Parks steers Glasgow to victory

Glasgow kicked off the new Magners League campaign by recording a hard-fought 12-6 win over the Dragons at Rodney Parade on Friday.

Wales coach Warren Gatland braved the monsoon rain to watch the contest as the volume of water made it look like a tributary of the nearby River Usk.

Despite a low-scoring first-half which ended 3-3, both sides tried their best to play some decent rugby and entertain those that braved the elements.

However, the Dragons' efforts were only rewarded with a penalty each, as the their new Kiwi outside-half James Arlidge landed a simple shot between the sticks after four minutes with Scottish international Dan Parks replying on 26 minutes with a 40-metre kick.

The scrummage was a problem for both sides as referee George Clancy continually whistled for infringements.

But the ultimate difference between the two teams was the tactical nous of fly-half Parks. He played the elements well, pumping the ball towards the Dragons corner flags continually during the second-half.

Huge boot

And his huge boot played a significant part in the scoreline too. Three times, Parks landed penalties from near the half-way line when the home team infringed.

The Dragons did not help themselves either when replacement full-back Shaun Connor, who had come on early after Ashley Smith suffered a bad leg injury, went into the sin bin during the second-half for a late tackle.

Yet the home side had their chances to get within striking range of Glasgow, who were described last week as "dreadful" by their own coach Sean Lineen after their last pre-season warm-up match at Guinness Premiership outfit Gloucester.

New captain Tom Willis asked Arlidge to boot to touch twice near the visitors' 22 when within range of the posts only to see Glasgow clear the danger.

And, when it did not matter, Connor was given a shot to goal from 30 metres, which he landed, in order to claim a losing bonus point.

It did not leave the home crowd happy although it was a better journey north to Scotland for Lineen with a win under their belts.