I’LL say this once while I can, for I may never say it again — Newport Gwent Dragons are top of their table and Newport County are top of theirs.

Just pause for breath, blink, come up for air, whatever but it’s true. For the benefit of those sports fans who may have been away on holiday and have just stepped off the plane, the Dragons head the Magners League and Newport County top the Blue Square South.

Of the two Gwent, Newport-based sides the County can take more out of their current lofty status because they have played eight games, winning five and drawing three, whereas the Dragons have played just the once.

Both actually share the lead in terms of points won, but the County lead their table on goal difference and the Dragons are front runners on the basis of points difference.

It’s ridiculously early for them just one weekend into the Magners League and it may not last beyond the next round as they have to visit the Royal Dublin Showground, home of Heineken Cup winners Leinster, on Saturday.

But they will take it for they are in almost unchartered territory, they are operating in a rarified atmosphere for it is the first time they have been on top of the table for five years, since the first season of regional rugby back in 2004.

I realise this will disappoint those who delight in being negative about the Dragons and spend some of their time delivering poison on various websites.

But the reality is they comfortably got the better of one of their closest rivals Ulster in their first match and there are, indeed, signs that things are looking up.

As I’ve said before they have recruited well with a number of experienced players brought in and their youngsters are developing nicely.

Okay, to the carpers they may not have attracted world renowned names, but players of the calibre of Matthew Watkins, Danny Lee, Ben Castle, Ali McKenzie, Rob Sidoli and Gavin Thomas have been around the block and know what it’s all about while Jason Tovey and Dan Lydiate can only get better – and they’re pretty good now.

On top of that, though again it’s early days, Tom Riley has so far exceeded expectations on his promotion from the Newport club side.

He looked full of potential against Ulster, having a hand in two of the three tries, providing some zip and defending solidly as well.

And it shouldn’t be overlooked that the Dragons were without Watkins, Lee, Castle and Hoani MacDonald, all on the injured list. So there could be more to come.

How encouraging also to see Colin Charvis on the pitch in his role as defence coach issuing instructions which can only be of benefit to the side.

If things look promising for the Dragons they look even better for the County. They have, in fact, gone an astonishing 15 league games without losing since March.

Promotion would be such a reward for all those who have worked so hard behind the scenes, none more than David Hando, now honorary president, a County figurehead who has done so much to transform the club and, indeed, even rescue them from oblivion a decade or so ago.

And Chris Blight is another, a larger than life figure well known in the area for his business acumen, who can now concentrate on his off-the-field role.

Manager Dean Holdsworth is obviously a pretty shrewd operator who has bought well and has taken his team to the top.

How long can it all last? Probably longer for the County than the Dragons, but enjoy it while you can.