NEWPORT’S unbeaten run that had stretched back to Christmas came to a shock end at the Brewery Field, as they suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Bridgend, writes Chris Smart.

The Black and Ambers put points on the board early and opened the scoring through a Matt O’Brien penalty from range in just the third minute.

But the remainder of the first half was a well-matched affair between two sides having very different seasons.

Newport had defied expectations so far this year and, looking for their seventh straight win in a run that went back to December 30, added three more points to their tally midway through the half thanks to another O’Brien penalty.

But Bridgend did hit back thanks to a Jamie Murphy penalty on half an hour, and on the brink of half-time came dangerously close to taking the lead for the first time.

Aaron Grabham intercepted deep in his own 22 and broke, evading the challenge of full-back Geraint O’Driscoll to have a free run to the line.

But, inexplicably, Grabham dived too early and landed short, and while Bridgend recovered to earn a penalty Murphy could only strike the inside of the post as the score remained 6-3.

Newport extended their lead early in the second period through two further penalties from O’Brien, but it was Bridgend who scored the first try of the game after full-back Jonny Phillips broke free down the left wing. Murphy converted well to reduce the arrears to just two points on the hour mark.

And it was not long before Bridgend did take the lead thanks to a further penalty from Murphy, and another one five minutes from time was enough to spare Grabham’s blushes and end Bridgend’s five-game winless run.

Newport now turn their attention towards their rearranged WRU National Cup clash at Bedwas on Tuesday night.

Scorers: Bridgend – Try: J Phillips; Con: J Murphy; Pens: J Murphy (3) Newport – Pens: M O’Brien (4)