NEWPORT fans who watched their side stop the rot with victory at the Cardiff Arms Park may have seen a glimpse of the future when it comes to Sam Waldron.

The 31-year-old has made 164 appearances for the Black and Ambers but Monday was just his fourth start in the second row, courtesy of a late withdrawal by glandular fever victim Adam Frampton.

Waldron, usually a back row forward, produced a performance that head coach Sven Cronk said was among his best for Newport.

It may have been a selection triggered by unavailablity but Cronk insists it wasn’t a decision made on a whim and believes it could increase the popular forward’s longevity at Rodney Parade.

"It’s something that we spoke to Sam about a few months back and the ability to play second row is another string to his bow," said the coach.

"He has got the lineout skills, both in attack and defence, and it is useful to have a lock getting around the park like he does.

"Sam was very destructive against Cardiff and some of his tackles gave the whole team a real lift.

"It was possibly one of his best games for Newport."

The preparation for the clash with the Blue and Blacks was akin to something under Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest with Thurday’s training session scrapped for a team bonding session in the bar.

And, just as it was for the double European Cup winners, the proof was in the pudding in the 22-6 success.

"We were terrific in terms of our attacking shape, our defensive shape, our attitude and spirit," said Cronk.

"I take my hat off to the boys, they have kept working hard and have always had an eagerness to do well.

"Everyone wanted to be there against Cardiff and the performance was superb but we know that it is only one win.

"It’s one step at a time and afterwards we were already talking about maintaining those levels against Tonmawr and Ebbw Vale in the Swalec Cup."

Newport are not in action this weekend but both Pontypool and Cross Keys fully expect a repeat of their Bank Holiday Monday efforts when they clash on Saturday.

Pooler went down to a 11-9 defeat to leaders Llandovery while Keys edged past Bedwas 12-3 in games played in heavy conditions.

It is sure to be another mudbath if Saturday’s derby at Pontypool Park gets the go ahead.

Pooler were denied a fourth win on the spin against the Drovers and will be hoping they are not denied a swift opportunity to get back on the horse.

"In those conditions we were never going to be able to play an expansive game," said Pooler coach Shaun Connor.

"It was always going to be a tight one where it was about playing in the opposition’s half and unfortunately Llandovery just edged it.

"It will be more of the same unless the pitch recovers miraculously and it will be an old fashioned Gwent derby and a bit of a dogfight."

Cae Trayhern will not be able to make a return to old club Pontypool after he ruptured his spleen in Keys’ win against Bedwas.

The openside flanker played on after suffering the injury and is still in hospital. His teammates will be looking to replicate that determination at Pontypool Park.

"We had played some scintilating stuff before the Bedwas game but we showed that we can play both styles," said head coach Greg Woods.

"Monday was more a case of grinding it out like we used to and playing smart rugby, I expect Saturday will be the same."