Owen and Montgomery overwhelm Borders
Borders 15 Gwent Dragons 38
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Michael Owen, returning to the fray, and the Springbok giant Percy Montgomery wrecked the Borders' quest to kick-start their Celtic League campaign at Netherdale last night. Owen marked his comeback from a long injury lay-off by claiming two tries, while Montgomery bagged a touchdown and a series of crucial kicks to make sure of victory for the Dragons.
It took them only one minute to score, the full-back Montgomery confidently slotting a penalty. The first try came almost immediately as the Wales lock Owen finished off a searing break by centre Hal Luscombe. Montgomery added the conversion and then kicked another penalty when the struggling home side illegally pulled down a Dragons jumper at a line-out.
Borders hit back positively to mount a string of attacks, but their sharpness failed to match up to their slick build-up work. And they paid dearly for not snapping up their chances by giving away another touchdown in the 17th minute, Montgomery darting over with ease, then converting.
Borders soaked up more pressure before rallying to end the half on a brighter note. Bruce Douglas was in the right place at the right time to cross the line in the wake of a series of short penalties. Gareth Morton added the goal. Then Morton was on target again with an offside penalty from 30 metres to give his team a glimmer of hope.
Borders suffered another setback just after the restart, however, as Montgomery completed his trio of penalties. But again they responded in style to stay in touch with an opportunist try by Morton, claiming the vital touch after chasing Clark Laidlaw's chip to the line.
Dragons roared back to stem the home surge with the impressive Owen giving the Welsh selectors a timely pre-Six Nations nudge by powering through for his second touchdown. Montgomery was wide with the conversion, but made quick amends by adding another penalty. Then in stoppage time, he rounded off the rout by converting Sione Tuipulotu's try.
Borders: Tries Morton, Douglas; Conversion Morton; Penalty Morton. Gwent Dragons: Tries Montgomery, Owen 2, Tuipuluto; Conversions Montgomery 3; Penalties Montgomery 4.
Borders: Morton; Moir, Stuart, S Paterson, Murray; Laidlaw, Cusiter; Todd, Ford, Douglas, MacLeod, Stewart, Feather, Sititi, Kane.
Gwent Dragons: Montgomery; Asara, Luscombe, Winn, Breeze; Jarvis, Baber; Black, Young, Anthony, Owen, Ringer, Beattie, Pattison, Forster.
Referee: S McDowell (Ireland).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments