Rugby: Newport v South Leicester

Newport re-ignited their promotion challenge with a tremendous come-from-behind victory away at high-flying South Leicester.

The men from Forton Road had seemed to be slipping from contention after dropping to seventh in the National League Three Midlands.

And they seemed to be heading further in the wrong direction after slipping 19 points behind at Leicester inside 20 minutes on Saturday.

"It was unbelievable," said team manager Gareth Davies.

"We were absolutely awful for the first 15 or 20 minutes, we couldn't get our hands on the ball.

"But it was a great victory - it surprised us and it surprised them.

"I'd like to say a huge well done to all the lads because it was very physical and they didn't take a backward step after the first 20 minutes."

The early deficit looked all the worse as it was Newport who were actually playing with a strong wind behind them.

Totally dominant in all areas, the home side racked up three tries, two of which were converted and things went from bad to worse when visiting skipper Craig Ingram was yellow carded after just 25 minutes.

But this seemed to sting Newport into action, and with Joe Carpenter first to every breakdown they enjoyed long periods of possession even though they were down to 14.

During this purple patch they used the high ball to good effect, scoring carbon copy tries from Toby Mann and Matt Curgenven.

Jamie Simpson was on kicking duty and added a conversion and a penalty to reduce the deficit to four points at half-time.

South Leicester were reduced to 14 men in the second half when they had a forward yellow carded twice.

And Newport pressure told when Sam Egerton crossed for the winning try on 70 minutes, Simpson converting.

***

Hereford moved off the bottom of the table for the first time this season with a comprehensive 29-5 victory over relegation rivals Burton.

The Wyesiders pipped Burton by a single point earlier in the campaign, but there was no denying them their victory at Wyeside when they took charge from the start.

Two tries from scrum half Dan Phillips, one from Charlie Loughman and a penalty try earned Hereford maximum points from the win.