Dragons demolish Italians to seal Euro place
Newport Gwent Dragons sealed the 24th and final spot in next season's European Cup
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Friday, 29, May 2009 10:26
Newport Gwent Dragons sealed their place in next season's Heineken Cup with a 42-10 win over Calvisano in Italy.
The Magners League side won the play-off tie after running in six tries.
Hoani MacDonald and Ashley Smith both returned from injury to start for the Dragons.
Jason Tovey replaced Martyn Thomas at fullback while James Arlidge and Rory Sidey came into the side.
And it was the returning players who inspired the Welsh side to victory.
After trailing to Gerard Fraser's early penalty, Newport Gwent ran in three tries in the opening 26 minutes.
Richard Fussell scored the opener on eight minutes with James Arlidge kicking over the conversion.
Three minutes later, Luke Charteris dived over for his side's second try with Arlidge again adding the extras to give the visitors a 3-14 lead.
Ashley Smith scored Newport Gwent's third converted try on 26 minutes to give them an 18-point lead.
And Newport Gwent continued their impressive first-half display by scoring a fourth try on 36 minutes when Adam Black touched down.
Calvisano reduced their deficit two minutes before the break when Gonzalo Garcvia crashed over, but they still trailed 10-28 at half-time.
And any hopes of a comeback from the Italians were dashed when the visitors scored their fifth try when Rory Sidey crossed the line on 56 minutes.
The second-half did not reach the heights of the opening 40 minutes as both sides made a host of substitutions.
But Black ensured that Newport Gwent would run out comfortable winners as he scored his second try on 73 minutes.
Valerio Bernabo scored a try in the final minute for the hosts but it was mere consolation as the Dragons sealed the final place in next season's Heineken Cup.