NEWPORT just had too much power and pace for a spirited Welsh Guards side in a special centenary match held at Rodney Parade tonight.

The fixture was organised not only to help celebrate the distinguished regimentÂ’'s 100th anniversary, but also remember First World War hero Stanley Horatio Williams, a legendary Black and Ambers figure.

It was a useful exercise for both outfits, the hosts able to give young talent a chance to shine, while the 2013 British Army champions could test themselves against a Principality Premiership side.

In the end, the gulf between the two was too wide, although the soldiers showed great character and never surrendered despite being 40-0 down at half-time.

Newport took the lead early on when full-back Ed Howley crossed for a try after their sharp No 9 Aeron Bidgood, son of early 1990s Wales international centre Roger, had torn a huge hole in the Guards defence.

The Black and Ambers then hit their opponents with quickfire tries by centre Paul King, Bidgood and winger Tomos Howells, the visitors finding it hard to keep up with the speed of the semi-professionals' backs, No 10 Julian Mogg slotting over all three conversions.

Centre Andrew King got in on the act when he crossed for another converted score after 25 minutes, the hosts extending their lead to 33-0.

Hooker Henry Palmer, on permit from Cross Keys, got Newport's sixth try, Mogg again getting the extras, just before the interval.

The first half was marred by an injury, Guardsman Dudley being stretchered off with concussion.

The gutsy army side showed fierce resistance and were far more competitive in the second half.

More Newport tries did come however with wings Jonathan Morris and Howells scoring before the promising Howley finished off a polished performance from the home side who face Aberavon away in the league on Saturday.

Former Welsh Guards Major Julian Peel Yates OBE, the grandson of decorated Royal Field Artillery Captain Williams, a great Newport full-back who also played for England and the Lions with such distinction before the Great War, and the Black and Ambers' club historian Mike Dams were the driving force behind the match.

The Welsh Guards, who were formed during the second year of the First World War, are to be given the freedom of Newport tomorrow.

Newport: Ed Howley, Tomos Howells, Paul King, Andrew King, Jonathan Morris, Julian Mogg, Aeron Bidgood, Gwesyn Price-Jones, Henry Palmer, Fraser Young, Bryce Morgan, (capt), Dan Partridge, Lloyd Phillips, Joseph Cullimore, Spencer Gibson.

Replacements: Alex Watkins, Tom Piper, Max Muller, Todd James, Sam Cross, Ryan James, Arwel Robson, Haydn Palmer.

Newport scorers: Tries: Ed Howley (2), Paul King, Aeron Bidgood, Tomos Howells (2), Andrew King, Henry Palmer, Jonathan Morris, Conversions: Julian Mogg (7).

Welsh Guards squad: Sgt Qaimiuri, LSgt Sale, LCpl Coy, Gdsm Dudley, Gdsm Evans, Gdsm Namakadre, Gdsm Rees, Lt Allsop, 2Lt Martin, CSgt Scarf, Gdsm Buretini, Gdsm Groves, Gdsm Nagata, Gdsm Smythe, Gdsm Wright, CSgt Lewis, Sgt Vuevueika, LSgt Morgan, Gdsm Divavisi, Capt Figgures-Wilson, 2Lt Richardson, Pte Castledine, Maj Dunlop, Sgt Soko, LCpl Smith, Gdsm Carter, Gdsm Davies, Gdsm Glasby, Gdsm Meredith, Gdsm Pugh, Gdsm Qaranivalu, Gdsm Soko, LSgt Dwyer, Gdsm Bilton, LCpl Nuku.

Referee: Jason Bessant (WRU)