Robinson to the rescue as Gloucester beat the Newport Gwent Dragons

Gloucester Flyhalf Nicky Robinson came to the rescue for the Kingsholm faithful as he slotted a penalty six minutes from time to help them beat the Newport Gwent Dragons 19-17 in their Heineken Cup opener.

The Pool Two contest was closely contested with Robinson kicking 14 points in total, despite it looking like the Dragons were going to record their first Heineken Cup win against English opponents in 11 attempts.

First half tries were scored for the Welsh side by James Arlidge and Joe Bearman after Akapusi Qera had scored for Gloucester after a nice break from big England international Lesley Vainikolo.

The Dragons led 17-16 late in the game following a second half with no tries, but it was Welshman Robinson’s accurate kicking that made the difference as Gloucester took the lead following Luke Charteris being called offside.

Dragons boss Paul Turner felt his side had done enough and were in a good position at 14-7 up at half time.

"We had done the right things, but then we became too indisciplined and probably lost the territory battle. It was a missed chance. I am disappointed, but we didn't do enough and the indiscipline killed us.

"We got a point, but we missed three tonight. The positive is that we were able to come here and frighten the life out of them," he said.

Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath was relieved and satisfied with the result.

"Our work-rate to get ourselves back in the game was pretty good. I have been very critical during the past two or three weeks, and there does come a time when you are beating the same drum.

"We dug in tonight, and we can take some credit for that. We have won our last two games without being pretty."


Time: 02:20

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