Andrew Maxwell crosses for Ulster's first try against the Dragons

Dragons (22) 25
Tries: Fitisemanu, A. Brew (2)
Cons: Sweeney (2)
Pens: Sweeney (2)

Ulster (17) 32
Tries: Maxwell, Cunningham (2), Fitzpatrick
Cons: Humphreys (3)
Pens: Humphreys (2)

Ulster edged a seven-try Magners League encounter at Rodney Parade after trailing for just under an hour.

Newport Gwent Dragons led 22-17 at the interval after two tries from Aled Brew followed Nic Fitisemanu's opener.

Ulster were never far behind as they replied with converted tries from Andrew Maxwell and Bryn Cunningham.

Both sides swapped penalties after the break, but Ulster pulled away in the final half hour with tries from Cunningham and Declan Fitzpatrick.

The game was marred by a nasty injury to Dragons number eight Fitisemanu, who will add to the region's injury list ahead of Tuesday's match with Llanelli Scarlets.

Kiwi Fitisemanu clashed heads with Ulster centre Paddy Wallace which resulted in the Dragons back row being stretchered off the pitch with his neck in a brace and needing oxygen.

He was later taken to hospital as a precaution.

Dragons: Warlow; Wyatt, N. Brew, Sweeney, A. Brew; Hercus, Walker; Black, Daly, R. Thomas, Gough, Sidoli, Charvis, Ringer, Fitisemanu.
Replacements: Crawford for Daly (68), Harrison for R. Thomas (64), Bearman for Fitisemanu (55).
Not Used: Hall, A. Thomas, Stewart, Baber.

Ulster: Cunningham; Bartholomeusz, Steinmetz, Wallace, Maxwell; Humphreys, Campbell; J. Fitzpatrick, Shields, Court, Harrison, Barker, Ferris, McMillan, Wilson.
Replacements: Maggs for Wallace (62), Marshall for Campbell (73), Brady for Shields (78), D. Fitzpatrick for Court (61), McCullough for Harrison (49), Dawson for McMillan (61).
Not Used: S. Young.

Att: 5,114

Ref: David Changleng (Scotland).