It was the Dragons’ third defeat on Irish soil so far this term but really should have been a second successive league win.
Having seen off Aironi at Rodney Parade last weekend, the Dragons appeared to be on their way to a first league success at The Sportsground since May 2004. A Nathan Williams try on the half-hour mark and two penalties from the boot of Jason Tovey compared to just the one from Niall O’Connor saw the visitors open up a 10-point lead at the break.
Williams crashed over from close-range after good work from Matthew Pewtner, with Tovey converting and then quickly adding a second penalty to move the Dragons 13-3 in front after the first 40 minutes.
But the second half belonged to Connacht, with the home team asserting their authority following the introduction of replacement halfbacks Paul O’Donohoe and Matthew Jarvis.
Eoin Griffin brought Connacht back into the game with a try on the hour before skipper Gavin Duffy scored late on to secure an impressive comeback.
Jarvis added both touchline conversions, the first to bring Connacht back to within three points and the second to leave the Dragons requiring a try as opposed to a penalty or drop goal to win the game.
The result sees Connacht jump up to second in the standings with three wins from four games, while the Dragons slip to 10th in the 12-team league.
