NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are today celebrating successive home victories against the top two Irish provinces, following up their stunning victory against Leinster with an even better effort against fellow Heineken Cup semi-finalists Munster last night.
The Dragons came from behind to dispose of Munster for the first time in four attempts this season to preserve their unbeaten home record this year and climb two places in the Celtic League table and boost their chances of qualifying for next season's Heineken Cup.
"I'm really glad the cameras were here tonight because people can see we've got the makings of a really good side here," said Dragons coach Paul Turner.
"To a man every player was outstanding and the third try which Gareth Wyatt scored was probably the try of the season.
"We could have beaten the European champions here tonight and I'm pleased we made a push up the table.
"We're a talented side with talented players. Aled Thomas was outstanding, he had his best game and his error count was minimal while Ceri Sweeney's distribution was sensational.
"We could have had five or six tries and we gifted them 10 points which you can't do against class sides.
"It's a cliche, but we had to perform tonight. These players put their bodies on the line, the captain (Jason Forster) was outstanding and he had one of his best games for the region which says a lot."
Turner also hit back at those who have predicted gloom for the Dragons in the wake of Hal Luscombe's decision to leave and join Harlequins.
"Players are going to come and go, every team releases or brings players in or some retire, it's no different here," he said.
"We're running a business and we're managing that side of the business. Tonight proved the decision not to say anything about it was right.
"There were a lot of committed players out there and you've seen the best of us tonight." But Turner warned, "We've got to be more consistent," referring to next Saturday's game against bottom team Connacht.
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