NEWPORT produced a wonderful attacking performance to beat Ebbw Vale 42-12 at Rodney Parade in the Principality Premiership, writes Jay Bayford.

Fly-half Haydn Simons was the creative hub behind most of Newport’s good moves and he ended the game with 17 points.

The hosts got off to a flying start with winger Adam Sabri going over in the corner after a flowing passing move that involved most of the team.

Ebbw responded positively and after creating a number of attacks, they finally made their pressure count. After gaining territory following a scrum, the Steelmen edged closer and closer to the try line before number eight Cameron Regan forced the ball over the whitewash.

Newport went straight on the attack and were camped inside the Ebbw 22 but struggled to get the points their play deserved.

However, the Steelmen weren’t able to clear their lines and eventually prop Garin Harris put the hosts back in front. Simons was on target with the conversion.

Newport looked the most likely to add to their score and that’s exactly what they did with Simons booting two penalties in three minutes, the second following an offence from Regan that saw him sent to the sin bin.

And there was still enough time before the break for Sabri to finish off another terrific team move to give the Black and Ambers a commanding 25-5 half-time lead.

The Steelmen made the worst possible start to the second half as lock Rhys Clarke was yellow carded within a minute.

The hosts continued to dominate proceedings but had to wait until the 64th minute to add to their lead through another Simons penalty.

Carl Lewis hit back instantly for Ebbw but Ryan Bates caught the visitors on the counter to restore Newport’s advantage and claim the bonus point.

Ebbw replacement Ian George was shown a yellow in the dying minutes before Ken Dowding sealed the win.

Newport: Tries: A Sabri (2), G Harris, R Bates, K Dowding; Cons: H Simons (4); Pen: H Simons (3).

Ebbw Vale: Tries: C Regan, C Lewis; Con: L Dennett.