Newport Gwent Dragons defeat Benetton Treviso thanks to Nic Cudd try

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Highlights from the Guinness PRO12 round 5 clash between Newport Gwent Dragons and Benetton Treviso

Newport Gwent Dragons secured their second Guinness PRO12 victory of the season as a converted Nic Cudd try proved crucial in a 19-12 triumph over Benetton Treviso at Rodney Parade.

The flanker went over in the 25th minute on Friday night with fly-half Jason Tovey, who added four penalties, adding the extras.

Dragons were never behind in the contest, and despite Jayden Hayward's four penalties keeping Treviso in touch, the Italian side were unable to respond with a try themselves and instead had to settle for a losing bonus point.

Nic Cudd powered over to score the only try of the game for Dragons

Star number eight Taulupe Faletau did not play, with the British and Irish Lion having been linked with a move to Aviva Premiership club Bath.

But the hosts managed to put off-the-field matters to one side to take a second-minute lead through Tovey's 25m penalty.

Hayward replied soon afterwards to level the scores but the first quarter turned into an uninspiring, mistake-ridden battle between the two sides.

Jason Tovey kicked four penalties and a conversion for Newport Gwent Dragons

The Dragons regained the initiative with the only try of the match, though, when an attacking line-out saw the home pack gather around Cudd and drive the flanker over the line, with Tovey converting.

They failed to make the most of their superiority, however, as mistakes in the Treviso 22 robbed them of try-scoring chances.

Tovey kept the scoreboard ticking over with a second penalty after Treviso were caught offside at a ruck, only for Hayward to reply in kind five minutes before the break as the Dragons went in 13-6 in front at half-time.

Hayward slotted over another two penalties to one from Tovey within 10 minutes of the restart to leave Treviso within a try of taking the lead.

But the Dragons kept their noses in front as Tovey booted his fourth penalty to keep the advantage to seven points going into the final quarter.

Hayward had the chance to reduce the arrears when replacement hooker Rhys Buckley was sent to the sin-bin but he missed a 30m shot at goal and Dragons held out for the win.