NEWPORT 34 PIRATES 32

NEWPORT scored twice in injury time to secure a stunning 34-32 victory over British and Irish Cup champions Cornish Pirates in a cracker at Rodney Parade.

It was a finish to rival anything that Shane Williams and Wales could muster against Scotland last year as a 32-20 deficit was turned around in the blink of an eye.

Wing Owen Broad dashed over from 80 yards at the death just minutes after hooker Andrew Brown had gone over in the corner.

Fly-half Matthew Jones showed nerves of steel to convert and secure a win that betters last season’s victory against the previously unbeaten Exeter.

The Black and Ambers will be black and blue after a brutal encounter on a perishing night that would have made the post-match ice bath much less daunting.

There were big hits, a few flare-ups but also plenty of skill with both sides displaying plenty of attacking intent.

It was an engrossing game that was just the ticket for Newport.

While they mathematically still had a shot at the knockout stages, qualification was realistically beyond them.

But they produced a terrifically committed performance that was comfortably their best of a stuttering season.

It had seemed that they would be undone by the powerful driving maul of the English outfit.

Their front eight did a demolition job every bit as good as the one that has got rid of half of the Argus Terrace as the Rodney Parade redevelopment gathers pace.

The Pirates headed over the border with an imposing British and Irish Cup record – nine wins from ten games over two seasons.

One of those was against Newport at a blustery Camborne last year and they were just as powerful in chilly conditions at the Parade.

They were well-drilled, their pack efficiently moving forward as one with the understanding developed by hours of graft on the training paddock.

The visitors showed the benefits of being full-time professionals but they also displayed the worth of having a squad without star names.

But they were up against a Newport side that displayed oodles of guts and determination, not to mention guile and pace.

Pirates pack power was evident from the off - a first minute lineout steal on the 22 was driven to within yards of the line before it was stopped illegally.

The penalty was kicked to the corner and there was no stopping that drive, openside Tyrone Holmes crossing with Rob Cook adding the extras.

To Newport’s credit they didn’t go into their shells and it was only impressive defence that stopped them from crossing but they got their reward for edging proceedings with two Gareth Bowen penalties to one by Cook.

It was a feisty affair but not over the top, the sort of committed affair that a cross-border competition should produce.

But there was skill to go with the skulduggery and one breathless passage of play on the stroke of half-time saw the Black and Ambers edge in front.

The Pirates had looked set to test Newport’s defence when they attacked from their own 22 but a turnover turned the tables.

After incisions by prop Dai Pattison and lock Adam Frampton it was someone more fleet of foot who crossed, impressive full-back Evans dashing over in the corner for a well-deserved try.

Bowen converted superbly from the touchline but it was a short-lived lead, a penalty was kicked to the corner and the Pirates finished the half as they started it - hooker Dave Ward driving over and Cook converting for a 17-13 lead.

It was more of the same after the break with Chris Morgan grabbing try number three in the same style.

But Newport fought back and Evans went over for his second after a fine break by wing Matthew Pewtner, replacement fly-half Matthew Jones converting to make it 22-20 with 25 minutes left.

Centre Tom Luke scored a terrific weaving try to settle the Pirates’ nerves, notching a bonus point in the process.

Newport, however, weren’t finished. Brown’s effort seemed a consolation but then Broad sent the Parade, apart from the stunned travelling support, into raptures.

Newport scorers: tries - M Evans (2), A Brown, O Broad; conversions - G Bowen, M Jones (3); penalties - G Bowen (2).

Pirates scorers: tries - T Holmes (2); C Morgan, T Luke; conversions - R Cook (3); penalties - R Cook (2) Argus star man: Andrew Coombs