Second-half performance secures Taff win
WRU BOWL 4TH ROUND
WHAT eventually become a comfortable away victory in the end was as a result of turning around from a first half in which Newport held all the territory and most of the possession as Taffs Well struggled to get any momentum on a rain-sodden pitch.
Both sides managed to produce an excellent cup tie which totally belied the conditions and despite conceding three converted penalties, Taffs Well were able to turn around at half-time 10-9 up thanks to a try a by No 8 Max Watkins breaking from a 5m scum and a conversion and penalty by full-back Shaun Baggs.
Taffs Well were always looking dangerous with ball in hand and winger Gavin Close in particular was proving to be a real nightmare for the Newport defence as he made huge gains running from deep.
The second half was to be a totally different affair as the Taffs Well pack started to get on top and gradually applied enough pressure for Newport to start conceding penalties with Shaun Baggs being more than happy to oblige with a haul of 16 points for the day.
Both sides showed great heart in defence and the home side did well to hold up several attacks on their line if only to concede penalties in the process. The game was sealed with another bust by MOM Close as he caused chaos in the Newport ranks for outside-half Ronan Barrett to take the offload and dive over to seal a place in the last 16.