Scarlets, who have won both their Pool A games to lie a point behind the leaders, notched their fourth consecutive win in all competitions with a 20-3 PRO14 success over Dragons, while Bristol, sixth in Pool B after a win and a defeat, beat Newcastle Falcons 29-17 to rise to second in the Premiership.

Scarlets left it late to defeat Dragons, who are currently bottom of Pool A in the Heineken Champions Cup, and only led 6-3 via two Dan Jones penalties until the 57th minute.

Then Sione Kalamafoni crossed for a try converted by Jones to give the home side some breathing space, before Sam Costelow touched down in the final minute for a score that he improved.

In the Premiership, Siva Naulago, Charles Piutau, Nathan Hughes and George Kloska scored the Bears’ tries and Callum Sheedy kicked nine points as they finally ended some tough resistance from Challenge Cup side Newcastle at Ashton Gate.

When the Heineken Champions Cup returns on January 15, Scarlets travel to RC Toulon. Bristol host Connacht Rugby two days later.

Heineken Champions Cup sides Bristol Bears and Scarlets both scored comfortable home victories in their respective domestic leagues on Friday.