A DEFENSIVE mix-up in the final seconds saw Newport fall to a late defeat at Bedwas in the Principality Premiership, writes Jay Bayford.

Having lost to Merthyr in the WRU National Cup on Sunday, the Black and Ambers were looking to bounce back and they were just seconds from victory until James Richards’ late try.

Newport made the worst possible start as after just 35 seconds Bedwas opened the scoring with Adam Williams easing his way past Newport tackles to touch down. Steffan Jones tucked away the conversion.

To make things worse full-back Cyle Powell was injured during the process and had to be replaced by Chay Smith.

He returned to the action a few minutes later but in his absence it was a productive cameo for Smith as he hauled the Black and Ambers back into the game, turning on the afterburners by the halfway line to leave everyone in his wake.

Matt O’Brien added the extras before slotting home a penalty to put Newport ahead.

With their tails up, Newport saw more of the ball and increased their lead with another O’Brien three-pointer.

The Black and Ambers were in full swing and Harri Lang escaped the crowd in the middle of the pitch before tricking his way past the covering defender to go over. O’Brien, again, hit the conversion.

But Newport let Bedwas back into the game when wing Andrew Evans’ weak tackle allowed Williams to stroll past him to claim his second try, and Jones’ second conversion, of the night.

More powerful running from Bedwas saw them cross the line again just before half time through Adam Dove but Jones’ missed conversion ensured Newport held the lead.

Newport’s Tom Lucas and Bedwas’ Geraint Edmunds traded tries in a hard-fought second half before Simon Veall’s penalty put Newport on the cusp of victory.

But the visitors failed to clear the ball in the final seconds and Richards took advantage to steal possession and touch down to give the Wass victory.

Bedwas: Tries: A Williams (2), A Dove, G Edmunds, J Richard; Cons: S Jones (2)

Newport: Tries: C Smith, H Lang, T Lucas; Cons: M O’Brien (2); Pens: M O’Brien (2), S Veall