Robinson snatches win from Dragons

Gloucester Rugby 19 - 17 Newport Gwent Dragons

Nicky Robinson saved Gloucester's blushes as his 74th-minute penalty stopped the Dragons from recording an historic Heineken Cup victory at Kingsholm.

The former Cardiff Blues star confirmed his status as The Shed’s new hero by kicking 12 points in an entertaining Pool 2 affair.

Searching for their first-ever victory over English opposition in Europe’s premier club competition and only their third away win in Heineken Cup history, the Dragons will feel hugely disappointed to have left for home with just a losing bonus-point to show for their efforts.

Paul Turner’s men outscored their Guinness Premiership rivals by two tries to one but Robinson’s boot ensured it is the Cherry and Whites who will go into the second round of action with a morale-boosting win under their belts.

After a scoreless opening quarter, Gloucester finally put points on the board with the first real try-scoring opportunity of the match with 23 minutes gone.

Lesley Vainikolo’s impressive kick return gave fellow wing Charlie Sharples a chance to stretch his legs, with the youngster making the most of a two-on-one by sending Akapusi Qera clear 10 metres from the Dragons line.

Robinson completed the seven-point score with a fine conversion from eight metres in from the left touchline.

The Dragons hit back in style, however with a converted try of their own through fly-half James Arlidge.

The New Zealand born playmaker sliced through a suspect gap in the Gloucester defence to dive over underneath the posts a minute before the half-hour mark and a minute-and-a-half after captain Luke Charteris had been held up over the Gloucester line.

Things got even better for the visitors with five minutes to go to the break when Joe Bearman claimed his side’s second try in quick succession.

The former Cornish Pirates No8 crashed over from close range following an inventive ‘George Gregan style’ pass from scrum-half Wayne Evans.

Arlidge added the extras from 12 metres in from touch on the left-hand side and the Dragons were suddenly in possession of a 14-7 lead.

Two Robinson penalties reduced the deficit to just a single point with just over 10 minutes of the second period played, before a long-range three-pointer from the Gloucester outside-half saw the hosts regain the lead with 53 minutes on the clock.

Arlidge then struck the post with a difficult penalty attempt of his own that would have seen the lead switch hands once more but the Japanese international made amends as the game approached the hour mark.

The 30-year-old slotted his first successful penalty of the night to push the Dragons 17-16 ahead before Robinson’s late intervention sealed the match for the 2008 quarter-finalists.

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