The Dragons took a game to Ebbw Vale’s Eugene Cross Park for the first time and were rewarded with a big crowd and a notable victory to boost their chances of starting the season with a bang when they travel to Connacht on Saturday, 6 September.
The Saints had marched into a seemingly unbeatable lead of 25-13 with five minutes left to play on a wet and windy night, but the home side were in no mood to give up hope. Instead, they conjured up late tries from Cory Hill and then Tom Prydie, both of which Prydie converted to clinch a famous victory.
Saints coach Jim Mallinder had brought his best side to play and was looking to add the scalp of the Dragons to that of Leinster they had picked up in Dublin in n earlier friendly. Northampton started with Lions and Wales star George North, Lions and England prop Alex Corisiero, England stars Luther Burrell, Dylan Hartley, Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood and scrum-half Lee Dickson, and Samoan brothers Ken and George Pisi.
George Pisi grabbed two tries and full back James Wilson got another as the Saints moved into that 27-11 lead. Outside half Will Hooley added a drop goal, penalty and two conversions for a match haul of 10 points.
The visitors were 18-6 ahead at the break, with the only home points coming from two Jason Tovey penalties, but a try for the returning Aled Brew, which Tovey converted, raised the stakes. Then came the final flourish with Hill and Prydie crossing for their tries and the former Wales wing keeping his nerve to add the extras to complete an incredible comeback.
Scorers: Dragons: Ties: A Brew, C Hill, T Prydie; Cons: T Pryie 2, J Tovey; Pens: J Tovey 2. Northamton Saints: Tries: G PIsis 2, J Wilson; Cons: W Hooley 2; DG: W Hooley; Pen: W Hooley.
