NEWPORT registered their first Premiership win at the fourth time of asking as they defeated Llanelli in a scrappy encounter at Parc y Scarlets, writes Ian Mitchelmore.

Lock Adam Brown touched down late on to add to tries from Owen Davies and Henry Palmer as the Black and Ambers claimed an important victory in West Wales.

Despite a brief shower above the Llanelli skies prior to kick-off, conditions were perfect for running rugby as both sides looked to put the ball through the hands of the backs early on.

But it was in the set-piece that Newport struggled and, after conceding a penalty only a minute earlier, they were behind as Llanelli scrum-half Evans booted up-field from a Black and Ambers scrum to touch down for the opening try after six minutes.

Newport soon settled and started to enjoy more possession – but they were unable to convert it into points as outside-half Matt O’Brien missed with a long-range penalty attempt.

However, Newport were eventually rewarded on the half hour mark as hooker Palmer barged his way over the try-line from the back of a driving maul to level the scores.

After being forced to defend for a lengthy spell, Llanelli were back in-front after being awarded another penalty by Leighton Hodges from a powerful scrum – with full-back Dion Jones booting the three points.

Llanelli winger Ryan Conbeer raced up to Newport’s 22 in the dying stages of the opening half from a turnover – but he could not finish off a stunning counter-attack as the hosts led by three at the break.

John Lavender, Garin Harris and Reuben Tucker were all brought on for the second half as Craig Warlow’s men looked to strengthen their pack.

But it was the home side that enjoyed more ball and territory in what was a scrappy second period.

And Llanelli edged further ahead in the 57th minute as back-rower Josh Macleod found space to release flanker Hart on the left wing to touch down for the home side’s second try of the afternoon.

Newport continued to battle away and set-up a tense finish when replacement Davies pounced over for a try late on – with Arwel Robson converting.

And victory was secured as lock Brown touched down to get Newport their first tick in the win column.

Llanelli: D Jones, A Evans, I Nicholas, N Edwards, R Conbeer (M Owen 57), I Hughes, J Evans (R Cole 48); T Kaijaks (R Fawcett 48), T Davies, S Gardiner (W Taylor 57), A Powell (capt), C Long (B Davies 70), T Lloyd, N Hart (L Pike 75), J Macleod.

Scorers – Tries: J Evans, N Hart; Pen: D Jones

Newport: Ll ap Myrddin, W Cunliffe (O Williams 57), T Pascoe, C Smith, E Frewen, M O’Brien (A Robson 60), R James (E Whitson 57); K Bale (J Lavender 40), H Palmer, C Coleman (G Harris 40), A Brown, D Partridge (C Attwell 68), R Jones (R Tucker 40), K Taylor, B Lampitt.

Scorers – Tries: H Palmer, O Davies, A Brown; Con: A Robson

Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU)

Argus Man of the Match: Adam Brown (Newport)