Dragons fans made it a Rodney farewell to remember for backrower Aaron Wainwright with the Welsh international set to depart ahead of next season.
With Wainwright celebrating his 100th URC game as well, it was a special occasion for the Whiteheads product with fans cheering and chanting his name from before the first whistle and well into the night.
Wainwright was mobbed by fans upon the final whistle and was backed by his adoring fans for his post-match interview on Premier Sports.
“I think tonight summed it up really well,” said Wainwright afterwards.
“Seeing so many fans here, them being able to come out on the pitch afterwards, just shows how tight this club is, how tight this region is.
“A special occasion for me tonight, my last home game here, our last home game here as a group for the season.
“It was awesome, very hectic, but it was awesome.”
One particular group of fans made their voices heard with chants of “Heads are going up, going up,” celebrating the promotion of Wainwright’s home club Whiteheads RFC.
“It was nice to have a load of friends and family come down and support,” said Wainwright.
“As much as the Dragons have been a massive part of my journey so far, it all started for me at Whiteheads.
“I go down as often as I can, so for them to come and repay the favour to me tonight was awesome to see and to have that support was great.
“They were definitely making some noise in the crowd, which was good, very noisy bunch after a couple of drinks!”
Wainwright, along with the rest of the Dragons squad, was signing autographs long into the night as the crowd packed onto the Parade turf.
“I spoke in the week about having that connection with the fans after the games,” said Wainwright.
“Even though we lost tonight, they were still in full voice and that's what it's been like over the course of my career here.
“No matter what the score lines have been, no matter what peaks and troughs we've gone through, the fans are always here cheering us on and supporting us.
“So I can only thank them, they've been awesome.”
No matter what the score lines have been, no matter what peaks and troughs we've gone through, the fans are always here cheering us on and supporting us...
