Bayonne’s Benjamin Boyet just edged the battle of the boots to put the French club on a collision course with London Wasps for the leadership of Pool 3 in December’s back-to-back games after the French outfit won 22-19.
Boyet left Rodney Parade with a matching winning tally of 17 points, despite a couple of misses, to leave the home side clutching at straws once again in Europe after successive defeats.
“You never know what is going to happen in Europe and we’ll keep plugging away until the last game is over. I’m a firm believer that you get what you deserve in the end and that means we have to keep on putting in performances like we did against Bayonne,” said Edwards.
“If we played like that every week we’d win the greater share of our games. It was just a shame we weren’t able to make the most of our chances.
“But it was a great experience for our younger players and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top of the back-to-back games between Bayonne and London Wasps in December. If Wasps can go to France and get something out of the game then they’ll feel confident about winning the Pool.”
The Dragons got off to a blistering start when back row man Tom Brown sprinted the length of the 22 to slide in at the posts for his first European try on his home debut in the tournament. Tom Prydie had no problem in adding the extras and was in fine form with the boot.
The Welsh international kicked three penalties before the break to maintain his 100 per cent record and should have had another shot at a conversion on the half-hour. Outside half Lewis Robling slashed through the Bayonne defence as they covered the threat outside him in the shape of Andy Tuilagi, but having done the hard work he threw away a great chance.
With one man to beat, and Tuilagi in support on his inside and half back partner Jonathan Evans on right, he tried to go all the way and the chance of a second try went begging.
Bayonne stayed in the game courtesy of their powerful scrum and the boot of outside half Benjamin Boyet. He kicked three first half penalties and converted a close range try by skipper and second row Mark Chisholm to ensure his side changed ends all square at 16-16.
He continued his battle with Prydie in the second half, giving his side the lead for the first time in the match with his fourth penalty on 48 minutes. Prydie hit back four minutes later to level matters and set up a fascinating final quarter.
Boyet’s fifth penalty gave his side the lead for the second time and even though Tuilagi reached the line in the 80th minute, the TMO ruled out any hopes of a dream finish for the home fans.
