NEWPORT coach Ian Hembrow took his leave of Rodney Parade while pointing to a commendable record.

It was announced last month that Hembrow would be standing down at the season's end, and Saturday's trip to Llandovery will form the swansong game.

However, some of the failings that have haunted the Black and Ambers this winter surfaced during this derby clash with Bedwas.

The 12-9 loss formed a sixth defeat from 13 league starts at a ground that down the years has been regarded as a fortress.

"We were looking to round the season off with a decent victory in front of our fans, but ultimately not enough try-scoring chances were created," said Hembrow.

He added: "It was a typical end-of-season game in which both teams seemed to cancel each other out.

"However, I have enjoyed my stay at Rodney Parade, and more to the point learned a lot.

"I can look back on the period with pride, as Newport played some decent rugby and there were more victories than defeats.

"My options remain open, and hopefully I will secure a Welsh Premiership coaching position elsewhere.'' Opposite number Steve Law was delighted with a first Bedwas league victory at Rodney Parade.

It also completed a notable league double for Bedwas, and it made amends for Newport gaining a 21-14 cup victory at the Bridge Field in round five back in February.

"Dragons coach Paul Turner was aggrieved at decisions against the Ospreys last Friday, and at times against Newport I knew where he was coming from," explained Law.

"Some key 50-50 decisions went against us, but in fairness to the boys they dug deep to absorb Newport pressure at the close.'' The Black and Ambers could and should have come out of the game with at least a draw, but refused two goal chances from close range during injury time.

Fly-half Daniel Griffiths was instructed to go for touch, and Newport just failed to make set-piece pressure count.

Afterwards hooker Andrew Brown and wing Will Kershaw-Naylor were both presented with club caps for 100 appearances by former Newport and Wales full-back Keith Jarrett.

Captain and prop David Pattison went one better in figuring for a 150th time, but bar the famous three the game won't linger long in the memory.

Try-scoring chances were like gold dust, with Bedwas spurning three during the opening period.

The probing and pop passes of fly-half John Welch caused Newport problems, but the Black and Ambers nevertheless turned around with a 6-0 lead.

Fly-half Griffiths delivered penalties in the 13th and 18th minutes while Bedwas full-back Stuart Thomas restored parity on the back of efforts struck in the 47th and 52nd minutes.

Griffiths completed a penalty hat trick on the hour, taking Newport back ahead on 9-6, only for Thomas to win the day on the strength of successful efforts recorded in the 62nd and 74th minutes.

Though Newport mounted a strong finish with flanker Richard Dale prominent, stout defence kept them at bay.

Newport: M Burke (M Hook 64); W Kershaw-Naylor (N Wakely 53), S Williams, N Williams, M Poole; D Griffiths, M Thomas; D Pattison (capt), A Brown (M Leaman 64), G Robinson (I Evans 64), M Veater, A Frampton, R Hill, A Coombs, C Hill.

Scorers: Pens - D Griffiths (3).

Bedwas: S Thomas; A Hughes, P Dollman, D Atkins, J Norris; J Welch, J Pizey; D Lewis (G Leonard 40), K Crawford, K Jenkins, R Edwards (S Dafydd 70), C Powell, P Sargent (B Lampitt 64), N Lewis, A Tibbatts.

Scorers: Pens - S Thomas (4).

Referee: David Bodilly (Cardiff).