Edinburgh defended superbly throughout the second half to keep a spirited Dragons side at bay with Andy Robinson's men producing a tackling masterclass in the Welsh mud.

Time and time again Gwent knocked on the door, but collective concentration and dogged determination ensured the men from The Castle secured a draw.

Aled Thomas has just equalised for the Dragons with a penalty after Ben Cairns led by example at Rodney Parade with a breathtaking solo try during his first-ever game as captain to hand Edinburgh a 10-7 half-time lead.

In driving rain, Edinburgh enjoyed a bright start when centre Cairns burst through the Dragons’ defence and slipped through two tackles before touching down.

Stand-off Phil Godman added extras to give Edinburgh a dream start before Gwent were punished for an infringement in a ruck and the Scotland playmaker extended the visitors’ lead even further with a penalty.

Ceri Sweeney missed a penalty for the home side before being replaced and with the wind in their favour Edinburgh created several clear-cut chances.

But Dragons eventually reduced the deficit when a grubber in the dead-ball area was judged by referee Alan Lewis to have been grounded by Richard Fussell.

Edinburgh centre Nick De Luca was forced to go off with a foot injury and was replaced by Matt Dey just before half-time.