Newcastle Falcons edge out Dragons to maintain winning streak

by Matthew Wood Saturday 16 December 2017

Joel Hodgson kicked a crucial second-half penalty as Newcastle battled to victory in their Challenge Cup tie away against the Dragons.

©PA

Dragons 25-27 Newcastle Falcons, Rodney Parade
Scorecard

Newcastle Falcons maintained their perfect start in the European Rugby Challenge Cup tournament after edging out Dragons with a 25-27 victory at Rodney Parade on Friday.

Newcastle Falcons raced to a blistering start when Adam Radwan and Zach Kibirige crossed over in the 9th and 11th minutes respectively while Joel Hodgson slotted the extras to take the score to 0-14.

However, Dragons fought back through Elliot Dee, who crossed over twice in the 15th and 21st minutes to make it 14-14 following conversions from Gavin Henson.

Dragons fly-half Henson kicked his first penalty shortly to bring Dragons into lead for the first time but the equaliser came when Hodgson kicked a penalty of his own.

The visitors had the momentum heading into the half-time when flanker Gary Graham went past the line as they had a seven point lead.

Winger Ashton Hewitt brought down the difference to two points with his 50th minute try and Henson even though missed the conversion, slotted a penalty to put Dragons into one point clear but Hodgson's 65th minute penalty goal proved enough as the Falcons completed a thrilling two point victory.