Colin Charvis has put retirement plans on hold but his return was not enough to save Newport Gwent Dragons losing 20-14 to Glasgow Warriors. Dragons skipper Charvis, 35, feared a knee injury may end his illustrious career but he emerged unscathed from his first appearance for two months.
Coach Paul Turner said: “Colin’s knee was fine and there should be no problems looking forward. We need experienced guys like him to help us build for the future.”
Yet the Wales veteran could not lift his side at Rodney Parade where two tries from wing Max Evans sealed Glasgow’s first victory over the Dragons in four years. Scotland fly half Dan Parks proved the architect of the Dragons’ downfall. His half break led to Kelly Brown’s scoring pass to Evans on 19 minutes.
The Dragons struck back through wing Gareth Wyatt’s 24th try in the Celtic competition after Rhodri Gomer-Davies cleaned up to spark the attack. Kevin Morgan’s scoring pass set up a 14-10 half-time lead.
But the pin-point accuracy of Parks’s right boot made sure of Glasgow’s win, kicking a penalty before landing a cross-field kick into the hands of Evans for the winner.
Turner’s men remain eighth in the Magners League, five points behind Glasgow but with a game in hand.
