Rugby: Newport 23 South Leicester 12

Coach Stephen Dolphin hailed a super show from Newport as they produced their "best performance of the season".

The men from Forton Road saw off high-flying South Leicester 23-12 to remain on the fringes of the chasing pack in the National League Three Midlands.

It came just a week after they had suffered a shock 36-33 defeat at home to midtable Malvern and left Dolphin to reflect on a display packed with character.

"It was a great response to last week's defeat," said Dolphin.

"The boys had a point to prove to themselves and everyone else and they did that on Saturday.

"We trailed 9-8 at half-time but that was against the wind and South Leicester, a side who had scored 34 tries in seven games, didn't like getting even one in the full 80 minutes.

"It was a really solid performance from us, our best of the season so far."

Newport just missed out on a bonus point, running in three tries — including two for Owen Evans, who maintained his record of scoring in every game since joining the club. Neil Weston also crossed the try line.

Surprise

Jamie Simpson added the extras, kicking two penalties and a conversion.

The result came as something of a surprise to team manager Gareth Davies, who missed the game as he was away preparing to take part in the Great South Run in Portsmouth — a 10-mile event on Sunday that he completed in 1hr 38mins - two minutes inside his target time.

"If I'm honest Iwas surprised because South Leicester have been going well and apparently we didn't let them play," he said.

"It was an un-Newport-like performance because it was very gritty.

"Normally we throw it around and play an expansive game but we were a little bit tighter and more structured in this one.

"It just goes to show that we can play both ways when we want to ."

Bottom of the table Hereford gained their first win of the season pipping Burton 20-18 at Peel Croft.

The Wyesiders had lost their opening seven games but have now closed the gap on second from bottom Kenilworth, who were thrashed 59-0 by top of the table Bromsgrove.

By CHRIS HUDSON