NEWPORT Gwent Dragons boss Lyn Jones gave his players full marks after their bonus-point win in ice-cold Bucharest.

The Dragons recovered from a sloppy start to run out 37-10 winners at Ghencea Stadium thanks to tries by centre Ashley Smith, hooker Rhys Thomas, flanker James Thomas and lock Andrew Coombs (2).

Director of rugby Jones was delighted with his charges after they showed plenty of character to fight back from 10-0 down in horrendous conditions to avoid coming a cropper against a spirited Bucharest side.

“We are very pleased with the performance and the result,” said Jones. “It was -1C, very wet, very muddy and these games can be as hard or as simple as you want to make them.

“We came here with a very respectful attitude to our opposition and it was a job well done – 10 out of 10 for our players.

“We didn’t touch the ball for the first 15 minutes and didn’t settle well. All the penalties came against us and we had to ride the storm.

“But we didn’t panic and were composed all the way through the game. It was about taking the wind out of Bucharest’s sails and building an innings.

“We were pleased to be 13-10 up at the break and then showed our ability in the second half.”

It leaves them hot on the tails of Pool Three leaders Newcastle, who enjoyed a bonus-point win against Stade Francais in the north east on Friday evening.

Standings

  1. Newcastle - 14
  2. Dragons - 11
  3. Stade Francais - 5
  4. Bucharest - 1