DRAGONS SUNK BY LATE SCORE
THE Sharks overturned a 13-point deficit in the second half to beat the Dragons.
Tries from Grant Williams and Thaakir Abrahams along with 13 points from the boot of Boeta Chamberlain got the visitors over the line to make it two wins from two this season.
Elliot Dee scored the Dragons’ only try with young fly-half Will Reed kicking 14 points.
The Dragons were leading with four minutes to go until a try from Abrahams, along with Chamberlain’s conversion, meant the hosts had to make do with a losing bonus point.
“What’s really pleasing for me is how much more we’ve got,” head coach Dai Flanagan said.
“These are good players and we need to believe there’s plenty more in the tank for us.”
Defeat was tough on the Dragons who led 12-6 at the break, then turned the screw after the interval and threatened to break clear.
A lovely offload from Rio Dyer sent Angus O’Brien racing through a gap. The former Scarlet found Rhodri Williams,
who was unable to find a supporting team-mate but the referee was playing advantage which allowed Reed to pump the ball into the Sharks 22.
The home side set themselves well in the resulting maul with Dee powering over from close range for a try which Reed converted.
But then the visitors stepped up a gear as they rallied to claim victory.
Reed has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered from the field.
Reed, 20, suffered what looked to be a serious injury in the build-up to the South African side’s try in the second half, and was carried off amid concerning scenes.
Flanagan said: “Unfortunately Will took a nasty knock when making a tackle for us and putting his body on the line. I think he was out before he landed.
“He’s communicating fine. He’s gone to hospital just to make sure. He had a bit of pins and needles in his arm and stuff. It’s precautionary on his neck now. He’s talking and we need to make sure the neck’s fine.”
The Dragons have since confirmed Reed has been discharged, saying yesterday morning: “We are pleased to report that Will was given the allclear and discharged later last night. Dragons RFC and Will would like to thank supporters for their well wishes.”
Wing Ashton Hewitt also picked up a knock just weeks after returning from a long-term knee injury. Flanagan said: “He’s picked up an ankle knock so he’ll get scanned in the week and we’ll know more from there.
“It’s not his knee as far as I’m aware.”
Meanwhile, Dragons chairman David Buttress says he is unable to comment on Dean Ryan’s situation despite what he says is the club’s culture of being transparent with supporters.
Director of rugby Ryan has been absent from training, media and match duties since his post-match comments after the opening-round defeat by Edinburgh when he questioned the talent in his squad.
Reports have claimed he has left the Rodney Parade outfit but the hierarchy have so far not clarified the situation.
Speaking to S4C, Mr Buttress said: “I think as a club our culture and our values is to be transparent, and consistently we always communicate regularly with our supporters directly.
“At this time, it’s not possible for me to comment which is not an ideal situation for anyone but as soon as we can we will of course comment, but at this moment in time we’re not able to comment on the situation.”