By Haydn Evans
TWO yellow cards for the Dragons prove costly as the Dragons run of defeats is extended to seven games.
After an even opening ten mins with neither side managing to gain control, the Dragons broke the deadlock with a 40-metre penalty from fly-half Sam Davies after Ben Carter was tackled high.
Davies extended the Dragons advantage five minutes later with a penalty from a similar position, this time as a result of an early tackle on Jordan Williams.
Dragons were awarded another penalty at scrum time after Peter Dooley was penalised, Sam Davies added his third successive kick of the night from halfway.
Dooley made up for his mistake by scoring a try after a period of pressure on the Dragons line, easily converted by Ross Byrne, the elder of the two brothers on the field for Leinster.
The Dragons responded well with Ben Fry winning a penalty for holding on. Sam Davies once again stepped up and slotted the kick to make the score 12-7.
Leinster took the lead on the half hour mark thanks to a try by Scott Penny. Similar to their first, they kept ball tight and after a few pick and goes, Scott Penny went over for his 8th try this season. Ross Byrne easily added the extras again.
Sam Davies clawed the Dragons back in front with 3 minutes left of the first half with his 5th penalty of the night.
At the end of the first half, Dragons were awarded a penalty in front of the posts but surprisingly kicked to the corner. The decision nearly came off as the Dragons thought they had gone over for their first five pointer of the night. However, Ben Fry’s score was ruled out for obstruction.
Half-time: Dragons 15-14 Leinster
Early in the second-half, Dragons’ prop Lloyd Fairbrother, making his 100th league appearance for the region was sin binned for a second no arms tackle of the game. Leinster capitalised on their man advantage immediately thanks to a try by Josh Murphy. Converted by Ross Byrne again.
The Irish side got their bonus point in the 55th minute thanks to a collapsed maul resulting in a penalty try. In a double blow for the home side, they were reduced to thirteen men with new signing number eight, Dan Baker receiving the Dragons second yellow card of the night.
This was followed by another try from Leinster, replacement hooker Dan Sheehan crossing this time.
With eight minutes left on the clock, the Dragons finally crossed the whitewash for their first try of the game, substitute Luke Baldwin diving over from close range. Sam Davies maintained his 100% record off the tee.
Dragons set up a tense finally with a last minute try from Josh Lewis and conversion from Sam Davies meaning the score sat at 27-35 as the clock went into the red.
At the restart however, Welsh international Sam Davies decided to kick the ball in to touch content with the losing bonus point against last seasons Pro14 winners.
Full Time: Dragons 27-35 Leinster
Ireland international Jack Conan won the ‘Player of the Match’ award in his 100th appearance for the Dublin based province.
Dean Ryan will be pleased with his sides efforts against the Conference A leaders but ultimately their losing run is extended to seven games now. Young Ben Fry stood out for the Dragons making a number of crucial tackles and jackals as well as carrying with power and dynamism.
Dragons travel to Italy to take on Zebre next weekend, who currently sit bottom of Conference A, one spot above the Dragons.
Leinster extend their winning run to four games and will face Glasgow Warriors, who narrowly lost to Ulster this evening, in Dublin next Sunday.
Dragons Scorers: Tries; Baldwin, Lewis. Conversions; Davies x2. Penalties; Davies x5.
Leinster Scorers: Tries; Dooley, Penny, Murphy, Penalty Try, Sheehan. Conversions; R.Byrne x4.