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.
This story is from the September 15, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 15, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ring fence has made English rugby go soft
THE most positive aspect to come out of the opening round of the European Cup was that, despite six out of the eight English clubs losing, it can get better and relatively quickly.
The global travellers who light up game
THERE is nothing especially funny about short-term memory loss, but it may just have an upside when it comes to rugby.
Battling Bath looking to revive cup campaign
JOHANN van Graan is braced to take on the Italian national team in all but name as Bath look to revive their Champions Cup campaign.
Off-target Gloucester get lesson in finishing
KIWI Michael Ruru scored two early tries and put in a silky display as Vannes created a famous night in their history, securing a first ever Challenge Cup win over a misfiring Gloucester.
We're happy to be the hunted, says Beckett
SARAH Beckett admits Gloucester-Hartpury have made an underwhelming start to their title defence but believes that's partly due to competition across the PWR being at an alltime high.
Heard takes charge to keep out Sarries
GLOUCESTER-HARTPURY secured a pulsating victory over Saracens to leapfrog the Londoners in the PWR table.
Hellfire Corner gives a warm welcome to all
RUGBY was undergoing a massive boom 150 years ago so we shouldn’t be surprised so many teams are celebrating their sesquicentennial anniversary as those who glory in long words like to call it.
My fierce Tigers are roaring-Howison
A RUTHLESS second-half display saw Sheffield Tigers come from behind to score 29 unanswered points and seal a vital bonus point win against bottom of the table Billingham.
Brave Lupus banking on Mo'unga class
THE fourth season of Japan Rugby League One kicks off this week, with the tournament opening with the clash between Mie Honda Heat and Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo on December 21.
Oyonnax must live without El-Abd
OYONNAX’S seven-try 53-10 bonus-point win over ProD2 rivals Soyaux-Angouleme on Friday – their first victory since October 25 – was a relief in more ways than one. In fact, relief probably doesn’t cover it.