Newport issue warning with seven-try show

LLANELLI conceded seven tries and had one player sent off and two yellow-carded as they were brushed aside at Parc y Scarlets by Newport.

The Black and Ambers breezed to a sixth straight win to stay two points clear of Cardiff at the top of the Premiership.

Llanelli were at least able to pick up a bonus point for scoring two tries in each half, but their ill-discipline was the main cause of their downfall.

Centre Amir Jiwa-Walji was the first to see yellow after Jon Morris had opened the scoring for the visitors and then lock Chris Long joined Newport’s Josh Skinner in a 10-minute rest.

Ben Roach was next over the home line to double the Newport lead in the 13th minute before Harrison Button responded immediately from the restart. Iwan Davies added the extras.

A driving maul try from hooker Henry Palmer kept Newport moving forwards but opposite number Rhys Cherry got one of his own to make it 21-12 to the visitors at the break. Llanelli had to start the second half without flanker Ellis Thomas for a dangerous tackle.

That made a difficult situation all the harder and the bonus-point try for Newport came when Roach crossed for his second. Che Hope, Skinner and Morris completed the try-scoring and Will Reed and Haydn Simons kicked six conversions between them.

Llanelli conjured up two late tries from Joe Hutchings to bag a bonus point.

Llanelli – Tries: J Hutchings (2), H Button, E Thomas; Cons: I Evans (3). Newport – Tries; J Morris (2), B Roach (2), H Palmer, C Hope, J Skinner; Cons: W Reed (5), H Simons.