The Dragons failed in their final attempt to claim a first home win of the season as they once again allowed a lead to slip from their grasp. Dean Ryan’s team were 11-7 up at the break, thanks to a try from winger Rio Dyer and the boot of outside-half Will Reed.
But the Lions dominated the second half, with their pack power telling as they monopolised both possession and territory, amid the penalty count mounting in their favour. Front five forwards Ruan Venter and Ruan Dreyer touched down to add to a first-half effort from wing Edwill van der Merwe, sealing the spoils for the men from Johannesburg.
Centre Josh Lewis had the chance to set up a grandstand finish when he pulled off an interception 13 minutes from time, only to lose the ball forward as he dived for the line. It was a what-might-have-been moment that in many ways summed up the Dragons' season at Rodney Parade. Their two solitary wins this term have come on the road, with their 11 home matches in all competitions producing 10 defeats and one draw.
