Late O’Brien penalty snatches win for Newport

NEWPORT fly-half Matt O'Brien kicked a penalty deep into injury time to give the Black and Ambers victory over Ebbw Vale in an enthralling game at Eugene Cross Park. It rendered Dan Haymond's hat-trick for Ebbw redundant.

The visitors had been trailing by a point going into the closing stages of the game after Ebbw Vale had originally overturned a 16-point deficit to take the lead.

The visitors opened the scoring with centre Chay Smith crossing following a break up the touchline by winger Adam Sabri.

Newport then got their second when loosehead prop John Lavender powered over in the corner after sustained pressure.

Ebbw Vale hit back immediately though with a try from full-back Haymond who found himself the beneficiary of a neat backs move from the hosts.

The visitors then extended their lead with a try from full-back Haydn Simons to give them a 17-5 half-time lead. The Black and Ambers started the second half as they finished the first with Simons crossing for his second to give the visitors the try bonus point.

Despite trailing, Ebbw refused to give up with Haymond crossing for a further two scores to record a hattrick of tries to put the hosts ahead.

However, when victory looked certain, up stepped O'Brien to break Ebbw Vale hearts and earn his side a dramatic late win.