NEWPORT Gwent Dragons edged out English opposition on Friday evening but their regional rivals suffered defeats to Aviva Premiership outfits on Saturday.

London Irish were downed at Rodney Parade but their rivals fared better against Cardiff Blues, the Ospreys and the Scarlets.

The BLUES, without their Wales big hitters, lost 20-8 to Gloucester at Kingsholm.

Wing wizard Harry Robinson dashed over but they were second best with Billy Twelvetrees scoring a try and kicking ten points for the Cherry and Whites, who fielded former Dragon Martyn Thomas and sealed victory with a late penalty try.

The SCARLETS were beaten 22-7 by Worcester at Sixways.

The hosts were 22-0 up early in the second half thanks to two tries by Josh Matavesi (2) and Ben Howard before centre Nick Reynolds got Simon Easterby’s side on the scoreboard.

The OSPREYS suffered a 21-10 loss to Bath at the Liberty Stadium.

The Pro12 champions, who were beaten in France by Clermont Auvergne seven days earlier, trailed 21-0 after hooker Lee Mears and centre Dan Hipkiss crossed for the English side.

Young scrum-half Tom Grabham scored a consolation but it was not enough to prevent a disappointing defeat for the Ospreys.

Meanwhile, Aled Brew started life with Biarritz with a win thanks to a 35-10 home success against Mont-de-Marsan in the first weekend of action in France’s Top 14.

But his fellow former Dragon Luke Charteris didn’t fare so well.

Perpignan, who also fielded James Hook, suffered a 21-15 home loss to Toulon.

All of the victors’ points came from the left boot of ex-England star Jonny Wilkinson. Wales loosehead Gethin Jenkins came off the bench for Toulon.

Lee Byrne’s Clermont Auvergne pipped Mike Phillips' Bayonne 13-6.