Rugby: 14-9 defeat for Newport

Newport were left to rue two first half injuries as they slipped to a 14-9 defeat in a close-fought National League Three Midlands clash at Longton.

The Shropshire side felt they were well in the contest at half-time, the hosts having managed just one converted try while playing down a considerable slope.

But Newport also lost two members of their back row to ankle injuries – Vernon Fredericks having to limp off inside the first half hour and Joe Carpenter unable to return after the interval.

"Fair play to the lads who came on in their place, they did well," said team manager Gareth Davies.

"But we felt that if we had kept our strongest lads on the field for 80 minutes then there was a chance we could have won the game.

"I think most people expected us to lose heavily at Longton but we were always in the game and it could so easily have been different."

Newport's hopes of over-turning the half-time deficit were hit when Longton broke from inside their own 22 to score a converted try and double their lead.

Three successful penalties from Chris Perry saw the deficit reduced and the visitors piled on the pressure in the final quarter of an hour.

They even thought they might have rescued a point as Adam Greaves surged over the try line, but he dropped the ball without being able to ground it.

"It was quite a scrappy game which didn't flow at all," added Davies.

"We were pressing and pressing towards the end, but we couldn't quite find the guile or skill to get the try we needed to clinch a draw or victory."

Hereford ended a run of three consecutive defeats with a 39-21 victory at home to Broadstreet.

The Wyesiders ran in five tries to climb clear of the bottom places in the table with their second win of the season.

Matt Pritchard and James Watters both scored two each, with Alistair McColl crossing for the other. Richie Rees converted four of the tries and also kicked two penalties.

By CHRIS HUDSON