NEWPORT powered their way to a 20-3 victory over Ebbw Vale to boost their own survival hopes and plunge their rivals into even more trouble, writes Jay Bayford.

With both teams lurking closer to the foot of the table than they would ideally like to be, there was more than just bragging rights on offer at Rodney Parade.

And it was Ty Morris’ Black and Ambers who turned on the style to take a much-needed four points.

The conditions made things difficult for the players with rain lashing down throughout the day and strong gusts arriving shortly before kick-off.

The two rivals both looked up for the fight as they battled for territory early on, but it wasn’t until halfway through the first period that the game sparked into life.

Rhys Jones’ penalty put the Steelmen in front, but the Black and Ambers’ response was emphatic with Jonny Morris going over in the corner a few minutes later.

Matt O’Brien showcased his kicking ability by delivering the extras from an almost impossible angle, and against the wind.

Not to be outdone, Ebbw fly-half Jones sent Mike Powell racing down the wing with a delightful cross-field pass.

The Newport defence managed to clear the danger, however, the Steelmen continued to pile on the pressure.

After patiently going through the phases, it looked inevitable they would cross the whitewash, but resilient Newport defending kept them at the bay.

The last kick of the half saw the hosts take a seven-point lead into the break courtesy of another stellar kick from O’Brien.

Ebbw’s game plan for the second half had to be readjusted just five minutes after the restart with home winger Harri Lang collecting O’Brien’s perfectly weighted kick to touch down.

Newport’s kicking proved to be a constant problem for Ebbw and only a fortunate block from Dan Haymond prevented Morris from running free down the left wing.

Newport were equally as good with their hands and they put the result beyond doubt when Elliott Frewen broke clear before handing Geraint O’Driscoll a simple try.

The visitors’ evening was compounded when winger Aaron Grabham was sent to the sin-bin for the final stages of the game.

Scorers: Newport – Tries – J Morris, H Lang, G O’Driscoll; Con – M O‘Brien; Pen – M O’Brien.

Ebbw Vale – Pen – R Jones

Newport: G O’Driscoll; H Lang, J Morris, T Pascoe, E Frewen; M O’Brien, L Crane; L Smout, M Dwyer, G Harris, A Mann, J Bartlett, M Burgess, J Reid, R Jenkins (capt). Rep: D Preece, J Jeune, L Jones, R Jones, K Tayler, G Watkin, H Simons, R Gardiner.

Ebbw Vale: D Haymond; M Powell, R Evans, D Franchi, A Grabham; R Jones, D Jones; L Garrett, D Whiting, R Sevenoaks, C Talbot, A Sweet (capt), D Hill, D Rubasniak, L Young. Reps: M Blake, J Harries, R Jones, M Ayling, H Harding, M Flanagan, E Phillips, D Thomas.

Star man: Harri Lang (Newport)