DRAGONS BACK TO WINNING WAYS

Newport-Gwent Dragons 26 Northampton Saints 7

At Rodney Parade

Newport Gwent Dragons returned to winning ways with a defence-inspired 26-7 victory over Northampton Saints in the EDF Energy Cup.

Gareth Wyatt and Richard Fussell went over in either half and Ceri Sweeney was on the mark in front of goal to claim a first win of the season at Rodney Parade.

It will not be enough to see the Dragons through the semi-finals of the Anglo-Welsh competition – even if they beat Worcester in the final pool game.

But at least the Dragons got back on track after a heavy defeat at Leicester and coach Paul Turner will be buoyed by the sight of Wales stars Michael Owen, Kevin Morgan and Gareth Cooper making their first appearances at the Parade following lengthy lay-offs.

Neither side carried genuine hopes of progressing to the last four following defeats in the opening round and Leicester’s victory earlier in the day at Worcester.

But any doubts as to the team’s commitments were blown away as this Anglo-Welsh sparked into life after just six minutes.

Carlos Spencer’s tackle on Gareth Cooper after play had stopped sparked a mass confrontation between both packs and saw the former All Black sent to the sin bin.

Opposite number Ceri Sweeney made the advantage count, kicking Newport ahead before having the time to pick a well-timed pass for Gareth Wyatt to sail over.

Spencer returned only to limp off before half-time as Northampton paid the price for failing to turn their possession into points.

Mark Robinson always looked the likeliest Northampton scorer and finally found a way through a spirited defence, stepping inside Cooper and behind the posts on 37 minutes.

But the Sweeney’s boot kept Newport out of reach until replacement Richard Fussell raced onto Colin Charvis’ pass to take the Dragons clear early in the second half before Nathan Brew added the final touch with a snap drop goal in injury time