Colin Charvis chip sinks the Ospreys late in the game

Newport Gwent Dragons flank Colin Charvis described his match-winning chip-kick – in the 30-24 Magners League Round Seven match against Ospreys at Rodney Parade on Friday – as a “moment of madness”.

The late Colin Charvis-inspired try sealed the issue, as the Dragons ended a run of six defeats in all competitions with a bonus point win over the Ospreys.

Given the driving rain and swirling wind, this was a very entertaining derby encounter in the circumstances.

The returning Gavin Henson scored two tries, but it was the moment of magic from wily veteran Charvis six minutes from time which helped decide the outcome, as his pinpoint kick to the left set up fullback Jason Tovey for a dramatic try.

Shaun Connor, himself a former Osprey, added the conversion and although the visitors hit back almost immediately with a penalty from their teenage No.10 Dan Biggar, the Dragons held firm for their first league win since September.

“More than anything it (the chip-kick) was probably a moment of madness,” Charvis said, adding: “My left boot has caused quite a few problems for teams in the past.

“I just saw that Tovey was unmarked and free, I just thought kick it and it went into his hands.

Phil Turner, the Dragons coach, was equally delighted.

“We haven’t been a four-try side, and it was one of those nights where we had a little bit of luck,” he said.

“I’m very delighted for the players, because we were pretty despondent with the close defeats we’ve had and a four-tries-to-one win against the Ospreys is good.”