CROWD HELP DRAGONS OVERCOME STAR STUDDED OSPREYS

Newport Gwent Dragons stormed to an impressive win over the Ospreys at Rodney Parade last night. Backed by a vibrant crowd the Newport based region raced in to a early lead after Will Harries gathered a neat chip from the outstanding Jason Tovey. Tovey added two penalties.

The Ospreys responded with a penalty from Biggar and reduced the deficit when James Hook cart-wheeled through weak tackles to score for the Ospreys 10 minutes before half time. The Dragons struck a hammer ball just before the interval when Matthew Watkins ran between two front row forwards and then side stepped Lee Byrne for a fine converted try.

The star-studded Ospreys were unable to make any headway in the second half and it was the NGD's who extended their lead when hard working wing Aled Brew took a neat pass from the excellent Wayne Evans to outstrip the defence and score with a leaping salmon routine. A late try from Walker and conversion from Hook reduced the margin to 28-20.

The only sour note was an ankle injury for Dan Lydiate, replaced by Newport captain Andrew Coombes. Lydiate is now out for the rest of the season with damaged ankle ligaments, although Aled Brew is expected to be fit again to face Glasgow in their next Magner's league clash.

Attendance - 6221.