Keddie’s double sets up decider in Brive

KINGSLEY Jones saw promising No.8 Harrison Keddie rescue a bonuspoint win for his Dragons side against Enisei STM.

The Wales U20 international crossed twice late on to set up a crunch clash with Brive next Saturday. The Dragons must win that game to reach the quarterfinals for the third year running, but a trip to the Stade Amedee-Domenech is one which holds no fears for Jones and his men.

The Dragons have an excellent record in France, famously downing Stade Francais in Paris in 2014, and Jones said: “We have to go there and have a crack. It is still in our hands and we have a chance. France is a happy hunting ground for myself and this team, so I have no fears about it.”

The Dragons had to dig deep to keep their hopes of reaching the knock-out stages alive, but Keddie’s quick-fire double in the final 10 minutes inspired them to a 34-10 success over Russian outfit Enisei.

Dorian Jones kicked two penalties in the first half and booted the conversion after T Rhys Thomas’ bruising try. The Russians were unlucky to be scoreless in the first half, but after the break they got their reward as Denis Simplikevich crossed in the corner.

Rhys Buckley’s try and Keddie’s late charge eased the Dragons home despite Ivan Kurashov’s score. Jones added: “The biggest positive is that achieved what we set out to do with the four tries.”