O’Brien shines to condemn All Whites to ninth league loss

SWANSEA’S woes worsened after missing the chance to haul themselves off the bottom of the Premiership.

Rory Gallagher crossed in the second half for the hosts who also claimed a penalty try but the All Whites are still propping up the table after a ninth league loss.

Rejuvenated Newport clinched their fifth victory in six games in all competitions after tries from Jon Morris, Geraint O’Driscoll and Matt O’Brien, who added four kicks on his 50th appearance for the club.

Swansea were hoping to close the gap on the group of teams ahead of them but were ten points down after half an hour.

O’Brien kicked the opening penalty and was swiftly adding a conversion to the opening try from wing Morris who darted over in the left-hand corner.

Swansea landed the first blow of the second half when No.8 Gallagher drove over in the right corner to halve Newport’s lead but Rory Garrett, off-target on the stroke of half-time, fired wide once again as Newport trailed 10-5.

A solo score from fullback O’Driscoll re-established Newport’s lead.

O’Brien then darted between the posts four minutes from time to wrap up the win although the home team had the final say with a late penalty try after Owen Davies’ rash challenge on Dai Watts.

However it proved slim consolation.