NEWPORT Gwent Dragons were edged out by the Scarlets in their second game of the WRU Regional Under-18s Championship in Llanelli.

The Dragons young guns had hoped to respond to an opening night defeat to their Cardiff Blues counterparts but were downed 22-13 at Parc y Scarlets.

The visitors were boosted by the return of centre Barney Nightingale, who has made four appearances for Lyn Jones’ seniors this season, and were swiftly out of the blocks thanks to fly-half Arwel Robson’s two penalties.

Scarlets flanker Shaun Edwards’ try made it 6-5 at half-time and the hosts then took command with two more unconverted scores by winger Kieran Jones.

Dragons speedster Lloyd Lewis, who scored one of the tries of the season for Cross Keys at Cardiff in the Principality Premiership, crossed in the 65th minute to put the game back in the balance with Robson’s conversion making it 15-13.

However, the Scarlets eased any nerves when number eight and captain Josh Macloud went over with 13 minutes left, Billy McBryde adding the extras for a 22-13 success.

The Dragons take on the Ospreys at Ystrad Mynach next Wednesday evening.