A MUCH-CHANGED Newport were rolled aside at the Talbot Athletic Ground as Aberavon enjoyed a big win in the Principality Premiership, writes Jay Bayford.

The Black and Ambers made wholesale changes with the focus firmly on next weekend’s WRU National Cup final with Merthyr and Aberavon took advantage to run in seven tries.

Newport were caught napping in the opening few minutes and Aberavon made them pay with scrum-half David Pritchard finishing off a team move to put the hosts ahead.

Debutant Frankie Jones showed his intent with a superb solo run with his first touch of the ball in Premiership rugby but he made the wrong decision passing to the wing, with Newport’s Curtis Ayling intercepting the ball and clearing the danger.

However, Jones was determined to make an impact and found his way onto the scoresheet on 16 minutes. With Newport looking to get back into the game, Jones intercepted a pass and left everyone in his wake as he sprinted to the whitewash.

The Black and Ambers tried to hit back instantly but it was Aberavon who added to their score as Luke Joseph’s outstretched hand forced the ball over the line after a well-worked lineout. Steff Williams, who replaced the injured James Garland, added the conversion.

Newport’s response was positive as they found their attacking momentum and centre Haydn Palmer handed them a route back into the game on 27 minutes.

That revitalised Craig Warlow’s men who threw everything at the hosts, who stood firm. And with Newport pouring everyone forward, the Wizards caught them on the break with centre Will Price setting up lock Ben Jones, who delivered the bonus point.

Newport’s task was made even harder after the break when lock Andrew Mann was sent to the sin-bin following a high tackle.

And it took Aberavon five minutes to capitalise on their numeric superiority with Ben Thomas going over for his third try of the season. Williams was on target with the conversion.

Mann returned to the field as Aberavon’s Stuart Nicholas was sent to the sin-bin for another high tackle but that did little to alter the game with replacement Luke Davies adding to a penalty try in the dying seconds.

Aberavon: C Banfield; S Pearce, W Price, R James (S Nicholas 41), F Jones (R Dudley-Jones 80+1); J Garland (S Williams 14), D Pritchard (I Temblett 68); M Burgess (J Walters 35, J Thomas 59), I Davies (L Davies 61), R Henry, B Thomas, B Jones (B Davies 51), L Purnell, J Blackmore, L Joseph.

Scorers: Tries: D Pritchard, F Jones, L Joseph, B Jones, B Thomas, Pen Try, L Davies; Con: S Williams (2).

Newport: C Ellis; C Ayling (S O’Brien 19), H Palmer, B Huntley, A Evans; H Simons (G O’Driscoll 64), R Bates; M Prosser (N Boyce 41), E Whitson, N Thomas (C Coleman 41), J Little, A Mann, M Burgess, J Cullimore, R Jenkins (A Atkins 41).

Scorer: Try: H Palmer.