NEWPORT got their Principality Premiership campaign up and running with a tense 25-22 victory at Ebbw Vale this afternoon while Cross Keys recorded a superb win in Cardiff.

The Black and Ambers, who had started the season with defeats to Carmarthen Quins and Pontypridd, emerged triumphant thanks to an early try by wing Jon Morris, a drop goal by centre Jamie Murphy and five penalties from the left boot of Geraint O’Driscoll.

Ebbw Vale suffered their first defeat of the campaign despite wing Wes Cunliffe’s brace and were left to rue a pair of late penalty misses by replacement fly-half Iain Smerdon.

Cross Keys won 30-24 at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park against a Blue and Blacks side featuring a host of regional players.

Livewire Dragons Academy wing Lloyd Lewis scored a try on debut while in-form flanker Scott Matthews and scrum-half James Leadbeater also crossed.

However, Bedwas suffered another home defeat, although they rallied late on to at least bag a bonus point from their 31-24 loss to Aberavon.

Results: Bedwas 24 Aberavon 31, Cardiff 24 Cross Keys 30, Carmarthen Q 30 Llanelli 26, Ebbw Vale 22 Newport 25, Neath 18 Llandovery 35, Pontypridd 27 Bridgend 17