NEWPORT came from behind to claim a hard-fought victory over Llanelli in the Principality Premiership under the floodlights at Rodney Parade, writes Jay Bayford.

The Sospans led 10-0 after 23 minutes but the Black and Ambers hit back with four tries to claim a bonus-point victory, although they had to fend off a late fightback.

Llanelli threw the form book out of the window as they went ahead through an early Ioan Hughes penalty.

The visitors did well to show their authority and thought they’d claimed the first try of the game went hooker Craig Thomas went over after a superb one-handed back pass from Bet Atkins fed Leon Randell, who in turn set up Thomas.

But Newport survived as he failed to ground the ball.

However, the west Walians touched down moments later after Nathan Hart sent Matthew Jenkins over from the scrum.

Hughes added the conversion to extend Llanelli’s lead but that seemed to wake Newport up as they hit back instantly.

Llanelli failed to catch a Newport kick and the ball fell kindly for Alex Everett to crash over in the corner.

Newport could sense doubt creeping into the minds of Llanelli and took advantage with a quick-fire double.

A flowing passing move from left to right ended with Tom Pascoe forcing his way past a number of challenges before offloading to Chay Smith who went over under the posts.

Geraint O’Driscoll fed Everett for his second minutes later with Simons adding both conversions.

O’Driscoll went from provider to scorer seven minutes after the restart but the move was all down to a surging run from Pascoe, who ran through the heart of Llanelli before setting up the full back.

Simons, once again, added the extras.

Randell kept Llanelli in the game with a try, converted by Hughes, on the hour mark.

The visitors grew in confidence and Hughes set up a tense final 10 minutes with his second penalty of the game but a late Matt O’Brien three pointer sealed the win for the hosts.

Newport: Tries: A Everett (2), C Smith, G O'Driscoll; Cons: H Simons (3); Pen: M O’Brien.

Llanelli: Tries: M Jenkins, L Randell; Cons: I Hughes (2); Pens: I Hughes (2).