Newport grab six for double bonus

Super Rygbi round-up

- CARL FIELD

NEWPORT hit Bridgend for six on opening day in Super Rygbi Cymru and created history in the process.

The Black and Ambers’ 41-22 victory saw them become the first side to earn the extra bonus point on offer if teams win by 15 points or more.

Although it looked comfortable in the end, Newport had to come from behind after Scott Baldwin’s rejuvenated Ravens hit the front with first-half unconverted tries from Curtis Greenslade and Edd Howley.

Newport were finally on the scoreboard after 36 minutes through Wade Langley’s unconverted try before Chay Foster-Smith grabbed their second try, converted by Matt O’Brien, as they led 12-10 at half-time.

A try double from Oli Drake after the restart secured the hosts’ first bonus point before Henry Palmer and Rynard Landman added further tries, both converted by O’Brien, who also added the extras to Drake’s second try.

Bridgend did leave with a bonus point after a second score from Howley and a breakaway try from Macaulay Rowley. Price converted the latter before O’Brien sent over a late penalty for Newport.

Llandovery were pushed to the edge at Pontypool – but clung on for a 21-18 victory.