The Dragons leapfrogged their Irish opponents, having started the game a place behind them in the table.

Dragons were in charge for long periods, scoring three tries through hooker Steve Jones, winger Ben Breeze and centre Hal Luscombe. One more would have given them a bonus point and put them into the joint leadership.

Outside-half Lee Jarvis slotted 13 points from three penalties and two conversions.

A bonus for the Dragons was the second-half appearance – fresh from the World Cup – of stalwart Canadian prop Rod Snow and Scottish back-row forward Ross Beattie, as well as the debut of Wales lock Michael Owen.

The under-rated Dragons’ back division also proved a point, centres Luscombe and Steve Winn often threatening with incisive running.

But Connacht never gave up and narrowed the gap to six points at one stage after the interval.

Captain and hooker Bernard Jackman crossed for a try, and Mark McHugh kicked four penalties and a conversion.

But a late penalty by Jarvis settled it for the Dragons.