NEWPORT earned their second league win in five Premiership outings in beating Llandovery 9-3 in the tightest of contests at Church Bank.

The Black and Ambers last won at Church Bank in April 2011 when they got the better of the Drovers 29-18 and this was an equally outstanding performance.

They had to withstand huge pressure on their goal line in the last minutes but terrific tackling by the pack, exemplified by outstanding lock Josh Skinner, brought home the bacon.

Conditions were damp and miserable and kicking was the norm in the opening exchanges.

Fly-half Matt O’Brien put Newport ahead with a penalty and the visitors almost got a try when three Newport player, chasing a kick, were just beaten to the touchdown by home wing Harri Doel.

Fly half Jack Maynard brought things level with an easy penalty before O’Brien used the wind to put his side into a good position with a long touch finder.

It came to nothing but Newport were giving as good as they got in the tight forward battle.

Llandovery got a close range line out but failed to control the ball and it allowed O’Brien to kick his side out of trouble.

Another close range line out was well defended by the Newport eight before they had their own chance to fashion a score at the other end.

From the line out they forced their way to the Llandovery line but were repelled by the firmest of tackling to leave the scores tied 3-3 at the break,

With the advantage of the wind, the Drovers pressed hard for the opening try and a fine run by hooker Dafydd Hughes took them into a dangerous position but Newport forced a vital turn over.

Full back Elliot Frewen then made a brave mark near his line to relieve more pressure and when Newport worked their way upfield, O’Brien kicked an easy penalty for the lead.

Back came Llandovery with good touch finder from full back Tomi Lewis but ill discipline by the pack cost them a penalty.

The Black and Amber pack began to bully the contact area and O’Brien kicked a great long penalty for a 9-3 lead with 11 minutes to go.

Llandovery made a late charge with both a close range line out and then scrum getting them close but wonderful defence deservedly won the day for Newport.

Llandovery scorer: penalty - J Maynard

Newport scorer: penalties - M O'Brien (3)

Llandovery:T Lewis; H Doel, R Evans, Rhodri Jones, M Williams; J Maynard, D Land; C Williams, D Hughes, H O’Connor, J Jones, J Powell, L Ellis-Jones, R Brooks (capt), S Worrall.

Replacements: L Green, B Watkins, A Rees, Rhys Jones, S Miles, K Jones, A Warren, S Maynard

Newport: E Frewen; J Morris, H Griffiths, G O’Driscoll, J McCarthy; M O’Brien, G Watkins; L Jones, B Cochrane, T Piper, J Skinner, J Bartlett, J Skinner, R Jenkins (capt), G Price, K Tayler.

Replacements: L Smout, B Coghlan, G Harris, A Mann, J Reid, L Crane, H Simons, L Ap Myrddin.

Argus star man: Josh Skinner (Newport)