THE Newport Gwent Dragons marked their Rodney Parade debut with a thrilling 29-19 victory over Neath-Swansea Ospreys last night.

And coach Mike Ruddock boldly forecast a major improvement from the team after they were applauded off the pitch by a 3,000-plus home crowd chanting 'Newport, Newport.'

Ruddock poured scorn on those who had written his team off and dubbed the side cast-offs from other clubs.

"Not bad for a bunch of rejects who've had just 10 weeks together," quipped Ruddock. "We wanted to take them on up front and play some rugby as well, we showed glimpses of what we can do.

"It was a good win, outstanding when you think we've been together for only 10 weeks, some of them less than that particularly.

"With the backdrop of political problems, to get that result was outstanding. You've got to give the players credit for the way they took on a fired up Ospreys side, the character of the players was exemplary.

"The crowd was outstanding. We have talked about making Rodney Parade our fortress and this was a good start.

"But there is so much we still need to do, we are working so hard and we'll try to improve further.

"There's still a long way to go before we become really cohesive." Match-winner Lee Jarvis also says there is more to come.

He said: "We've got to build on this, and I can improve.

"It was a good start at home, you've got to win your home games and sneak the odd one away.

"There was a tremendous atmosphere, the Newport fans love their rugby, as long as they're behind us it doesn't matter what they chant."

Man-of-the match Shawn van Rensburg said: "The crowd were awesome, Mike Ruddock has been really good and has a lot of belief in us. We're building all the time, we had 15 new players here."

Ospreys coach Lyn Jones admitted: "They had the edge on us, we didn't impose ourselves and it was difficult getting the quick ball we needed."

But there is fresh doubt over the whole Gwent region's future which casts a shadow over last night's result.

A dramatic late development suggests Tony Brown could yet pull out after the agreement reached this week was not all it initially seemed.

And there is even late speculation that today's game between Newport and Ebbw Vale in the Welsh League Premier Division may not go ahead after all.