NEWPORT Gwent Dragons coach Mike Ruddock said he was disappointed with the team's performance, despite moving up to second in the Celtic League table after yesterday's victory over Connacht, writes Robin Davey.

"It was great to get a win. Connacht are a very difficult side to beat. They've won at Stradey Park and the Ospreys and had a comfortable win over Ulster, so they're a good side," he said.

"But we didn't perform at the same level as in the last few games and I was disappointed not to get a bonus point, but just getting a win was important and I'm delighted we beat such an established team.

"It puts us up to second in the table, and we've got to be pleased with that.

"We've introduced players from the World Cup, with Michael Owen as well, and there's Percy Montgomery, who will be available.

"I wanted to put Michael on at number eight to start with because he's been out with a back injury, but Ian Gough had a chest problem, so we had to put him up there.

"Craig Warlow strained an adducta muscle just before the game and said he couldn't kick, so that was it, he couldn't play. I appreciate his honesty.

"But we're now creating competition in every position, and I thought Jamie Ringer was probably man of the match."

Ruddock also dismissed suggestions Montgomery is joining Leicester. "I think you mean Leicester City," he joked.

Hs stressed the importance of performing in the Celtic League. "That's the bread and butter and our priority is to do well in that because we want to get the Heineken Cup back here next year," he said.