NEWPORT started 2017 with an impressive win over Premiership title-chasing RGC 1404 on a freezing cold night at Rodney Parade, writes Jay Bamford.

The Black and Ambers knew they were destined to finish in the bottom eight regardless of the result but ran in five tries as they continued their fine recent form, six wins from their last seven league games, heading into the league split.

RGC started well as Tom Hughes crashed over in the corner in just the second minute, with Danny Cross adding the extras.

But the hosts responded well and levelled the score seconds later when Rhys Jenkins evaded a challenge to touch down and Arwel Robson booted the conversion. The try inspired Newport as they unleashed attack after attack but RGC managed to keep them out until Huw Worthington and Phil John were both sent to the sin-bin within minutes of each other.

Down to 13 men, RGC were unable to stop Newport adding a further five points – albeit a penalty try awarded by referee Rob Price. Robson converted to put the hosts seven points clear.

Cross cut the deficit with a well-taken penalty before Llywarch ap Myrddin finished off a fine team move to touch down. Robson again kicked the conversion.

Hughes kept RGC in sight with his second try late in the first half but Robson kicked Newport further ahead with a penalty with the last kick of the first period.

Both sides seemed to cancel each other out in the second as they battled hard to gain control of the match but Newport managed to edge further ahead through the boot of Robson.

The Black and Ambers capped a superb performance with two late tries. Dan Partridge crashed over to claim a winning bonus point before Dan Mock added gloss to the scoreline. Matt O’Brien converted both.

Newport scorers: Tries: R Jenkins, penalty try, L ap Myrddin, D Partridge, D Mock; Cons: A Robson (3), M O’Brien (2); Pens: A Robson (2).

RGC 1404 scorers: Tries: T Hughes (2); Cons: D Cross (2); Pen: D Cross.