NEWPORT Gwent Dragons succumbed to a last-minute Dan Parks drop goal as Connacht secured only their second RaboDirect PRO12 win of the season.

The Gwent region had gone to Galway full of hope and led 8-3 at half-time thanks to a Dan Evans try and a Jason Tovey penalty.

They were ahead 11-6 with six minutes to go but the Irish province’s Fionn Carr’s try brought the sides equal before Park’s late winning kick deprived them of a draw.

The Dragons had to make to with just a losing bonus point ahead of their big derby with Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade on Boxing Day.

Connacht scorers: Try – Fionn Carr, Penalties – Dan Parks (2), Drop goal – Parks

Dragons scorers: Try – Dan Evans, Penalties – Jason Tovey (2)

Referee: Alain Rolland (IRFU)