NEWPORT........................28 RGC 1404.........................34

CERI Jones played almost 100 games for Newport, but there was no leniency shown by the RGC 1404 head coach for old time’s sake against his former club.

The Black and Ambers had won handily when the two sides met in North Wales earlier in the Indigo Premiership Cup East group. This time the Gogs won as they stormed to a bonus-point victory.

“I told the boys they couldn’t expect to just turn up and win on the road, it takes real effort to pick up results away from home,” said Jones. “I’m excited about where we go from here in the competition and then heading into the start of the league campaign.”

RGC got off to a flying start when Rhys Tudor and Tom Hughes combined out wide to send Pedr Jones in for the first try. Dion Jones added the extras and Newport were given notice that their unbeaten home record was under threat.

Dion Jones made it a 10-point lead with a penalty before the hosts got their game going. Matt Powell and Matt O’Brien bagged tries, both of which O’Brien converted, before the visitors hit back with a second try from wing Zac Clow.

Jones’ conversion put the visitors back in front before backrow man Rhodri Jones crossed for a third Newport try. O’Brien’s conversion made it 21-17 to Newport at the break.

Former Wales Sevens star Ben Roach bagged the bonus-point try for Newport at the start of the second half. Even then, the visitors refused to lie down.

Tom Hughes scored after a chargedown and then Pedr Jones got over again. Sam Rogers then added a penalty to make victory safe.

Newport – Tries: M Powell, M O’Brien, R Jones, B Roach. Cons: M O’Brien (4).

RGC – Tries P Jones (2), Z Clow, T Hughes. Cons: D Jones (2), S Rogers (2). Pens: D Jones, S Rogers.