Cheetahs Lose To The Dragons In Final Seconds Of Match

Photo by Speedshots.co.za

Sam Davies penalty earned Dragons their first victory over Toyota Cheetahs with the last kick of the game as Dean Ryan’s side completed a stunning second-half comeback. A late yellow card and the Cheetahs' inability to capitalise on a few vital point-scoring chances in their closing Guinness PRO14 tour match against the Dragons in Newport on Saturday, saw them losing 13-10 to an extra-time penalty.

The Cheetahs came within striking distance of the tryline twice within two minutes in the second quarter but were denied as they conceded penalties on both occasions. Their defence, however, stood strong as they managed to shut out the hosts, keeping them scoreless, despite determined attempts to touch down close to the tryline.

Toyota Cheetahs appeared to be in control at the break in the Conference A battle, with a 10-0 lead thanks to a try from Junior Pokomela and five points from the boot of Tian Schoeman.

But Dragons gradually fought their way back into the contest, first with a Davies penalty before Jared Rosser’s converted try set up a frantic final quarter at Rodney Parade.

The Toyota Cheetahs had two opportunities to score, one each in the third and fourth quarter but a penalty conceded and knock-on denied them from converting this into points.

And just as the game looked to be heading for a draw, with the clock in the red, Cheetahs gave away a costly penalty to allow Davies to secure a famous win for Dragons on home soil.

Scorers:
Dragons: Try: Jared Rosser. Conversion: Sam Davies. Penalty: Sam Davies.
Toyota Cheetahs: Try: Junior Pokomela. Conversion: Tian Schoeman. Penalty: Tian Schoeman