NEWPORT sent the Rodney Parade faithful home happy after securing their first Premiership win at the famous ground this season.

They were worthy winners in an entertaining clash that also saw them end Llandovery’s run of three successive league victories.

It was nail-biting stuff towards the end of an open encounter, but they held on for a much-needed triumph that will lift the mood considerably.

The hosts had got off to a poor start and were 7-0 down in as many minutes when Drovers loosehead prop Dean Howells crossed for a try from a five metre lineout, outside-half Jack Maynard converting.

The Black and Ambers tried to hit back immediately and dangerous runners like wingers Jon Morris and Wes Cunliffe caused havoc in the visiting ranks.

Unfortunately for the home side however, a lack of a clinical edge meant they were still scoreless as the first quarter drew to a close.

Indeed it was the West Walians who scored next when Maynard slotted over a penalty in the 19th minute after his side were unlucky not to get their second touchdown.

Newport did pull three points back not long after when outside-half Matt O’Brien knocked over a well-struck penalty from 40 metres.

They further reduced the arrears when full-back Geraint O’Driscoll scored a cracking try as the hosts finally finished off their early promising work.

The conversion was wide but it was just 10-8 to the visitors now.

There was a moment of high drama in the 35th minute when Drovers openside Duane Eager tripped O’Brien in front of referee Gareth Newman.

Instead of giving the flanker a yellow card at the very least for what was a nasty piece of play, the official merely awarded the hosts a penalty, much to the fury of the home faithful.

There was some justice however, because O’Brien picked himself up and banged over the penalty to give his team the lead for the first time.

The half ended with Newport deservedly ahead 11-10.

The Black and Ambers lost lock Rhodri Jones to the sin bin in the 46th minute for taking out Aaron Warren as he kicked ahead, the winger badly in the challenge and having to leave the field, replaced by James Davies.

Maynard restored his side’s lead with the ensuing penalty.

In the 55th minute, Newport got a penalty for a dangerous tackle and O’Brien’s fine effort made it 14-13.

Again Cunliffe had the Llandovery defence at sixes and sevens, but again the Black and Ambers failed to capitalise as the visitors cleared their lines.

But again Newport came at them and the tricky O’Brien jinked his way over for the try their richly deserved.

He converted his own score to make it 21-13 after 61 minutes.

Maynard brought the Drovers right back into it with a penalty with a quarter of an hour to go.

A thrilling climax saw Newport try and make the game safe with a series of attacks but they kept coughing up the ball.

But they held on to chalk up their third league triumph of the season.

Newport scorers: Tries – Geraint O’Driscoll 26, Matt O’Brien 61, Conversions – O’Brien 61, Penalties – O’Brien 22, 36, 55.

Llandovery scorers: Tries – Dean Howells 7, Conversions – Jack Maynard 7, Penalties – Maynard 19, 49, 65.

Referee: Gareth Newman (WRU)

Argus star men: Wes Cunliffe and Matt O’Brien