Newport ruthlessness makes them clear favourites

NEWPORT entertain Bargoed at Rodney Parade in the Principality Premiership this afternoon, with both sides having made contrasting starts to the season.

The Black and Ambers got their campaign off to the perfect start by taking maximum points from a 2912 bonus-point victory at Carmarthen Quins last weekend.

Matt O’Brien starred for Newport with a personal haul of 19 points while Tom Pascoe and Kyle Tayler also dotted down.

“We showed a ruthlessness that will give us huge encouragement for the tough season ahead,” said head coach Craig Warlow.

Conversely, Bargoed showed flashes in their opener with Llandovery, – with Ashley Norton bagging himself a couple of tries. But they had no answer to the Drovers’ power in the second half and ultimately ended up on the wrong side of a heavy 62-22 scoreline.

Head coach David Lynch said: “We did a lot of good things against Llandovery but lacked the killer instinct. However, there were a lot of green shoots showing what we can achieve.”

Despite the fact they will be firm favourites, Newport will be also wary about the threat Bargoed can pose having suffered a 35-14 home defeat to them last season.

Bargoed acquired John Lavender from Newport during the close season and the prop will be keen to make an impact as he returns to his old stomping ground.