NEWPORT are still rooted to the foot of the Principality Premiership table after slipping to defeat at the hands of Llanelli at Parc Y Scarlets, writes Chris Smart.

The Black and Ambers were unable to name their team until a few hours before kick-off as they struggled with injuries to players who needed late fitness tests and absences caused by call-ups to the Wales under-20s team.

And to make matters worse serious traffic problems on the M4 caused them to arrive late at the ground which led to a quarter of an hour delay in kick-off.

Despite these problems Newport made an encouraging start and had plenty of early possession and territory but were unable to turn that into points.

Fly-half Gareth Walters fired Llanelli into the lead after only five minutes with a well-executed penalty and he got a second on 20 minutes to open up a six-point cushion.

Geraint O’Driscoll, Newport’s kicking ace, got his side’s first points of the night before Walters kicked his third penalty, and five minutes before the break wing Kyle Evans crossed the whitewash for the hosts to make it 14-3 to them at half-time.

Newport started the second half in very much the same vein as the first with a spring in their step and soon scored a try through Rhys Jenkins.

That went unconverted and during the next ten minutes the sides exchanged penalties with Walters putting over one for Llanelli and O’Driscoll for Newport.

Llanelli virtually put the game to bed when replacement Ellis Phillips crossed for a touchdown converted by Walters – and that denied the visitors any chance of a losing bonus point.

And to rub salt in the wound Evans crossed for his second try which Walters converted.

That gave Llanelli a comfortable win although the scoreline rather flattered them.

Scorers

Llanelli: Tries: K Evans (2) E Phillips. Con: G Walters. Pens: Walters (4).

Newport: Try: R Jenkins. Pens: G O’Driscoll (2)