NEWPORT head coach Sven Cronk hailed a “professional job” by his players after they wrapped up a playoff victory over Tonmawr by half-time at Rodney Parade.

The Black and Ambers headed to their changing-room with a 31-0 lead after crossing for four first-half tries.

Two of those scores were crackers from long range, but it was what his side did when Tonmawr had the ball that pleased Cronk most.

“It was a professional job,” he said. “We did what we needed to do and the game was won by half-time, really.

“The defensive effort was really pleasing. We had spoken about it because it was an area of our game that wasn’t up to scratch in the last few weeks of the season and we needed to front up a bit.

“There were a few missed tackles early on but generally we were in good shape in defence and frustrated Tonmawr for long periods.

“There were a couple of times in the first half when they were going through the phases in our 22 but we got the turnovers and survived, so that is really positive.”

The victory set up a Gwent derby with Cross Keys at Pandy Park on Thursday, with the winners earning the final Welsh spot in next season’s British and Irish Cup.

“One game and it’s all to play for,” said Cronk. “All the boys are looking forward to it, and I am sure Keys are as well. It will be a totally different game from Tonmawr, that’s for sure.”