Super Stuckey inspires Newport to first victory of season

NEWPORT secured their first win of the season as they edged past Pontypridd 29-27 in an eight-try thriller at Rodney Parade.

It was the home side who opened the scoring when blindside flanker Morgan Burgess crashed over. But Pontypridd hit straight back with winger Dale Stuckey touching down in the corner following a cracking break from halfway. Stuckey was also the architect of the visitors' second try when he broke through the Newport defence before offloading for full-back Lloyd Rowlands to cross for the game's third try.

Just as it began to look like Pontypridd were gaining the ascendancy, Black and Ambers centre Jonny Morris found himself at the end of a move involving both backs and forwards to nudge the home side back ahead.

However, on the stroke of half-time former Wales international outside-half Ceri Sweeny glided past a number of defenders to put Stuckey in for his second try to give the visitors a 2012 half-time lead.Straight after the break Newport winger Wes Cunliffe raced down the touchline to make it a one-score game.

Corey Howells put Newport back into the lead with their fourth try before Pontypridd hit back with a try from a driving line-out.

With the game entering the final quarter, Newport outside-half Matt O'Brien put the final nail in Pontypridd's coffin with a penalty to ensure a home victory. Star man Dale Stuckey - Pontypridd