Newport Gwent Dragons see off much-changed Sale Sharks

Newport Gwent Dragons were forced to withstand a second-half fightback as they won their opening Challenge Cup game against a much-changed Sale Sharks at Rodney Parade.

Steve Diamond, who made 14 changes from the team which was narrowly beaten by Harlequins last weekend, saw his side fall behind inside five minutes as young flanker Ollie Griffiths marauded through the Sharks defence before bouncing over the whitewash.

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The Dragons, minus Welsh international back-rower Toby Faletau, continued to make the most of their scoring opportunities as Rynard Landman touched down for the hosts midway through the first half.

Newport almost bagged their third try in strange circumstances when Elliot Dee missed his target from a lineout, but the loose ball needed to be cleared by Sam Bedlow in Sale's in-goal area.

Lyn Jones's men looked to have sealed victory before half time as Adam Hughes broke through the gain line and gave the Dragons a 17-0 lead at the interval.

Sale hit back after the restart, however, when James Mitchell crossed over for the visitors and their hopes of a fightback were boosted after Phil Jones was yellow-carded.

The Sharks made the most of their one-man advantage as Jon Mills scored to bring the away side within eight points.

However, Newport were able to hold on and secured a winning bonus point thanks to Matthew Screech's late try.