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Leinster 41 Dragons 8
Leinster's coronation as Magners League champions came a week early as Michael Cheika's side proved far too strong for the Newport Gwent Dragons in at the RDS, running out 41-8 winners.
With their final two matches against the Dragons, Leinster only needed one bite of the cherry to claim the win that secured their second league title.
Consistent throughout the season, the Irish province cut loose in their final home game with tries from Ollie Le Roux (2), Shane Horgan, Shane Jennings, Chris Whitaker and Cameron Jowitt.
Le Roux, who is returning to South Africa at the end of the season, and Ireland flanker Keith Gleeson were both afforded standing ovations when they were called ashore.
The 31-year-old Gleeson, who came back from a serious leg break in 2004, was playing his last game of professional rugby.
The Dragons showed plenty of heart and got over for a late consolation try with experienced prop Adam Black the scorer.
But there was no denying this was Leinster's night as they celebrated their first league success since 2001 and their first silverware under Cheika.
In the day's other matches, Munster edged to a 24-23 win at Llanelli, while Glasgow won 35-24 away to Ulster.
8:25pm Saturday 3rd May 2008
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CommentPosted by: D Taylor, Newport on 12:15am Sun 4 May 08
Why don't they pack it in. They're absolutely hopeless.
Why don't they pack it in. They're absolutely hopeless.
Posted by: Ant, Newport on 1:37am Sun 4 May 08
This really was a shocking display. They looked like an uncoached rabble. I'ts time for Paul Turner and his coaching team to go.
This really was a shocking display. They looked like an uncoached rabble. I'ts time for Paul Turner and his coaching team to go.
Posted by: justjim, Cwmbran on 10:24am Sun 4 May 08
50 years ago I was playing for Southend Extra C. We had to supply all our own kit (shirts as well) and pay half a crown to play and half a crown “Beer money” for the opposition (about two gallons of petrol then). When we turned up to play we never knew what position we would play –one game I started in the centre and finished playing prop! – and rarely played with the same people twice.
Waves of nostalgia came flooding back when I watched Newport Dragons against Leinster. Apart from the colour of the shirts it could have been my wonderful Extra C once again. The only real difference was, having paid out five bob to play we put our heart and soul into every game. Even if we didn’t win many matches.
Perhaps if the Dragons met for an hour before a game they could sort out who is going to do what and who plays where. We in the Extra C didn’t have the luxury of time together. Anyway Dragons, thanks for the memories.
50 years ago I was playing for Southend Extra C. We had to supply all our own kit (shirts as well) and pay half a crown to play and half a crown “Beer money” for the opposition (about two gallons of petrol then). When we turned up to play we never knew what position we would play –one game I started in the centre and finished playing prop! – and rarely played with the same people twice.
Waves of nostalgia came flooding back when I watched Newport Dragons against Leinster. Apart from the colour of the shirts it could have been my wonderful Extra C once again. The only real difference was, having paid out five bob to play we put our heart and soul into every game. Even if we didn’t win many matches.
Perhaps if the Dragons met for an hour before a game they could sort out who is going to do what and who plays where. We in the Extra C didn’t have the luxury of time together. Anyway Dragons, thanks for the memories.
Posted by: welshflinty, Crosskeys on 10:48am Sun 4 May 08
I just wish they wud change their name and remove Gwent from it.I live in the Keys abd dont want anything to do with them.Its embarrassing.
I just wish they wud change their name and remove Gwent from it.I live in the Keys abd dont want anything to do with them.Its embarrassing.
Posted by: old sarum, abergavenny on 11:13am Sun 4 May 08
compared to dragons scarlets have had a good season and they gave davies the boot about time dragons committee followed suit wont win anything with turner in charge[bold]bold[/bold]
compared to dragons scarlets have had a good season and they gave davies the boot about time dragons committee followed suit wont win anything with turner in charge
Posted by: DDJ, Wales on 5:58pm Sun 4 May 08
To be honest, after this pathetic display by newport a few premiership teams would give them a run for their money. I remember a few years ago a Gwent premiership xv defeated a reasonable strength newport team actually hmmmm
To be honest, after this pathetic display by newport a few premiership teams would give them a run for their money. I remember a few years ago a Gwent premiership xv defeated a reasonable strength newport team actually hmmmm
Posted by: Gwent Rugby Supporter, Not Newport on 8:38pm Sun 4 May 08
Bad day for the city with both Newport teams going down to heavy defeats.
