NEWPORT’S 15-year wait for a WRU National Cup final is over after a battling victory over Llandovery at Aberavon’s Talbot Athletic Ground, writes Jay Bayford.

A late Geraint O’Driscoll try gave them the advantage in the final stages but they had to produce a stunning defensive display to keep out the Drovers in the final 10 minutes.

The strong Newport support made themselves known when the game kicked off but they were even louder after 14 minutes when fly-half Matt O’Brien kicked them ahead after a promising start from the Black and Ambers.

They continued on the front foot and doubled their lead four minutes later with another penalty, this time a much easier effort, which O’Brien easily dispatched.

Things were looking good for Newport as they looked for the game’s opening try but a misplaced pass opened the door for Llandovery’s Jack Maynard.

The fly-half intercepted a pass and ran towards the try line. Newport winger Jon Morris was in pursuit of Maynard but his desperate tackle attempt failed to stop him and the Drovers were back in the game.

Maynard stepped up to convert the try and put Llandovery ahead for the first time in the game.

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Newport continued to see plenty of the ball but they couldn’t find a way past an organised defence.

However, that changed early in the second half as Newport were awarded another penalty and O’Brien, once again, guided the ball through the posts to put the Black and Ambers back ahead.

Maynard had two chances to swing the game Llandovery’s way but his drop goal effort lacked power while his penalty kick curled wide.

Another drop goal attempt flew wide for Maynard but he was influential as Llandovery took the lead. Full-back Lee Williams, who scored in the league win over Newport on Good Friday, chased Maynard’s forward kick and was able to crash over after a mistake from replacement Owen Davies.

However, Newport’s response was emphatic as full-back O’Driscoll finished off a fine team move to claim the side’s opening try. O’Brien’s conversion extend their lead to four points.

A mammoth defensive effort was needed to keep Llandovery at bay but they were up the challenge and held on to their lead until the final whistle.

Newport: G O’Driscoll; J Morris, C Smith, T Pascoe, E Frewen; M O’Brien (capt), R James (O Davies 57); J Lavender (N Thomas 67), W Evans (H Palmer 51), T Piper (N Boyce 67), J Bartlett, D Partridge, K Tayler, L Greggains, A Everett.

Try: G O’Driscoll; Con: M O’Brien; Pens: M O’Brien (3).

Llandovery: L Williams; C Baldwin, R Evans, R Jones, A Warren; J Maynard, L Rees; B Watkins, D Hughes, S Jenkins (L Green 74), J Jones, J Powell, D Eager (L Ellis-Jones 59), S Worral, R Brooks (capt).

Tries: J Maynard, L Williams; Con: J Maynard.

Star man: Matt O’Brien.