WING Elliot Frewen crossed at the death to put Newport into the top three of the Principality Premiership but the try wasn’t enough to prevent what could be a costly loss in their bid for the play-offs.

The Black and Ambers were downed 26-22 by a Carmarthen side who made a mockery of their position one from the bottom of the table, the hosts paying the price for a sluggish start that gave the Quins something to cling onto.

It means that despite a marvellous season, third-placed Newport’s title hopes are hanging by a thread.

They would have gone top with victory courtesy of Ebbw Vale’s loss at Pandy Park and must now record at least one victory away to fellow title hopefuls Cross Keys (on Saturday) or Pontypridd while ensuring they don’t slip up against Llanelli at home on final weekend.

That Newport are even in the mix is a fantastic achievement after the troubles of last season that would have meant a year in the Swalec Championship had Bargoed had the criteria required for promotion.

But being in such a good position made their loss to Swalec Cup semi-finalists Carmarthen all the more disappointing.

Newport made a nightmare start with the Quins crossing after just 65 seconds when wing Lee Williams finished off a slick move, Craig Evans adding the extras.

It got worse when fellow wing Dale Ford followed him over the line on five minutes from a neat chip, again converted, and the one-way traffic continued with the Quins twice held up over the line approaching the quarter.

Newport needed to hold firm and score next and they did just that following a peach of a touchfinder from a penalty by fly-half Arwel Robson.

While the resulting lineout five metres out was botched, the Black and Ambers kept the visitors pinned inside their 22 and after winning a scrum penalty number eight Brendan Lampitt powered over for a score that Robson converted for 16-8.

Newport finished the half on top but couldn’t make their pressure count and an Evans penalty four minutes into the restart gave the west Walians some breathing space.

The Black and Ambers were hindered by a misfiring lineout while the natives were restless at what they perceived to be time-wasting by the Quins.

Newport had plenty of ball but were troubled by Carmarthen’s line speed and frustration grew as the clock ticked, both on the game and their title hopes.

The killer blow came when Williams dashed through for his second on 73 minutes but Newport at least rallied for a losing bonus point through a brace from the ever-impressive Frewen, his second a cracker from the final play to give his side some hope despite a spluttering performance and hurtful loss.

Newport scorers: tries – B Lampitt, E Frewen; conversion – A Robson

Carmarthen Quins scorers: tries – L Williams (2), D Ford; conversions – C Evans (2), G Thomas; penalty – C Evans