THE Dragons suffered a 40-19 pre-season defeat to Bristol Bears in a useful hit-out ahead of the United Rugby Championship.

The Rodney Parade club took a youthful squad over the Severn Bridge to face Premiership opposition at Clifton RFC.

The hosts struck early through lock Joe Batley and scrum-half Harry Randall but the Dragons responded through a driving maul that allowed Wales Under-20s back rower Owen Conquer to add to the try he scored the previous week against Hartpury.

However, Bristol led 19-7 at the break thanks to a try by England full-back Max Malins and two more converted scores followed early in the second half through scrum-half Kieran Marmion and wing Siva Naulago.

Jordan Williams responded against his former side for the Dragons and then, after a second try by Marmion, Newport RFC lock Joe Peard went over at the death.

Dai Flanagan’s men finish their pre-season preparations with a trip to Bath on Friday before kicking off the URC against the Ospreys on Saturday, September 21.

The head coach is likely to bring another batch of senior figures back into his matchday squad at the Rec.