Frewen brace seals thriller
NEWPORT moved to the top of the Premiership after a significant victory at Aberavon in an enthralling game. This was the only Premiership fixture which went ahead at the weekend as a result of a number of positive coronavirus cases at other clubs.
But this game at the Talbot Athletic Ground more than made up for the lack of rugby.
Newport were well worth their victory but they were forced to dig deep and were fortunate to survive a late onslaught from a determined Aberavon outfit.
“In fairness to my players they showed great courage to come out on top,” said Newport head coach Ty Morris.
“After a feisty opening 10 minutes, Will Reed opened the scoring for the Black and Ambers from the kicking tee.
But Aberavon’s pack began to gain the early ascendancy and made the most of their territorial advantage, with hooker Luke Davies powering over from close range off the back of a wellworked driving line-out.
Chris Banfield converted to give the Wizards an early 7-3 lead.
Morris’ side claimed their first try when Matt O’Brien smashed his way through the Wizards defence to touch down, with Reed adding the extras.
Newport were now full of confidence and extended their lead when Elliot Frewen showed tremendous pace to run in unopposed from 45 metres.
Reed converted to push Newport into a 10-point lead.
But just when Newport seemed to be pulling away, Aberavon hit back. Newport’s O’Brien attempted to clear his lines, but the ball was charged down, allowing Ashton Evans to gather the ball and score a try that Banfield converted.
Newport’s Frewen then intercepted a loose pass from Banfield to race clear from 50 metres for a try, with Reed converting to give the visitors a 24-14 lead at the interval.
Newport began the second half strongly, with Reed adding a penalty to give the Black and Ambers a 13-point advantage.
To their credit Aberavon refused to throw in the towel, with dynamic hooker Davies, who was man of the match last week against Swansea, grabbing his second try off the back of yet another impressive driving lineout.
The momentum had now swung back the way of the Wizards, who began to apply a lot of pressure deep in Newport’s half.
Their forwards began to make some serious metres with their carries, forcing the visitors to concede penalties, which allowed Banfield to close the gap to five points from the kicking tee.
But Newport regained their composure as Reed once again made it a two-score game with a penalty.
Aberavon were like an itch Newport couldn’t scratch and Banfield’s accurate boot kept them in the game as again he closed the gap to five points.
With just minutes remaining, Aberavon laid siege to the Newport line, with their pressure forcing Andrew Mann to infringe at the breakdown. Mann’s illdiscipline proved costly, with the referee deciding to give him a yellow card.
The Wizards threw the kitchen sink at the visitors in the final play of the game as they tried desperately to force an unlikely win.
But Newport’s defence held firm to earn them a vitally important win.
ABERAVON – Tries: L Davies (2), A Evans. Cons: C Banfield (2). Pens: C Banfield (2).
NEWPORT – Tries: M O’Brien, E Frewen (2). Cons: W Reed (3). Pens: W Reed (3).