The 35-year-old flanker, now part of the Dragons' coaching staff, marked his first senior appearance this season by delivering a memorable second-half performance.

Dragons trailed 14-13 when Charvis appeared as a 52nd-minute replacement - but he quickly took charge.

Not only did his team start to boss the forward exchanges, he also created a crucial try for substitute wing Tom Isaacs.

Newcastle, who recovered from a poor opening period to lead through wing Ollie Phillips' touchdown, had no answer to Charvis' class.

Fly-half Jason Tovey added 15 points for the Dragons, including a try, and there was also a touchdown for centre Marc Stcherbina.

Bates said: ''The three Dragons tries came from our turnovers, but some of our boys have played four games in 12 days.

''Colin Charvis stole the ball from a ruck five minutes after he came on. He is of those players who has a lot of experience who will do something like that.''

Dragons head coach Paul Turner said: ''I thought we showed a lot of guts. It was a patched-up (Dragons) team, but they certainly had an opportunity to show what they can do.

''Some of the defence was outstanding, and it was a shame we didn't get the bonus point at the end.''