LYN Jones believes Newport Gwent Dragons showed that they are a region on the up despite going down to defeat to Connacht.

The Dragons were downed 30-25 by the Irish province at Rodney Parade on Sunday yet there was plenty to be proud despite failing to back up their shock win against Guinness Pro12 champions Leinster in Dublin.

They played for over an hour with 14 men following Rynard Landman's dismissal for catching Jack Carty's head with his elbow when going for a chargedown but showed plenty of character to ensure the game was in the balance until the closing stages.

And even when Mick Kearney scored Connacht's winner in the closing stages the Dragons still had enough energy to earn a bonus point thanks to Hallam Amos' try from an 11-phase attack in the 83rd minute.

"Last year we weren't getting anything out of these games," said director of rugby Jones. "That last try was outstanding from us, our approach work, individual ability and carrying at the gain line speaks volumes.

"We are not going to win anything with 14 men on the field. It was too much for any team that's why the effort was so pleasing," he continued. "We showed a lot of character, ability and endeavour."

The hard-fought bonus point meant that the Dragons climbed above Cardiff Blues into ninth in the table.

On Sunday they travel to bottom club Zebre before they attempt to improve their woeful Rodney Parade record (7 defeats in 12 games) when Ulster visit on Sunday, March 8.

"We are repairing a disappointing start to the season," said Jones. "We are on the up and there's a happy group that are performing well.

"We've got Zebre and Ulster now and they are two games that are well within our ability to win.

"The statistics and key performance indicators are showing that we are on an upward curve. If you have got a team that is prepared to work hard then you have got a chance and we are confident that we have got the right people in the room."