NEWPORT came mightily close to an unlikely comeback, but had to make do with a couple of bonus points in a Rodney Parade thriller, writes Paul Hopkins.

The Black and Ambers opened the scoring with a sensational try from deep inside their own half. Chay Smith spread the ball quickly out wide to David Richards, who sprinted down the wing before handing a scoring pass to Jonny Morris.

Aberavon responded with a Will Price try and grabbed a second when a missed tackle out wide let Luke Davies in.

A third Aberavon try came in spectacular fashion when Jon Phillips cut through the middle and chipped ahead for Iwan Temblett to pick up and use his pace to score.

Matt O’Brien halted the Newport slide with a penalty goal after the Wizards’ defence killed the ball.

The home side dragged themselves right back into the game when Geraint Watkin made a half break, with Josh Skinner providing support. Then O’Brien darted through the middle and sent Smith over for a well-worked try.

The visitors secured a first half bonus point when Stef Andrews had the foresight to take a quick tap penalty and feed Temblett for his second try in the corner.

The home side looked the most likely to score in the early stages of the second half, but it was Wizards scrum-half Luke Davies who showed great strength to hold off two tackles and squeeze over in the corner for his second try.

The Newport defence struggled to contain a typical Davies run, which allowed Jac Morgan to pick up the ball to score from close range.

The Wizards were penalised for offside at the breakdown and O’Brien kicked to the corner. A clever short lineout saw Will Evans dive over for a try in the corner.

And the Black and Ambers got themselves right back into contention when Tom Lucas dummied his way over for a try.

Geraint O’Driscoll gave his side a sniff of victory with a try out wide after an onslaught by the Black and Ambers, but a desperate Wizards defence held on to clinch victory.

Newport – Tries: J Morris, C Smith, W Evans, T Lucas, G O’Driscoll; Cons: M O’Brien (2); Pens: M O’Brien (2)

Aberavon – Tries: W Price, L Davies (2), I Temblett (2), J Morgan; Cons: J Garland (4)