A NEWPORT Gwent Dragons development side came out on top in an entertaining friendly encounter at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay tonight.

The hosts made the better start in the opening quarter with two tries to the Dragons’ one giving them a 15-7 lead.

The North Walians, promoted to the Principality Premiership last season, then went further ahead with a third try.

However, the Dragons hit back and at the break they had closed the gap to 20-19.

Kingsley Jones’ Dragons added a converted touchdown after the interval to go 26-20 up, and that’s the way it stayed.

Next up for the Men of Gwent is a benefit match for Ashley Smith and Lewis Evans against Cardiff Blues on August 12.