Reasons to celebrate as Welsh trio conjure up Euro success

THERE hasn't been much positivity flying around Welsh rugby of late, but this was a good weekend for the professional game in Wales.

- STEFFAN THOMAS Rugby reporter steffan.thomas@reachplccom

Angus O'Brien holds his nerve to kick the Dragons to a long-awaited victory over Lyon at Rodney Parade

(Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)

Cardiff, Ospreys and the Dragons all emerged victorious in the EPCR Challenge Cup, while the Scarlets suffered a heavy defeat to defending champions Bordeaux in the Investec Champions Cup.

Here are your winners and losers.

Prior to Sunday’s clash with Lyon, it had been 364 days since the Dragons last tasted victory.

It has been an extremely difficult time for the Dragons but they finally got over the line with a hard-fought 23-21 win over Lyon at Rodney Parade.

‘This was also Filo Tiatia’s first win as head coach of the Welsh club and he will hope that it will act as a springboard to further victories over the Christmas period.

‘The Dragons showed tremendous character to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat because at one point they were 21-6 down.

A brace of tries from Harrison Keddie and a powerful score from Oli Burrows helped the Men of Gwent get over the line, but a special mention must be reserved for Angus O'Brien.