NEWPORT produced a Jekyll and Hyde performance against Swansea on Saturday, but still remain top of the Welsh Premier Division.

The Black and Ambers were rampant in the first half, taking a 25-6 lead into the break. And only poor kicking from the normally reliable Daniel Griffiths kept the score down going into the break.

But the second half was a different affair, with Swansea outscoring the hosts by 14 points to 10.

Newport also lost their discipline somewhat, with Sam Waldron, Rhys Thomas and Wynn Thomas all being sent to the sin bin at various points in the game.

Newport opened the scoring through captain Gareth Gravell, who drove over from close range after Chay Billen had stolen the ball from a Swansea lineout.

Griffiths converted, and minutes later he cut through the Swansea defence to touch down for Newport's second converted try.

Swansea rarely threatened Newport's try-line in the first half, but when they did, they found it impossible to break down a resilient defence, with number 8 Rhys Jones leading by example.

Swansea's outside-half did get his side on the scoresheet with one penalty and drop goal, but those scores were both matched, with Griffiths adding a penalty, and Llyr Lane a drop goal.

Just before the break, Wales under-21 star Rhys Thomas broke through the Swansea defence from 22 yards out before off-loading to Chay Billen to touch down in the corner to give Leigh Jones' side a 25-6 lead at the break.

The second half was largely ruined by referee Howard Hopkins, who infuriated both the home crowd and the Newport coaching staff with his inconsistent decisions.

Richards reduced the deficit with a penalty, before try-machine Craig Richards grabbed his 21st try of the season, latching on to Griffiths' excellent grubber kick behind a flat Swansea defence to touch down in the corner.

On the hour prop forward Rhys Thomas was sent to the sin bin for striking an opponent, and it was at this point the game started to open up.

Swansea full back Gareth Swales crossed for the visitors, while Richards scored his second try of the game, his 22 second of the season, and Newport's fifth of the game.

The winger chipped the Swansea defence, and caught his own kick before touching down under the posts for an excellent individual try.

Minutes later replacement Wyn Thomas was sent to the sin bin, and Swansea took full advantage, with John Tenconi scoring the visitors' second converted try of the half just before full time to reduce the score to 35-23.