Newport get off to a good start

Newport kicked off a new season of National Midlands League Three rugby with a comeback 36-20 win over neighbours Hereford.

And team manager Gareth Davies believes the belief given by a winning start - something Newport have never done at this level - could help them enjoy a promotion season.

Davies said: "We gave a very good performance and it's good to get off to a winning start.

"We've got off to a better start than we have in the last two seasons and we'll look for a top four place this season.

"We believe we've got the squad to do that and if we are there or thereabouts then who knows."

Newport found themselves behind early on against Hereford as the visitors scored a try after just two minutes.

But Toby Mann and Adrian Gillespie crossed before the break to keep Newport in the game, trailing 17-16 at half time.

And in the second period the home side found their rhythm and Omar Suliman and Chris Taylor touched down, with fly half Jamie Simpson adding 16 points with his boot as Newport secured a bonus point victory.

Davies added: "The first half performance wasn't great but we recovered well to fight back after being down at half time.

"There is certainly more to come from us in terms of performance but in the second half we did play some good stuff.

"We won the second half quite comfortably in the end and I think we were definitely the fitter side come the end of the game.

"We were a little bit slow out of the blocks and they put us under a lot of pressure in the opening 20 minutes.

"But we battled well and managed to come through in the end."

By ALEX JAMES