NEWPORT Gwent Dragons suffered a 31-27 defeat to the Scarlets on Saturday but at least bagged a pair of bonus points. Here are five thing we learned from Llanelli…

1: Superb first half

We feared the worst when Steff Evans went over inside two minutes but the Dragons responded with maturity and composure.

This season they have struggled to turn pressure into points but they bossed the rest of the first half and stunned their hosts with three tries to deservedly lead 20-7.

That they didn’t head to their changing room with at least that buffer will haunt them, because their efforts meant that with 34 minutes gone they had a golden opportunity. But…

2: Costly key moments

Yes, hindsight is a wonderful thing, but two key moments cost Newport Gwent Dragons at Parc y Scarlets.

The first happened straight after Adam Warren’s second try had earned a 20-7 lead. With 34 minutes gone, the Scarlets had offered nothing since their second minute score.

The Dragons were on the up and more than good value for their lead but they missed the restart, the hosts gathered (replays showed via a Liam Williams knock-on) and Williams scored a try to make it 20-16. That didn’t reflect the Dragons’ dominance of the first 40.

Then, with the score at 20-17, the Dragons tried an elaborate move from a scrum inside their own territory as the final quarter approached. Good intent but wrong place, wrong time.

James Davies got over the ball, won a penalty that was kicked to the corner, Jonathan Evans scored.

Bad decisions at key times, but…

3: Experience counts

The players always give their all and there is only so much that Kingsley Jones and his coaches can do; if the board give them the smallest budget in Europe then what do they expect?

The Scarlets were lucky that an injury to Aaron Shingler saw John Barclay enter the fray early; the Scotland flanker has 52 caps and is not only a superb player but a good leader.

He told his teammates some uncomfortable home truths at 20-7 and then in the second half the likes Scott Williams and Liam Williams came to the fore.

International quality made key contributions while the Dragons’ 23 boasted just 16 caps (Prydie 5, Amos 10, Warren 1)

4: Amazing Amos

We are lucky to be seeing such an attacking player in Newport Gwent Dragons colours.

Amos is from the same generation as Jack Dixon and Tyler Morgan but he is a cut above those prospects at the moment.

Our Argus columnist Lewis Evans said last week that his teammate is the form left wing in Wales and it’s hard to disagree, despite the fine efforts of Cardiff Blues’ Tom James.

Sure, Amos has work to do in defence but he is stupendous in attack and his efforts will make sure that the likely Wales back three of Liam Williams, George North and Leigh Halfpenny are looking over their shoulders.

The 22-year-old from Cross Ash is player that opposition fans, be they Scarlets, Leinster, whoever, love to watch.

5: Local boy done good (for them!)

Jonathan Evans is a fantastic scrum-half and was unlucky not to tour Japan with Wales during the Lions year of 2013. He should be knocking on the door for Wales while in Dragons colours.

Charlie Davies and Sarel Pretorius are both fine players with different strengths but are they better than Evans? It’s subjective but the Scarlets third-choice number 9 would be my first choice at Rodney Parade.

Evans signed for the Scarlets after a year with Bath following the signing of Pretorius and the Bargoed boy showed with his own sniping try, excellent cover tackle on Adam Warren and general energy what he brings to the party.

Gareth Davies and Aled Davies are out west. It'd be nice if the hugely popular Evans headed home at some stage.