Newport HSOB 13 Rhymney 3

The 'bridge too far' for the Brewers is now starting to look like a viaduct, as despite an improved showing with bags of spirit from Matthew Jones' men, missed chances, wrong options, a big penalty count and controversial refereeing saw the Old Boys complete a rapid double.

When Gareth Richards just missed a dropped-goal chance at 3-3 in the dying minutes, few would have begrudged Rhymney the draw. Instead the hosts went upfield, gained another penalty and kicked it.

A losing bonus point, then? No, for with the last move and from another hugely offside position, the hosts disrupted Brewers' ball and sped over unopposed for a converted try and a 13-3 verdict.

It was the Old Boys' last game of the season, and although there was no sign of any interception-fest and forty-pointer this time, they had pressured for a good deal of the first half with the wind advantage at their Caerleon base.

Rhymney battled, tackled, and scrummaged well, though, with Steve Lang a lively emergency flanker throughout. Unlucky Josh Perry got an eye cut, though, so had to be subbed.

The linesout were another matter, though, with little clean ball claimed, while when the Brewers got any field position against the breeze, a string of alleged offences or errors drove them back. There'd been just the exchange of penalties on the board by the break, fly-half Richards with Rhymney's, but a harsh yellow for centre Simon Parry just before the whistle didn't help.

Still, the Brewers didn't concede, turned to enjoy the wind boost and stayed well in it without really threatening. Greg Plant and Geraint Hodges on the wings got a few strong runs, but the ball went to ground or the breakdowns were penalised.

The Old Boys chased well and stopped Rhymney's attempts at countering, but as prop Richard Lang and scrum half Stu Bradfield subbed, a poor home kick saw lock Gavin Coleman lead the charge back. A corner try looked likely but again the ball was spilt.

It was anyone's game and the visiting fans thought Richards' drop was over. It wasn't though, and all that remained was that frustrating last few minutes and another reverse at a venue which, since a vital 6-4 WRU Cup win 35 years and more ago, has rarely proved a happy hunting ground for Rhymney!