A MUCH-CHANGED Newport battled back to claim a dramatic late victory over Swansea under the floodlights at Rodney Parade, writes Jay Bayford.

With one eye on Saturday’s WRU National Cup semi-final with Llandovery, the Black and Ambers named nine debutants in their matchday squad with centre Matthew McGovern, lock Connor Shefford, number eight Arron Atkin and fly-half Loui O’Brien, younger brother of Newport favourite Matt, handed starts.

But despite the changes Newport had no trouble in taking an early lead through scrum-half Ryan Bates. O’Brien then kicked over his first points for Newport with the conversion.

Swansea tightened up at the back and found their attacking rhythm, which won them a penalty. Full-back Owen Howe dispatched it perfectly before adding a second a few minutes later from range.

The hosts’ new boys equipped themselves well but the visitors started to gain momentum towards the end of the first half and managed to convert that into points when a driving maul forced its way over the whitewash with Sion Jones, on his first start, the man to ground the ball. Howe added the conversion.

Newport started the second half badly, gifting Swansea a penalty 49 seconds after the restart and Howe kept his nerve to slot it over.

A few minutes later, Andrew Claypole wandered into space on the wing and was picked out allowing him to crash over in the corner and add to Swansea’s lead.

But a yellow card to Swansea’s Paul John gave Newport a lifeline and they took it immediately with Atkin crowning his debut with a try. O’Brien added the extras.

Fellow debutant Morgan Evans, who replaced Bates, then set up a grandstand finish as he touched down after a flowing passing move.

And James Little proved to be the match winner as he forced the ball over the line in the dying seconds after a fabulous break from the hosts to seal the win, and the bonus point.

Newport: Tries: R Bates, A Atkin, M Evans, J Little; Cons: L O’Brien (3).

Swansea: Tries: S Jones, A Claypole; Con: O Howe; Pens: O Howe (3).