Dogged Dragons faced a heartbreaking defeat as Ulster managed to claw their way back late in the game, securing a 34-30 victory at Rodney Parade. The Dragons, who are at the bottom of the United Rugby Championship standings, came close to victory but were unable to hold off Ulster’s late surge. This defeat leaves the Dragons with just one win at home for the season, reflecting their challenging campaign.
Ulster’s comeback started when Will Reed missed a crucial penalty for the Dragons, which could have given them a nine-point lead. Ulster seized this opportunity and took the lead with Scott Wilson scoring a try, followed by a successful conversion by John Cooney. Cooney added a late penalty to secure the win for Ulster, with Rob Herring also making significant contributions by scoring two tries after coming back from a sin-bin period. The Dragons, on the other hand, suffered their 12th consecutive loss in the URC.
The Dragons started the game on a positive note, scoring within the first minute as Aneurin Owen crossed the try line after a pass from Reed. However, Ulster responded quickly with James Hume scoring a try nine minutes later. Herring’s yellow card for a tackle on Matthew Screech allowed Reed to convert a penalty while Ulster were a man down. Despite this setback, Dragons extended their lead with Huw Anderson scoring their second try.
Herring made an immediate impact upon his return from the sin-bin, scoring a try from a driving lineout maul for Ulster. Nonetheless, the Dragons managed to widen their lead before halftime, with Anderson setting up Rhodri Williams for their fourth try of the match. The second half saw Herring scoring his second try for Ulster, narrowing the gap. Reed’s penalties maintained the Dragons’ lead, but a missed attempt combined with Wilson’s try allowed Ulster to take the lead late in the game.
Ulster’s victory was sealed with Cooney’s accurate penalty kicks, putting them ahead on the scoreboard. Although Ulster crossed the try line again through John Andrew in the closing stages, the try was ultimately disallowed after a video review. Cooney’s final penalty ensured Ulster’s triumph and condemned the Dragons to another defeat in a challenging season. Ulster’s win propelled them to eighth place in the URC standings, while the Dragons continue to struggle at the bottom of the table.
The Dragons will be disappointed by the outcome of this match, as they came within reach of a rare victory but were unable to close out the game. Despite their spirited performance, they were ultimately unable to withstand Ulster’s late onslaught. With just one home win this season, the Dragons face an uphill battle as they look to improve their form in the remaining fixtures of the campaign.
Ulster’s resilience and ability to capitalize on crucial moments proved to be the difference in this closely contested match. Their late surge showcased their determination and composure under pressure, allowing them to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. As the Dragons reflect on this heartbreaking loss, they will need to regroup and focus on finishing the season on a positive note, aiming to build momentum for the future.