O’Brien saves Newport with nerveless last-ditch penalty

MATT O’Brien proved to be the hero for Newport as his last-minute penalty sealed a hard-fought victory over Bedwas in the Principality Premiership at Rodney Parade.

With the score locked at 25-25 and the clock ticking down, the Black and Ambers were awarded a penalty at the death and flyhalf O’Brien held his nerve to give the hosts a moraleboosting victory.

Newport had opened the scoring inside two minutes when Owen Davies tricked his way into space to go over under the posts. O’Brien added the conversion.

Bedwas fought back with Michael Callow replicating Davies’ try for the visitors and Steffan Jones nailed the conversion.

But Haydn Palmer put Newport back ahead after a tremendous kick from O’Brien.

The Wass came back strong and went ahead after Jones converted Geraint Edmunds’ try before adding a penalty a few minutes later.

O’Brien reduced Bedwas’ advantage with a penalty of his own before the break. But George Lee increased the visitors’ lead even further with a try minutes after the restart.

Craig Warlow’s men responded well and Chay Smith went over with O’Brien levelling the score with his conversion.

O’Brien and Jones exchanged penalties but with just seconds left, the former hit a kick through the middle of the posts to snatch victory. Star man Matt O’Brien - Newport