Despite building a 12-0 lead in the first quarter of an hour, with tries through Dai Langdon – a brilliant solo effort from his own half – and a Catch’n’Kynes, it was the 17th minute dismissal of Cameron Regan that proved the undoing of Ebbw Vale at Rodney Parade on Sunday afternoon. Newport fought back to 15-8 by half time by half time as Dany Haymond and Matt O’Brien exchanged penalties and Nicky Boyce crossed for a try. Ebbw’s organised and aggressive defending largely nullified Newport’s advantage but a second O’Brien penalty and his conversion of Adam Sabri’s try secured the 4 points for the home side.

Dan Haymond, Stefan Thomas, James Lewis, Dominic Franchi, Toby Fricker; Dai Langdon, Dai Jones; Ross Jones, Rhys Francis, Rob Sevenoaks; Lance Randall, Rhys Clarke; Cameron Regan, Ronny Kynes (capt), Lewis Young.

Bench: Joe Franchi, Joel Harries, Josh James, Kristian Parker, Ben Papp, Sam Ireland, Callum Hall, Srdan Majkic.