Newport Gwent Dragons seal 26-22 win over visiting Ulster at Rodney Parade
Last Updated: 08/03/15 6:49pm
The Newport Gwent Dragons recorded a close 26-22 Pro12 win over Ulster at Rodney Parade on Sunday afternoon.
Second-half tries from Rhys Buckley, Jonathan Evans and Ross Adair gave the home team a much-needed win in front of their home fans.
It was a slow start from both teams as the game developed in the middle of the field, but it was a Dorian Jones break that led to an infringement from an Ulster player, and Tom Prydie stepped up to get his side off the mark in the 13th minute.
It was Ulster who scored next through the expansive play of their backs, giving Craig Gilroy the chance to dot down in the corner and give the visitors the lead.
Springbok Ruan Pienaar lined up the kick but failed to convert to extend their lead after 24 minutes.
Prydie was given a chance just three minutes later to retake the lead after a penalty and he made no mistake from the tee to take a one-point lead as the half drew to a close.
Prydie had two further opportunities to extend his side's lead with shots at goal, but missed on both occasions, the second drawing the half-time whistle from referee John Lacey.
The two sides traded penalties early in the second half before Ulster concede two penalties in quick succession; the second earning loosehead prop Callum Black 10 minutes in the bin.
The Dragons wasted no time in make the extra man count as they set up a driving maul from which Rhys Buckley scored for the hosts - Dorian Jones missed the conversion.
As the final quarter began Jonathan Evans spotted a gap in the Ulster defence and went all the way to make it 21-8 after the conversion. Carl Meyer went over inside the final 10 minutes following a break from Hallam Amos which appeared to have sealed the game, but Ulster hit back in the 79th minute through Ross Adair.
It sparked a final play from Ulster where they made it up to their opponents' territory before turning the ball over and conceding defeat.