By Dai
February 3 2003

Ebbw Vale 15 - 37 Newport

    Percy Montgomery starred for Newport, bagging 27 points in the form of a try, 5 penalties, 2 conversions and a drop goal which ensured Newport beat their Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale. However, Newport didn't have it all their own way and after Montgomery slotted over two early penalties, it was Ebbw Vale who held a commanding first half lead thanks to a penalty try and a try from flanker Tyrone Morris. Brian Shelbourne converted the penalty try and struck a penalty to give Ebbw Vale a 15 - 6 lead at the interval.

    However, Newport responded well after the break with a great try finished off in the corner by Montgomery followed by a try for Matt Mostyn after a poor Ebbw Vale clearance. That put Newport back into the lead which they extended thanks to a try from Ofisa Tonu'u and a conversion, two penalties and a long range drop goal from the star of the show Percy Montgomery.

     The result puts Newport into second place, behind Bridgend and Ebbw Vale remain in fourth place although they could move down as all the other teams have games in hand over them.