NEWPORT kept their hopes alive of clinching a top eight spot in the Principality Premiership when the table splits into two in January with a crucial bonus point victory over Aberavon, writes Geoff Champion.

The Black and Ambers stormed into a 30-10 lead thanks to a brace of tries from wing Elliot Frewen and touchdowns from centre Tom Riley and wing Jon Morris. Replacement centre Matt O’Brien kicked a penalty and two conversions while outside half Arwel Robson dropped a goal.

Aberavon deserved their losing bonus point because they finished strongly with backrow man Chris Davies and wing Jay Baker picking up late tries to add to an earlier effort by dangerous centre Will Price. Outside half Steffen Williams kicked a penalty and his replacement James Garland landed three conversions.

Newport had won their last four league games but still found themselves in 11th spot facing the tough task of closing an eight-point gap with just four games remaining to secure their place in the top half.

Aberavon, second only to Merthyr in the league, rounded a rather disappointing November for them a week earlier by going down 22-11 at Pontypridd having lost, drawn and won against Cardiff, Bedwas and Ebbw Vale respectively.

The Rodney Parade pitch had a heavy covering of sand, used to help combat the recent frosty weather, when the sides emerged from the dressing rooms.

Newport did most of the early attacking and they deservedly took the lead in the 17th minute when a well-judged cross kick by Robson enabled Frewen to cross for an unconverted try. Then Riley showed his skill by cutting through the visitors’ defence and having the strength to drive over for another unconverted touchdown eight minutes later.

Replacement centre O’Brien kicked a 45 metres angled penalty goal in the 32nd minute to extend Newport’s lead to 13-0 but the Wizards should have reduced the deficit soon after. Centre Wil Price and fly half Steffen Williams combined sweetly to take play five metres short of the home line but flanker Luke Joseph failed to hold on to the final pass with the line at his mercy. There were no other scores before the interval.

Aberavon put up a spirited late finish but it was Newport who were celebrating an important victory at the final whistle.

Scorers: Newport: Tries – E Frewen (2) T Riley J Morris Pens – M O’Brien Drop gl – A Robson Cons – M O’Brien (2) Aberavon: Tries - W Price C Davies Pens – S Williams Cons – J Garland (2) Newport: G O’Driscoll; E Frewen , T Riley, T Pascoe (M O’Brien 24), J Morris; A Robson, R James (O Davies78); J Lavender (J Gre4enfield 73), H Palmer, G Harris (C Coleman 73) A Brown, capt. ( D Mock 76 ) 75 , R Jones, R Tucker, C Atwell (K Tayler 76) and R Jenkins.

Aberavon: J Gage; J Baker, W Price, D Evans, M Jenkins (J Flynn 58); S Williams (J Garland 55)), D Pritchard; R Jenkins (M Burgess 54), G Harvey (L Davies 54), A Jeffries (J Thomas 57), I Moore, capt., (J Ratti 64) B Jones (B Davies 78), L Purnell, L Joseph and J Tomalin-Reeves (C Davies) 72).

Referee: Mr Simon Mills (WRU) Star man:Rhodri Jones (Newport)