NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will use their experience in Europe to target the next three Celtic League games in an effort to ensure Heineken Cup rugby again next season, insists coach Mike Ruddock (pictured).

The Dragons rounded off their first season in Europe by going down 22-0 against Ulster at Ravenhill last night.

It gave the Dragons a return of two victories and four defeats from their six Heineken pool matches.

They denied Ulster a bonus point at a wet, packed Ravenhill ground last night and prevented Ulster from scoring a point in the second half, but have failed to score a point away from home.

"We go onwards and upwards from here and we will use this experience over the next three games in the Celtic League (Leinster and Llanelli at home and Neath-Swansea Ospreys away) which will be massive for us," said Ruddock.

He also revealed he gave the team a roasting at half-time last night after conceding 22 points and seemingly set for a hiding.

"A lot was said at half-time, it was a roasting," admitted Ruddock. "We have been patient with the team, but we were facing a 50-point scoreline and it was important we didn't fold.

"It was a very bad first half, but they did have a bit of luck, especially with their second try which could have been a try the other way.

"We are a new team in Europe and for a lot of players it was their first experience at this level week in, week out."

Ruddock was especially pleased with the form of Wales Under-21 cap Rhys Thomas at prop in his first start for the Dragons.

Ulster captain Andy Ward also paid tribute to the Dragons: "They have proved they can compete at this level."

"We let things slip in our first game against them and that result came back to haunt us," he added as he reflected on Ulster's failure to qualify.