NEWPORT Gwent Dragons started March with a shock defeat at Zebre but finished the month with a pair of morale-boosting wins.

The loss in Parma was followed by a terrific Rodney Parade win against title hopefuls Ulster and a first league success at Treviso.

A number of players have performed strongly for the Dragons...

HALLAM AMOS: Dumped Ruan Pienaar on his backside when setting up Carl Meyer’s try against Ulster and scored a length-of-the-field cracker in Treviso.

ANDREW COOMBS: Has raised his game in the absence of Rynard Landman, showing a big appetite for work and super leadership skills.

JONATHAN EVANS: The Bath-bound scrum-half has established himself at 9 with some strong displays. Scored tries against Ulster and Treviso and caught the eye with his slick service and eye for a gap.

NICK CROSSWELL: The recent recruit from New Zealand has settled into the side nicely and has deputised well for Taulupe Faletau at number eight. Not flashy but effective.

JACK DIXON: Hitting his straps after an injury-hit first half of the season. Has been hugely influential in defence and also finished strongly in the corner against Parma.

Dragons players of the month

September vote: NIC CUDD 63%, Rynard Landman 24%, Elliot Dee 8%, Hallam Amos 3%, Taulupe Faletau 2%

October vote: NIC CUDD 38%, Rynard Landman 25%, Richie Rees 14%, Lewis Evans 12% Angus O’Brien 11%

November: JAMES THOMAS 43%, Lewis Evans 41%, Rhys Jones 8%, Cory Hill 7%, Ross Wardle 1%

December: JASON TOVEY 44%, Rynard Landman 35%, James Thomas 12%, Andrew Coombs 5%, Ross Wardle 4%

January: RYNARD LANDMAN: 64%, Tyler Morgan 22%, Andrew Coombs 6%, Hallam Amos 6%, Brok Harris 2%

February: BROK HARRIS (39 %), Andrew Coombs 19%, Boris Stankovich 17%, Rhys Thomas 15%, Jason Tovey 10%