NEWPORT Gwent Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones hailed his young guns after they fired the region into a European Rugby Challenge Cup quarter-final with a stunning win in Newcastle.

The Dragons ran out 40-29 victors at Kingston Park thanks to a penalty try and scores by Tyler Morgan, Andrew Coombs, Hallam Amos (2) and Rynard Landman.

The win means that the region have secured a place in the last eight and another success against Stade Francais at Rodney Parade next Saturday would mean it takes place in Newport.

The Dragons were underdogs for the clash at Kingston Park but, with 19-year-old centre Morgan and 20-year-old wing Amos to the fore, they put the Falcons to the sword.

"I was frightened before watching us warm up about how young we were as a backline,” said Jones. "I looked at Tom Prydie and he was the most experienced player we have got and he is only 23.

"All credit to the players. We had a plan and executed it well. It's not dull making mistakes, it's dull not learning from them.

"We were so disappointed losing against the Ospreys last week and we put the facets right and it worked well for us.”

The Dragons have spluttered in attack in the Guinness Pro12 and have scored just 14 tries in 13 games but they have racked up 29 in their five European encounters.

"We were disappointed with our attack against the Ospreys and Jack Dixon and Tyler did not get the ball in their hands enough,” said Jones.

"We came here to Newcastle to put the ball through the hands and we saw what they can do. Tyler showed the potential he has and what a finish by Hallam (in the second half).

"They are small margins and that's what you need. That's what Shane Williams was good at and he would make the tiny margins count for a team and make the difference about being here or there.

"As Dragons we need more players like Hallam in our team who can make the difference and make things happen."