NEWPORT RFC’s winless start to the season continued as they fell to defeat to last season’s Principality Premiership semi-finalists Bedwas at Bridge Field, writes Ian Golden.

The Black and Ambers had suffered defeat to Cardiff at Rodney Parade last week so were desperate to kick-start their season.

But it wasn’t to be as Bedwas showed their class in both the pack, who were responsible for stopping a number of Newport attacks, and in the halves, with Steffan Jones standing out as man of the match for his second half performance where he created both tries.

Newport were behind after only 65 seconds after Bedwas had picked up Newport’s kick-off. Matthew John caught his own chip-kick and won a line-out on Newport’s 5-metre line. Newport were unable to stop the rolling maul and Ellis Shipp scored an unconverted try.

The Black and Ambers’ fly-half Matt O’Brien will be rueing missing a couple of chances to get Newport back on the board. He missed two first half penalties, both in kickable distances and angles, and Bedwas made them pay when Jones extended Bedwas’ lead to 8-0 from a place kick of their own.

O’Brien’s rightly chose to kick for touch when he had a third opportunity to kick at goal. From the line-out, Will Evans scored from the maul and O’Brien converted.

But Bedwas hit back straight away when Robson Blake made a clean break from 30 metres and despite the attempts of star man Wes Cunliffe and others, the home side had their third try. Jones converted to make it 15-7 which is how it stood at the break.

Bedwas extended their lead nine minutes into the second half when Matthew John pounced on a loose ball to score after a grubber had rebounded off a couple of Newport players. Jones converted.

And the bonus point was secure just after the hours when Jones kicked well for Adam Williams who dived dive over to score. Jones converted again.

Newport had their chances to get back in the game but a solid Bedwas pack prevented them from getting any more tries on the board.

Newport: Geraint O’Driscoll; Harri Lang, Jon Morris, Tom Pascoe, Wes Cunliffe; Matt O’Brien (Hayden Simons 65), Owen Davies (Ryan James 60), Matt Prosser (John Lavender 54), Will Evans (Henry Palmer 60), Garin Harris (Tom Piper 60), James Little (Morgan Burgess 23), Joe Bartlett, Rhys Jenkins, Alex Everett, Lennon Greggains (Kyle Tayler 54).

Replacements not used: Adam Sabri.

Scorers- Bedwas- E.Shipp, R.Blake, M John A Williams. Cons ; S Jones (3). Pen ; Jones.

Newport Tries – W Evans 24; Conversions –M O’Brien 25