Dragons run Perpignan close
Newport Gwent Dragons scored a late try to earn a surprise bonus point in their 23-19 defeat to Perpignan in Pool One of the Heineken Cup.
Ceri Sweeney followed up tries by Joe Bearman and Gareth Wyatt as the Welsh region out-scored their hosts three tries to two at Stade Aime Giral.
But the boot Cedric Rosalen proved the difference between the teams as the 2003 cup finalists held on for victory on the opening night.
Newport Gwent Dragons made their return to the Heineken Cup after failing to qualify last season and were handed a daunting opening tie at Perpignan who boast one of the best home records in the competition after winning 20 of their previous 22 games at Stade Aime Giral.
Yet it was the Dragons who were first to find their way over the line through experienced wing Gareth Wyatt in the 13th minute.
Cedric Rosalen opened the scoring with a penalty for Perpignan but scrum-half Nicolas Durand failed to collect Wyatt's speculative chip and the Dragons wing pounced to hand the Dragons a surprise early 5-3 lead that Ceri Sweeney failed to extend with the conversion.
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Welsh Rugby
Welsh Rugby
