Dragons’ Euro challenge ends at hands of the powerful Bears
THE Dragons’ European adventure is over with Bristol proving far too strong for them in this Challenge Cup quarter-final clash at Ashton Gate.
Things had started so promisingly for Dean Ryan’s men, who raced into a 10-0 lead through an Ashton Hewitt try and the boot of Sam Davies.
But then the game was turned on its head as the Bears claimed three tries in the space of five minutes midway through the first-half.
From there on, it was largely oneway traffic.
Bristol crossed for seven tries in all, as Man of the Match Ben Earl crossed twice from the openside flank, with Nathan Hughes, the exceptional Semi Radradra, Chris Vui, Max Malins and Welshman Dan Thomas also touching down.
Cardiff born and bred fly-half Callum Sheedy landed nine shots at goal for a 21 point haul during a polished all-round display in front of Wales coach Wayne Pivac.
For the Dragons, it was a sobering experience, which shows just how much they still have to do.
There was much talk of this being one of the strongest sides the Gwent region have ever fielded, with Jamie Roberts and Jonah Holmes making their debuts alongside fellow Welsh internationals Nick Tompkins, Ross Moriarty and Aaron Wainwright.
But, in the end, they just found Bristol too hot to handle.
They fell off too many tackles and were looking a bit ragged by the end.
Yet, they had started so well, claiming the opening try on 12 minutes, when Sam Davies sent a perfectly placed cross kick out to winger Ashton Hewitt, who stepped outside full-back Charles Piutau, putting in a fend to hold him off and go over.
The visitors had the better of the opening quarter, but, on the 20 minute mark, Bristol No8 Hughes went over against a stretched defence after a counter off a loose kick.
It was then over to Fijian Test star Semi Radrada to weave his magic.
He set up both of Earl’s try, firstly with a break outside Tompkins and then with a delightful one-handed scoring pass, before scoring himself at the start of the second perios, striking from his own half.
There was a consolation try for
Rhodri Williams but Bristol finished with a real flourish on a dominant night for the English club.