Black and Ambers are out in front
NEWPORT ........................ 28 SWANSEA ........................ 10
NEWPORT went top of Principality Premiership Tier Two following their bonus-point victory over Swansea – and scrum-half Ryan James says things are finally starting to click.
The Black and Ambers were fully deserving of their victory at a sunbaked Rodney Parade which they earned thanks to tries from full-back Llywarch ap Myrddin, centre Chay Smith, No.8 Rhys Jenkins and replacement back Matt O’Brien, with fly-half Arwel Robson banging over four conversions.
“We are very happy to be at the top and we are starting to build some momentum now after our slow start to the season,” said James.
It was a bad-tempered encounter saw the hosts’ captain and lock Andrew Brown and Swansea flanker Jack Perkins yellow carded for fighting in the first half, the latter fortunate not to see red for a punch.
Swansea loosehead Tom Sloane soon joined Perkins in the sin bin for scrapping while Newport’s Jenkins and Rhys Williams of Swansea were binned in the second half.
Replacement hooker Paul John scored the Swansea try in the second half, converted by Laurence Howley to add to Josh Martin’s penalty.
“We are disappointed because we put in a lot of effort and played with a lot of endeavour,” said All Whites director of rugby Richard Lancaster. Scorers – Newport – Tries: L ap Myrddin, C Smith, R Jenkins, M O’Brien; Cons: A Robson (4). Swansea – Try: P John, Con: L Howley; Pen: J Martin. Man of the Match: (Newport) Arwel Robson