Ebbw Vale came off second best in the Gwent derby as a late Newport try from Elliott Ferriman secured the victory in a toughly contested contest.
In fairness, it was a much-improved performance from the Steelmen following the debacle in the cup semi-final, in that there was no lack of effort or commitment.
In an entertaining encounter on a cold afternoon, both sides made multiple errors and will need to be better if either is to deny Llandovery the Premiership crown.
Newport started well and responded to an early Evan Lloyd penalty with a Che Hope touchdown converted by Matt O'Brien. Ebbw responded with an excellent move leading to a Jordan Thomas try converted by Lloyd, making it 10-7.
O'Brien responded with a penalty before Ebbw indiscipline saw both Dylan Bartlett and Jon Evans sent to the sin-bin. Newport took advantage with Elliott Frewen crossing the whitewash and O'Brien adding the extras. Lloyd kicked a penalty for Ebbw to making the interval score 13-17.
Early in the second half, things looked ominous for Ebbw as the visitors' pack took control through a hooker's try from Henry Palmer, converted by O'Brien. Home coach Jason Strange rang the changes and this gave the hosts a boost of energy.
Ebbw's forward were now in the ascendancy and powered their way to two tries from Joe Franchi, the latter converted by Lloyd, giving them a 25-24 lead.
Unfortunately, continuing errors, including missing touch and an inability to secure their own lineout ball, cost Ebbw dear, as relentless pressure from the visitors eventually saw the home defence crack. Newport's late try was converted making it 25-31 and even though there was time for a restart, Ebbw could not make any inroads.
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