The semi-professional invitational side, made up from players from clubs within the region, produced an inspired performance at Rodney Parade.
Bedwas fly-half Richie Powell was the hero and he racked up all of Gwent Select’s points.
The hosts got off to a slow start upon their return to Rodney Parade for the new season and were punished by the boot of Powell.
He edged the invitational outfit into a 6-0 lead before the Dragons hit-back through No.8 Tom Brown on the 20-minute mark.
Pat Leach made the initial inroads down the right wing and was again on hand after several phases when the ball was recycled and spread wide.
Leach was brought down agonisingly short of but Tom Brown crashed over the whitewash, with Steffan Jones converting to take the lead.
The Dragons continued to press but their hard work was undone when, after making a sniping break, Jonathan Evans threw an interception pass to Powell, who cantered home.
Powell converted to extend his side’s lead before Jones responded with the boot to bring the scores to 13-10 at the interval.
Gwent XV were the brighter side in the second-half, but that was understandable after Dragons head coach Darren Edwards revealed he had put his side through three gruelling sessions on the previous day.
Powell stretched the visitor’s lead to six-points on 53-minutes and it could have been more had Dean Gunter been on target midway through the half.
The Dragons fought-back in the closing stages but they were hampered by mistakes in the final quarter.
But Gwent Select’s defence held strong and their work at the breakdown impressive as they held on for the win.
Newport Gwent Dragons: D Evans; Prydie, Leach, Dixon (Tuilagi 65), Poole (Harries 33); S Jones (Robling 53), J Evans; Coundley (Williams 53), Gustafson, Way (Ryan 40), Nimmo (Tyler 60), Coombs (capt) (Groves 56), Groves (Stoddart 53), Waters, Brown.
Scorers: Try – Brown; Con – Jones; Pen – Jones.
Gwent Select XV: O’Driscoll; Baller, Awcock, Wardle (Davies 62), Frewen (John 53); Powell (Gunter 53), Downes (Quick 65); Cornock Lott 65), Price (Hutchinson 53), Gaye (M Jones 65), Hodge, Lodge Maiden 65), Sargent (Attwell 65), Nash (capt), Thomas (Powell).
Scorers: Try – Powell; Con – Powell; Pen – Powell (3)
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