FOR the second week running Newport Gwent Dragons went to an English rugby stronghold and emerged with a losing bonus point.

Last week it was Bath in the Heineken Cup and they followed up with another narrow defeat against Gloucester at Kingsholm, going down 25-20 in the EDF Energy Cup on Saturday.

They led twice at 12-7 in the first half and again at 15-12 after 64 minutes, but crucially they conceded two tries while prop Adam Black was sin-binned for coming in from the wrong side.

Gloucester took advantage with powerful wing Lesley Vainikolo's second try and another by Iain Balshaw whose running late in the game caused big problems for the Dragons.

Olly Barkley kicked a second penalty, hooker Scott Lawson also scoring a first half try, but the plucky Dragons still hit back with a last minute try by replacement Jason Tovey to clinch the losing bonus point which still keeps them in the competition.

Dragons player-of-the-match Richard Fussell and Grant Webb scored first half tries for the Dragons, one converted by Shaun Connor who also kicked a penalty.

The Dragons suffered two more injuries, centre Rhodri Davies concussed in a heavy tackle, requiring lengthy on-the-pitch treatment, and lock Adam Jones damaged a shoulder when he already needs a minor operation on the other shoulder.

But Junior All Black Hoani MacDonald watched the game after arriving from New Zealand on Friday and will be ready to step in against Wasps next Sunday.

Coach Paul Turner said, "This is a great place to come and we've gone close, but I'm disappointed because I don't feel Gloucester won it, we lost it."