Late drama as Dragons denied at the death

By DAVID JOHN

DRAGONS were denied back-to-back Challenge Cup victories in the final play of the game as Pau registered their first win of the campaign after a heavy opening round defeat to Sharks.

The Welsh region had been leading before Theo Attissogbe broke through a gutsy defence in the dying seconds to deny them a famous win in France.

Hookers Romain Ruffenach and James Benjamin had exchanged tries, before Thibaut Hamonou gave the hosts a half-time lead.

Dragons hit back with a Cai Evans penalty before George Young’s try 10 minutes from time looked to have earned them a win, but they were to be denied at the death.

Dragons took advantage of a slow start from the hosts and were 6-0 up inside half an hour thanks to two Evans penalties.

Pau turned down their chances at posts, instead kicking for touch and backing their driving maul from five metres out.

Ruffenach appeared to be tackled before grounding the ball, but he was deemed not to have been held on review and the try was awarded.

But Pau failed to switch on at the re-start and with no one staking a claim to the kick, Benjamin – who was a late call-up to the matchday squad after Bradley Roberts withdrew in the warm-up – took full advantage and raced over the line.

Ashton Hewitt thought he had extended Dragons’ lead after running in unopposed off lineout ball, but his effort was chalked off for crossing in the buildup.

Pau finished the half the stronger when Dragons were guilty of poor defending which let Hamonou in to score.

Star man Cai Evans -DragonsPau continued to build momentum after the break and again turned down penalties to kick for touch, but their opportunities were wasted.

Dragons scored the first points of the half, Evans with another penalty to bring the scores level.

Pau changed tactics and Axel Desperes kicked them back in front after Dragons were pulled up for offside.

Things then got scrappy and Hewitt made a fine break down his wing and nearly scored in the corner after some forward pressure, but was bundled into touch.

Dragons continued to threaten and Pau could do little to stop their lineout driving maul, with replacement Young touching down to set up a dramatic final 10 minutes.

Rallied by their home supporters, Pau threw everything at Dragons and the defence held firm until the final play of the match, when Attissogbe spotted a gap and darted over the line to leave Dragons with only a losing bonus point.