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Paddy Butler and Dave O'Callaghan tackle Toby Faletau. ©INPHO/Huw Evans/Paul Greenwood
dragons slay

Pro12 report: Munster fall to Dragons in Wales

A stirring fightback gave Rob Penney’s men hope of victory but the Welshmen struck back.

Newport Gwent Dragons 30-24 Munster

MUNSTER FOUGHT BACK from a 17 point deficit but, ultimately, lost 30-24 to Newport Gwent Dragons in their Pro12 clash at Rodney Parade.

The Heineken Cup semi-finalists trailed 22-5 after 50 minutes but scored three tries in succession to briefly take the lead before Dragons centre Ross Wardle settled the tie.

Munster No. 8 Paddy Butler was in the thick of the action, with a 16th minute try and a yellow card on 30 minutes.

Tom Prydie, who kicked five penalties, landed a 21st minute conversion after Steffan Jones dived over for the Welsh side.

In an effort to enliven his weakened team, Munster coach Rob Penney made three replacements early in the second half, bringing on John Ryan, Duncan Williams and Danny Barnes.

Fighting riposte

Prydie slotted over another penalty but winger Ronan O’Mahony gave hope to the visitors with a try on 58 minutes. Ian Keatley, for the second time in the match, missed the conversion attempt.

CJ Stander then streaked clear of the Dragons defence to make it 22-15 and a successful Keatley penalty wiped another two points off the home side’s lead.

Johne Murphy on 72 minutes dived over to level the tie and Keatley added the extras to make it 24-22 to the visitors. The lead was short-lived as Ross Wardle scored to give Dragons the edge.

Prydie added a fifth penalty for insurance in the closing stages.

Dragons have lost 15 league matches this season but, following nine minutes of injury time, were delighted with sixth win of the season.

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