Beddau beaten as B&As round-off perfect pre-season by Rhys Jones
Newport rounded off their pre-season programme in style with a 41-14 victory over Beddau.
In what was their first-ever visit to Mount Pleasant Park, the Black & Ambers made a strong start and opened the scoring after five minutes when Hunter Ward found space out wide to cross for the game’s first try.
They soon extended their advantage. New signing, Steff Davies touched down in the corner after 16 minutes, with Dragons Academy youngster, Will Ford landing an excellent touchline conversion for a 12-0 lead.
The Black and Ambers continued to dominate proceedings and claimed their third try of the afternoon on 27 minutes when another recruit, Ethan Phillips crossed over. Ford, again, added the extras.
Beddau responded almost immediately though, as their midfield combined neatly to send their outside centre over for a converted try, reducing the deficit to 19-7.
Newport had the final say of the first half when a well-executed catch-and-drive allowed Wade Langley to power over for his side’s fourth try.
The half-time whistle blew slightly earlier than planned as medical teams from both clubs attended to injured Beddau player, Morgan Burgess, a summer arrival from Newport. Thankfully, it was not serious.
HANNER AMSER: Beddau 7-24 B&As
The home side emerged strongly after the restart and scored within the opening minute of the second half through their full-back, with the conversion narrowing the gap to 24-14.
Any hopes of a comeback, however, were quickly extinguished, as young Dragon, Sam Morgan danced his way through the defence to produce a try of his own just two minutes later.
As the second half progressed, Newport’s pack continued to exert pressure and were rewarded with a penalty try on 68 minutes to all but end the contest.
The visitors then rubbed salt in the wounds when Theo McKerrow, another young Dragon, raced clear in the closing stages to score against the run of play, with Tom Francis adding the conversion to complete a convincing performance and end pre-season unbeaten.
SGÔR TERFYNOL: Beddau 14-41 B&As
The Black and Ambers can now turn their full attention to the start of the Super Rygbi Cymru season, which begins with the welcome of RGC 1404 to Newport Stadium on Saturday 12 September.
Season tickets are on sale now, so secure your seat now and get behind…
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