exit clean, and penalties hurt us again.
“It allowed Cardiff opportunities to get in, and they scored points and at the end they scored more points than us.
“What I am really proud of is we fought hard to let the ball go at the end, instead of just kicking the ball to Cardiff and allowing them to play for position and territory,” he added.
“There were some pleasing moments. I was very proud of a lot of our performance, but we can’t afford errors in this competition.
“We are working had around mentality and staying in moments. We just weren’t good enough in the second half in this game."
Tiatia also praised a sold out crowd for generating a special atmosphere.
“The crowd was amazing, both sides. It became a singing contest at the end,” he said.
“It’s pleasing to see where the game is at when you play these derby games and the fans come out and support teams.
“We want competitive sold-out games and seeing the game has grown. That is why fans are fans, it’s all around the tribalism of teams, and it was great to see.”
Meanwhile, Tiatia revealed he was yet to discover the extent of an injury to prop Robert Hunt who was taken off in the second half.
“It was concerning with Rob and him going off like that. We need to get some clarity about where he is at,” he stated.
There were some pleasing moments, I was very proud of a lot of our performance, but we can’t afford errors in this competition...
