NEWPORT picked up a losing bonus point, yet won the plaudits of Aberavon's coach and supporters with a fine all-action display that saw then lose only with the last heartbreaking kick of the match, writes Howard Evans.

Aberavon fly half James Garland ensured his club's fifth win from as many matches with the deciding score in a thoroughly entertaining and exciting match.

Newport's splendid teenage fly half Arwel Robson had scored a 76th-minute try and converted it to make the scores level at 24-24, but Aberavon won a line out, moved infield and gained a penalty that Garland kicked over.

Aberavon's head coach Jason Hyatt said: “I applaud Newport for the way they played the game. They were looking to run the ball at all times, as were we, but they are the best side we have played this season and their intent was splendid.”

Craig Warlow, now Newport’s head coach and formerly Aberavon backs coach, said: “We are making progress as we have altered certain things but we must be more patient in our approach work.

“This is not an easy place to come to and win, but I felt we were deserving a draw yet it is wins we are after and we must hurt the opposition more when we have the chance.”

Young Robson played splendidly throughout and is a fine prospect, though his side lost centre Barney Nightingale with injury after 29 minutes of the first half. His co-centre, Australian Andrew King, found Premiership is hard graft, but the Newport pack gave as good as they got.

The game sprang to life immediately as constant Newport attacks saw lock Dan Partridge run splendidly past tacklers in the third minute and Robson converted.

Aberavon hit back as wing Stefan Andrews raced clear from halfway and then centre Will Price forced his way over with Garland converting, but a superb Robson kick helped gain a penalty try after home full back Joe Gage was yellow-carded for obstruction.

In the second half Garland kicked a penalty and former Newport player Chris Davies scored a try that Garland converted, but Robson ended good attacking by Newport to score and and convert.

It went down to the last kick and Garland nailed it to leave Aberavon unbeaten.

Teams.

Aberavon – J Gage; R Carter, W Price (M Jenkins 26), J Thomas, S Andrews (C Clement 75); J.Garland, D Davies (D Pritchard 18); R Jenkins, I Davies, J Thomas (A.Clatworthy 52), I Moore (capt), S Williams (B Jones 65), R.Dudley-Jones, C Davies, N Brown (L Purnell 65).

Tries – S Andrews, W Price, C Davies. Cons – J Garland 2. Pens – J Garland 2.

Newport – E Howley; W Cunliffe, A King, B Nightingale (H Palmer 29, J Mogg 75), J Morris; A Robson, R James (O Davies 65); J Lavender, A Watkins (E Whitson 45), L Fairbrother (T Piper 65), D Partridge (B Morgan 67), R Jones, R Jenkins (B Lampitt 59), O Griffiths (capt), C Attwell.

Tries – D Partridge, A Robson, penalty try. Cons – A Robson 2.

Referee – Wayne Davies (Llanon).

Newport player of match: Arwel Robson.