THE Dragons kept alive their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of this season’s European Challenge Cup with a 15-0 defeat of Enisei-STM on Friday night.

Here are five things from the hard-fought encounter at a cold and snowy Rodney Parade.

1. Quarter-final quest still on

The Dragons have had a lot of success in this tournament over recent years and the win over the Russians, albeit without a bonus point, means they can still reach the quarters.

However, it’s still going to be a tough ask for Bernard Jackman’s men to get to the knockout stages and they will have to be on top form in their three remaining games.

2. All-important momentum

A lot was spoken about how important December would be to the Dragons’ season as a whole and the draw with Ulster made for an unbeaten start.

That was followed up by a win in European competition which keeps the momentum going with three more key home matches to come.

3. Dan’s the man – again

After shining against Ulster, scrum-half Dan Babos put in another accomplished performance for someone so young.

It wasn’t the easiest of night’s conditions wise but the teenager again showed great maturity to help his team to victory – and he was named man of the match.

4. Nothing beats experience

Jackman gave European debuts to as many as six of his players – two starting and four off the bench – and it was good to see those Dragons exposed to a different type of game.

Enisei were no pushovers and their abrasive style would have given the debutants something new to experience in a game that was far less free-flowing than that of seven days earlier.

5. Bad luck for Ollie

With Cory Hill being rested, Ollie Griffiths again took the captain’s armband – but there was rotten luck for the back-rower when he hobbled off in the second half.

It wasn’t clear what his injury is but the Dragons and their fans will be hoping it doesn’t keep out the hard-working Wales international for too long.