NEWPORT pulled off a remarkable victory in adversity last night over Neath at The Gnoll after having lock Adam Brown sent off in the 32nd minute, writes Tony Poole.

Brown, who was initially yellow-carded in the 14th minute for ball-killing, then saw red for a similar offence.

Prop Gethin Robinson was also binned during a stop-start half that saw the Blacks lead 15-3 at the break.

But the Black and Ambers hit back in determined style to gain a second successive Gnoll victory – and cement a secure mid-table slot.

It took just 50 seconds for Neath to open their account, ex-Newbridge centre Arron Pinches breaking and wing Bowdy Davies claiming an unconverted try.

Former Newport flanker Gareth Gravell scored a close-range try in the 13th minute against 14 men – and repeated the feat eight minutes with Newport down to 13.

Penalties either side of half time from full-back Geraint O’Driscoll penalty in the 39th minute gave Newport hope.

And they were right back in it on 47 minutes when wing Elliot Frewen sprinted clear to claim a 27th league try that O’Driscoll goaled.

And the 14 men shook The Gnoll when full-back O’Driscoll landed another penalty in the 52nd minute to give them the lead, 16-15.

Five minutes later, a fourth O’Driscoll penalty enhanced the lead ahead of a lengthy stoppage caused by an injury to Neath fly-half Dai Langdon.

The Black and Ambers then showed true grit, crowning an amazing comeback with an 80th-minute try at the posts from fly-half Ethan Davies that O’Driscoll converted.

Score summary: Neath: Tries – G Gravell (2), B Davies Newport: Tries – E Frewen, E Davies; Cons: G O’Driscoll (2); Pens: G O’Driscoll (4)