Dragons v Edinburgh Match Report
It was tries from Carl Meyer, Sam Hobbs and Angus O’Brien which made it four victories from four in all competitions at Rodney Parade. This win in the Guinness PRO12 Championship sees the Men of Gwent climb to 9th place, seeing them level on points with Connacht and above Edinburgh Rugby.
The Scottish opposition opened up their account first, with a converted try in under 10 minutes of play. With a break into the Dragons 22 and the ball going out wide, it was their number 8 Nasi Manu who crossed over for the try which was converted by ex-Dragons player Jason Tovey.
The Dragons responded with a penalty kick due to Angus O’Brien being taken out late by an Edinburgh player. But his second penalty failed to convert with the score settling on 7-3 to the opposition.
The Men of Gwent went over for their first try, after 18 minutes, thanks to some quick thinking from Thomas Rhys Thomas and Carl Meyer’s quick feet. With Thomas stealing the ball from the back of the Edinburgh driving line out, which had not drawn in the Dragons defence he passed through Evans and Griffiths, only for fullback Carl Meyer to break through and dive under the sticks, and O’Brien added the extras.
The Dragons second try of the afternoon came soon after this time Sam Hobbs crashed over for the try, with O’Brien converting once again.
With the hosts leading the attack Edinburgh attempted to narrow the gap with their own try. And after waiting patiently it came through their own intense attack, with Chris Dean crossing for the opposition.
The Dragons were very quick to respond through a converted try from fly-half Angus O’Brien. This was thanks to a neat grubber kick from the boot of Sam Beard.
Half Time: Newport Gwent Dragons 24 – Edinburgh Rugby 12
The second half saw Edinburgh break through for a try, over an hour into the game. It was Edinburgh replacement Viliame Mata who went over with replacement fly-half Duncan Weir converting. However the Dragons had the final say of the match through the boot of Angus O’Brien.
Full Time: Newport Gwent Dragons 27 – Edinburgh Rugby 19
Man of the Match: Ollie Griffiths
Referee: Frank Murphy
Attendance: 4064
