FLY-HALF and captain Matt O’Brien steered the Black and Ambers to an important win over Bridgend Ravens by bagging 23 points himself through a brace of tries, three penalties and two conversions, writes Geoff Champion.

Newport's other late try scorer was strong centre Tom Pascoe.

It was a master-class of poise and control by O’Brien and the victory enabled the Rodney Parade side to put good distance between themselves and the dreaded relegation zone in the Principality Premiership table.

Talented O’Brien was just too hot to handle for an enthusiastic Bridgend outfit and his tries in the 21st and 26th minutes came from dynamic running by both the forwards and the backs.

Up front, back row men Josh Skinner and Kyle Taylor got through a lot of good work while prop Lewis Smout and hooker Will Evans also did well.

Bridgend scored three tries themselves through No8 Dafi Davies, wing Mike Powell and dynamic flanker Tom Morgan. Hard-working full-back Jamie Murphy kicked a conversion.

Bridgend took the lead in the ninth minute when lock Little burst away on a clear run to feed supporting Davies who crossed for a try converted by Murphy.

Soon after, home wing Elliot Frewen – making his 150th Newport appearance – intercepted a pass and sprinted 75 metres to touch down at the posts but he was recalled because the referee had already awarded a penalty to Bridgend.

Newport kept up the pressure and were rewarded midway through the first half when O’Brien burst over for a try at the posts which he converted to level the scores. Back came the visitors with a splendid 24th minute unconverted try by Powell.

O’Brien nosed his side 15-12 ahead, first with a 26th minute try which he converted and then with a 35-metre penalty goal. He added a second from 42 metres with the last kick of the half to give Newport an 18-12 interval lead.

Both teams tightened up their defence in the second half but Pascoe’s try and the accurate boot of O’Brien, who added a penalty and a conversion, sealed the win for the home side.

Newport: G O’Driscoll; D Richards, C Smith, T Pascoe, E Frewen; M O’Brien, capt., T Lucas (R James 48); L Smout (D Preece 48), W Evans ( H Palmer 53), G Harris (T Piper 53), R Landman, J Bartlett (D Partridge 48), J Skinner (R Jenkins 56), K Taylor and J Reid (M Reed 40).

Scorers: Tries: M O’Brien (2), T Pascoe; Cons: M O’Brien (2); Pens: M O’Brien (3)

Bridgend Ravens: J Murphy; G Roberts, S Floyd Ellis, N Edwards, capt., M Powell; R Evans, C Tantum (C Williams 60); R Apsee (O Evans 66), I Merriman ( G Harvey 40), G Daniel (C Lewis 40), J Little (J Pope 68), C John O Lloyd 68), T Morgan, A O’Driscoll and D Davies.

Scorers: Tries: D Davies, M Powell, T Morgan; Con: J Murphy

Argus star man: Matt O’Brien (Newport)