Newport 27 Neath 24

EIGHTEEN-year-old fly-half Lewis Robling won’t forget the day that the Black and Ambers jolted title-chasing Neath at Rodney Parade.

The young number 10, in only his fourth Newport match, was called up as Dan Griffiths and Chris Wannell were injured.

And the Dragons Academy member, who has had some games for Newbridge, came up trumps with 17 points – five penalties in eight attempts, the final one clinching victory in the last minute, and a conversion.

“I enjoyed it – a wonderful game for Newport,” said Robling, a Wales under-18 cap who lives in Caerleon. “Was I put off by the place-kicks I missed? I blanked them out and got on with it.”

Alongside steady scrum-half Alex Walker and behind the solid back row starring skipper Andrew Coombs, Robling settled down confidently and seemed to relish the challenge of playing opposite Neath captain and experienced fly-half Arwel Thomas.

Head coach Sven Cronk said: “I was very pleased with our whole performance. We knew we had to be on top form against such strong opposition.”

An interesting feature was that Newport called on only one player from the bench – Sam Waldron for Richard Dale (‘dead’ leg) in the second half. Cronk added: “On reflection, perhaps at times I have called up too many replacements in matches – my fault entirely.”

Ironically, one of those on the bench was centre Scott Williams, waiting to make his 150th official first-team appearance.

But Williams, 28, could get his chance on Wednesday when Newport are at Pontypool – one of his former clubs.

Victory meant Newport avenged a 21-13 defeat in December and they have won all their 13 home championship fixtures this season.

Neath, seeking a fifth league title in seven seasons, suffered their first Premiership defeat since losing 25-10 at home to Llanelli in December and they slip beneath Swansea in the table.

It was their first championship loss away since going down 33-24 at Gamorgan Wanderers in October.

Neath consolation was two bonus points – one for scoring four tries, against two, and the other for finishing within seven points.

Newport, 14-12 up at the break, saw a 24-12 lead cut to 24-24 after 6l minutes before Robling’s decisive kick.

The hosts managed an interception try by wing Mike Poole in the first half and a smart finish down the right by flanker Dale after good work by centres Pat Leach and Adam Hughes in the second half.

Newport: G Wyatt; A Awcock, P Leach, A Hughes, M Poole; L Robling, A`Walker; D Pattison, Andrew Brown, G Robinson, D Rosser, Adam Brown, R Dale (S Waldron 56), A Coombs (capt.), P Williams.

Scorers: tries - M Poole, R Dale; conversion - L Robling; penalties - L Robling (5) Neath: G King; N Brew, S Thomas, J Spratt (K Morgan 56), A Jenkins; A Thomas (capt.), K Farrell; A Lott (E Lewis 37), G Price (A James 56), M Jones, E Evans, N Edwards (P Sidoli 49), M Collins (A Whitney 56), L Evans, G Gravell.

Scorers: tries - G King, G Gravell, S Thomas, A Jenkins; conversions - A Thomas (2) Referee: Gwyn Morris (Cardiff) Argus star man: Lewis Robling