CRAIG Warlow earned the plaudits as Newport Gwent Dragons narrowed the gap at the top of the Celtic League table with a terrific 33-29 victory over leaders Neath-Swansea Ospreys in a Bonfire Night firecracker at Rodney Parade last night.

Warlow made his first start of the season after his path was blocked by Ceri Sweeney, now on international duty, but no-one would have known as he proved the matchwinner with 18 points from three penalties, a dropped goal and three conversions.

The only disappointment was the Dragons letting their rivals back in to gain a bonus point in injury time, which means the Dragons now trail by seven points though they have a game in hand.

"The important thing was win to get the Celtic League show back on the road," said Dragons captain Jason Foster after his team maintained their unbeaten home league record.

"It was Craig's first game of the season and his attitude has been superb, just like Gareth Baber's.

"When they haven't been playing they have just got on with it and when required they have stepped up to the mark with man-of-the-match performances, first Gareth and now Craig.

"They will make it difficult for the boys to get back in when they come back from international duty. It was a little disappointing the Ospreys got the bonus point at the end. We've got to learn when we score not to let sides back in, but it was a pleasing win and we scored some good tries."

Dragons coach Chris Anderson said: "The first 25 minutes of the second half we put the game out of their reach, but we relaxed at then end which was disappointing.

"But considering some of the boys haven't played in a while it was a pleasing result.

"Craig had a good game with the boot and the win keeps us in the hunt, we just have to keep winning."