Fourteen year old Sam Galliers travels from Cheltenham with his dad and rarely misses a home game involving Newport RFC or Newport Gwent Dragons. That's a fair committment and an example to many of us. He reliably informed us before the match that after some three or maybe four mascot appearances, he has never lead out a losing Newport side.

With that in mind our confidence rose even against auspicious table topping opposition such as Neath.

Sam met his favourite player Owen Broad before kick off for the all important photo session and then ran out with the team with skipper Andy Brown.

True to his word, Newport went on to notch up a great first half lead with the strong wind. Many finger nails were bitten after the break however as Neath also used the wind to peg back the lead to a mere three points. It was not to be for the blacks however as the 'Port hung in to record an all important win.