AFTER just one game of the new Principality Premiership campaign Newport face the prospect of a tough winter, writes Chris Smart.

While the ruthless Quins showed they have the ammunition to challenge Pontypridd’s dominance, the Black & Ambers fell well short of the required standard.

On the evidence of this display Newport seem destined to be among the chasing pack but despite this early setback the mood at Rodney Parade remains upbeat.

“We played into a strong first half wind, our attitude in defence was very good and I felt we were unlucky to be 16-0 down at half time, said team manager Mark Workman.

“In fairness to them they punished our mistakes as we spilled the ball too much and our scrum struggled.

“But these are things that can be put right, we need to sort out our set piece and cut out individual errors,” he added.

Quins feel they have what it takes to challenge for top honours this season and Newport will not face many better teams in the division this season. Now they know the standard they need to aspire to.

Quins clearly have the self-belief to go with that ambition, something Newport were short of as they chased the game and the errors crept in.

Wing Chris Banfield led the way with a quick-fire second half try double after the Quins built a16-0 interval lead.

Hooker Rhodri Clancy crossed for a try with Dan Jones converting and landing a trio of penalties. The other Quins try scorers were Jevan Sebastian and replacement Gavin Thomas with Jones and Craig Evans adding three conversions between them.

Newport replied with a penalty and conversion from former Bridgend full back Jamie Murphy, on his Newport debut, with replacement Julian Mogg crossing for a consolation try ten minutes from time.

It does not get any easier for the beleaguered Black & Ambers with the reigning champions next up but Workman sees it as an opportunity. “It’s our first home game and we will be looking for a positive reaction,” he said.

Carmarthen Quins: D Jones (G Thomas, 68), C Banfield, I Evans, R Williams, D Morgans, D Jones (C Envans, 53), K Hardy (G George, 58), I Jones(capt, G Robinson, 58), R Clancy, J Sebastian (G Jones, 68), J Helps ( A Laxton, 53), H Pugh, J Davies (E Lloyd, 36), S Bennett ( R Elias, 62), R Gallagher.

Scorers: Tries: C Banfield (2), R Clancy, J Sebastian, G Thomas; Cons: D Jones (3), C Evans (2); Pens: Jones (3)

Newport: J Murphy, A Hewitt, N Edwards, D Franchi, J Morris (O Broad, 73), C Rees (J Mogg, 65), O Davies (A Quick, 65), L Jenkins (J Greenfield, 65), D Rogers (W Evans, 56), A Jefferies (J Monck, 73), D Partridge (A Frampton, 51), A Brown, R Jenkins, O Griffiths (capt), B Lampitt (S Feehan, 56).

Scorers: Try: J Mogg; Con: J Murphy; Pen: Murphy

Referee: Dan Jones (Cardiff)