Stormers beat Dragons 47-17 in Dubai friendly

Dubai:

South Africa's Western Stormers warmed up for the forthcoming Super 12 series with a 47-17 victory over the Newport Gwent Dragons of Wales in a friendly match in Dubai on Friday. South African international fullback Percy Montgomery kicked the Dragons into an early lead and the Welsh side led 17-7 after 27 minutes. Montgomery kicked another two penalties to put the Dragons 17-7 ahead after 27 minutes, but the Stormers finished the first half strongly with two converted tries. More poor handling by the Dragons in the 69th minute allowed the Stormers an easy try. Warlow dropped a simple ball and Du Toit ran 40 metres to touch down. He converted his own try and the Stormers were 40-17 ahead. The final try came two minutes from the end when Joubert made the break and he fed replacement Neil De Kock, who cantered over the line. That was the final action and the Western Stormers, thanks to a top class second half performance, ran out 47-17 victors. De Wet Barry went up to collect a glass trophy, which was awarded to commemorate the friendly "Duel in the Desert".