NEWPORT Gwent Dragons' performance against London Welsh wasn't one to live long in the memory but one man won't be forgetting the game in a hurry.

Pat Leach made his first appearance of the season against the Exiles, playing 70 minutes in the 17-13 LV= Cup win at Rodney Parade.

The 29-year-old had been sidelined since getting his right leg trapped at a ruck in the pre-season victory against English champions Northampton at Ebbw Vale. The north Walian dislocated his knee cap and suffered cartilage damage, leading to five months on the sidelines.

But he made his return at outside centre against Welsh and while the Dragons made have spluttered on their way to victory, Leach was delighted to have come through his first test with flying colours.

"It was a long time coming," said Leach, a vital player in the Dragons' defence. "It was nice to have a run out, be back with the boys and get the win.

"It was a slow process and one of those things. You just have to do your rehab but it is hard seeing the boys going out training while you are stuck in the gym.

"There was light at the tunnel so I just had to stay focused on getting back on the pitch and it was worth it for days like Sunday when getting a win at Rodney Parade in front of the fans."

Leach and his fellow centres have suffered so many injuries this season that the Dragons must have considered playing without an unlucky 13, something that Bath and Richmond did in the amateur era.

They have all endured their spells on the sidelines and earlier on in the campaign the region had to field fly-half Dorian Jones and wing Tom Prydie as makeshift centres while Ben John and Rhys Williams were brought in on emergency loans from the Ospreys and Carmarthen Quins respectively.

But now Leach has a battle on his hands with Ashley Smith, Jack Dixon and Tyler Morgan all scrapping for two spots.

"It was nice to get the first one out of the way and be injury-free," he said. "That builds the confidence for the next game knowing that you are fully fit and there's going to really tough competition for places."

Leach will aim to be in the mix as the Dragons return to action in the Guinness Pro12 with a tough assignment against champions Leinster.

The Irish province have never lost in Dublin against the Rodney Parade region and will be strong favourites to keep that record even without their Ireland stars.

However, the Dragons have already upset the odds at Stade Francais, Newcastle and Cardiff Blues this term while they also pushed Glasgow hard.

"It's always tough at Leinster," said Leach. "They have got strength in depth and even though they are missing a few they have good players coming in.

"But there's no reason why we can't go there and get the win and it would be nice to push up the table.

"We need to earn the right to play because we tried to play too wide against London Welsh and we need to be more direct, while also cutting out the mistakes."