CAPTAIN Matt O’Brien has enjoyed being centre stage to help Newport RFC make a flying start to the Premiership Cup and enjoy a boost in his day job.

The fly-half has shifted position for the Black and Ambers, playing at 12 with Dragons academy prospect Will Reed pulling the strings.

They played their part in an impressive first half of the Premiership Cup with Newport responding to an opening weekend defeat at Pontypridd to set the pace in the east group.

Ty Morris’ men have won four on the spin and hunt revenge against Ponty at Spytty Park tomorrow afternoon, knowing a win would put them in great shape for a spot in the quarter-finals.

The Black and Ambers have prospered from mixing youth with experience, to the double delight of Dragons academy coach O’Brien.

The skipper has watched Reed, wing Oli Andrew and flankers Lennon Greggains and George Young make an impression, while elusive full-back Dai Richards is poised for a return to action.

O’Brien has been calling the shots at fly-half at Newport since 2013 but has adapted to being Owen Farrell to Reed’s Marcus Smith.

South Wales Argus: PROSPECT: Dragons fly-half Will Reed has impressed for NewportPROSPECT: Dragons fly-half Will Reed has impressed for Newport

“I am definitely not a crash-ball 12! It’s good and it’s nice to play outside Will after working with him throughout the week,” said the 29-year-old.

“A bit of experience outside him is probably good and we can help each other out. It’s nice to take a bit of pressure off each other with decision-making.

“It’s been working quite well, although there might be a change of selection when the weather turns!”

Newport certainly played some good stuff last week when enjoying a six-try, 44-17 derby win over Ebbw Vale at Eugene Cross Park.

The performance was poor at Sardis Road on opening weekend but the response has been good to beat Cardiff, RGC, Merthyr and the Steelmen.

“It’s been going well after the slip-up in the first week,” said O’Brien. “They are the only side to have beaten us so we are looking to fix that, but we know Pontypridd are always a tough test.”

With the top two earning home advantage against western rivals in the quarters, Newport are keen to keep their momentum and earn a knockout clash at their new home.

“It’s a really good set-up and the pitch is nice, we really enjoyed it against Merthyr,” said O’Brien.

“It was different after going to Rodney Parade for years but it’s something that might turn out to be a good move for us in the long term.”

Ebbw started with a stunning win at Merthyr and backed that up with a hard-earned home triumph against Ponty.

It hasn’t gone to plan since then and Greg Woods will be demanding a response from his players after their derby hammering.

The Steelmen face the Ironmen of Merthyr this weekend with the visitors buoyant after edging out Cardiff.

Premiership Cup, East Group: Ebbw Vale v Merthyr, Newport v Pontypridd, RGC v Cardiff.

Championship Cup: Narberth v Bargoed, Maesteg Quins v Ystrad Rhondda, Neath v Glamorgan W.

Championship Plate: Bedwas v Ystalyfera, Cross Keys v Tata Steel, Beddau v Trebanos.