SECOND-PLACED Newport failed in a bid to redress the balance with Aberavon for a shock Konica Minolta Cup exit at the ground back in March. The 18-17 quarter-final defeat at the Talbot Athletic Ground formed one of the low points of the season for the Black and Ambers.

It was a game Newport should of won, and it seemed as if the Aberavon jinx was once more present last night.

This formed a first league win for Aberavon over Newport since the 40-38 success of May 4, 1999 - and it reduced the overall deficit to 13-3.

Though Aberavon opened the scoring with a Michael Hook penalty, most of the early attacking intent came from wind-assisted Newport.

They refused a kickable penalty in the 14th minute but from the ensuing five-metre lineout, flanker Paul Williams was driven over for an 11th league try of the season.

Fly-half Daniel Griffiths converted only for the Wizards to hit back and during a prolonged visit to the Newport 22, only superb defence kept them out.

The Black and Ambers then showed the home side how to finish when powerful No 8 Rhys Jones cut through and gave a try-scoring pass to wing Gareth Chapman.

Griffiths added the extras to extend the lead to 14-3, but right on half time the Wizards mustered a magical try.

Former Neath wing Richard Carter touched down on the end of a mazy 40-metre run with ex-Newport fly-half Hook converting.

That cut the interval deficit to 14-10 and in the 45th minute Carter repeated the feat, this time touching down on the end of a Darren Ryan pass.

And on the hour Aberavon captain Dafydd Owen, who earlier announced his retirement, was driven over for his side's third try.

Hook converted, extending the lead to 22-14, and then missed a 50-metre penalty.

Newport were now only being seen in a defensive capacity, and Aberavon full-back Liam Gadd only just missed out on a try in the 68th minute.

But a minute on the Black and Ambers were facing a seventh league defeat of the season when replacement scrum-half Adrian Williams sprinted over for a corner try.

Flanker Steve Phillips got the next Aberavon try and although replacement prop Richard Dale touched down late for the visitors, it was Aberavon's night.

Aberavon: L. Gadd; R. Carter, B. Maddocks (C Kinsey 61), D. Ryan (J. Davies 46), P. Bamsey; M. Hook, Daniel Hawkins (A. Williams 51); M. Harris (L. Howell 69), C. Wells (J. Jones 79), P. Breeze (G. Dix 19), A. Fisher, D. Owen (capt) (P. Morgan 79), I. Moore, R. Morris, S. Phillips. Scorers: Tries: R. Carter (2), D. Owen, A. Williams, S. Phillips: Cons: M Hook (3); Pen: M. Hook Newport: R. Williams; C. Thomas, S. Ireland, R. Shorney (R. Payne 40), G. Chapman; D. Griffiths, A. Walker; G. Mason (I. Evans 72), A. Brown, G. Robinson (S. Cronk 72), M. Veater (capt), B. Thomson (N. Edwards 62), W. Waldron (S. Waldron 46), R. Jones (R. Dale 67), P. Williams. Scorers: Tries - P. Williams, G. Chapman, R. Dale; Cons: D. Griffiths (3) Referee: James Jones (Bridgend)