Bad day for the city with both Newport teams going down to heavy defeats.
Posted by: Gwent Dragon Fan, Torfaen on 1:01am Mon 5 May 08
At least Pontypool have something to celebrate at the end of this season. Well done lads. I'd love to see you do the double over newport next season. Its probably possible now after their embarrassing defeat to the worst side in the premiership.
At least Pontypool have something to celebrate at the end of this season. Well done lads. I'd love to see you do the double over newport next season. Its probably possible now after their embarrassing defeat to the worst side in the premiership.
Posted by: Gwent Dragon Fan, Torfaen on 1:02am Mon 5 May 08
At least Pontypool have something to celebrate at the end of this season. Well done lads. I'd love to see you do the double over newport next season. Its probably possible now after their embarrassing defeat to the worst side in the premiership.
At least Pontypool have something to celebrate at the end of this season. Well done lads. I'd love to see you do the double over newport next season. Its probably possible now after their embarrassing defeat to the worst side in the premiership.
Posted by: monte_fisto, Newport on 11:46am Mon 5 May 08
Will look forward to seeing our pack bash lumps out of the Pooler boys under a new coach for my part too! With all these hard derby games surely Gwent can build the hardest, gnarliest regional side in Wales if we all stick together.
Will look forward to seeing our pack bash lumps out of the Pooler boys under a new coach for my part too! With all these hard derby games surely Gwent can build the hardest, gnarliest regional side in Wales if we all stick together.
Posted by: gwentman, newport on 10:36pm Mon 5 May 08
[quote][bold]monte_fisto[/bold] wrote:
Will look forward to seeing our pack bash lumps out of the Pooler boys under a new coach for my part too! With all these hard derby games surely Gwent can build the hardest, gnarliest regional side in Wales if we all stick together.[/quote] You'll have to pick the team from local Newp sides then. We want nothing to do with a standalone.
monte_fisto wrote:
Will look forward to seeing our pack bash lumps out of the Pooler boys under a new coach for my part too! With all these hard derby games surely Gwent can build the hardest, gnarliest regional side in Wales if we all stick together.
You'll have to pick the team from local Newp sides then. We want nothing to do with a standalone.
Posted by: monte_fisto, Newport on 12:07am Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]gwentman[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]monte_fisto[/bold] wrote: Will look forward to seeing our pack bash lumps out of the Pooler boys under a new coach for my part too! With all these hard derby games surely Gwent can build the hardest, gnarliest regional side in Wales if we all stick together.[/quote] You'll have to pick the team from local Newp sides then. We want nothing to do with a standalone.[/quote] Don't drag us rugby supporters into your anti-Newport diatribe. I have seen not one thread from you congratulating Pooler on promotion so save your childish hatred - I will be welcoming Pooler back to the Prem where they belong whilst you sit there rocking in your bedroom along with your imaginary 'we'...
gwentman wrote:
monte_fisto wrote: Will look forward to seeing our pack bash lumps out of the Pooler boys under a new coach for my part too! With all these hard derby games surely Gwent can build the hardest, gnarliest regional side in Wales if we all stick together.
You'll have to pick the team from local Newp sides then. We want nothing to do with a standalone.
Don't drag us rugby supporters into your anti-Newport diatribe. I have seen not one thread from you congratulating Pooler on promotion so save your childish hatred - I will be welcoming Pooler back to the Prem where they belong whilst you sit there rocking in your bedroom along with your imaginary 'we'...
Posted by: gwentman, newport on 11:32pm Wed 7 May 08
Unite or die.
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