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Newport consolidated second place in the Total RL.com Welsh Conference Premier after beating an under strength Cardiff Demons 24-16 in the closest match of the day.
Newport lived up to their reputation of being a tough physical side with a defence that most teams find hard to crack. Cardiff were not excepted from this and it was a penalty that gave the Demons a 2-0 lead, kicked by Gareth Jones following one of the many infringements rightfully given against Newport in this game.
Tyrone Mahoney set up Scott Hirene eight minutes later to put Newport 4-2 up but Cardiff, who had five first-choice players out of the side on international duty, went into the break leading 10-4. Jones kicked a second penalty, missed out on a hat-trick but missing a 40-metre attempt before setting up a try for skipper John Byers.
But the Titans dominated the second half and turned the score around after just six minutes of the second half. From Ben Morris' grubber kick, Pete Ovey put the Titans to within two before Paul Jones gave them the lead three minutes later.
A ten-minute spell of Demons pressure came to no avail - Andy Jones coming the closest but being held up over the line - and it was Newport who extended their lead after a breakaway try from man-of-the-match Richard Davies.
Demons weren't beaten yet and finally broke through in the 76th minute after a well-placed kick from Gareth Jones was excellently caught and grounded by Gareth Holtham.
But Mark Wheeler put the game out of the reach of the plucky Demons with a try in the final minute to complete a deserved win for the Titans.
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Despite losing Demons coach Anthony Loxton was proud of his young side commenting, "We did a lot out there but Newport's defence was first class and did well to keep us out. Every player gave their all today and I'm proud of them all. I hope we can learn from this defeat and do well against Swansea at Taff's Well on Saturday."
MATCH FACTS
NEWPORT TITANS: Lee Fletcher, Steven Murphy, Earl Palmer, Ross Palmer, Pete Ovey, Owen Jones, Ben Morris, Jon Griffiths, Tyrone Mahoney, Scott Hirene, Craig Drew, Mark Wheeler, Paul Jones. Subs (all used): Richard Davies, John Davies, Richard Jones, Rob Dodgson.
Tries: Hirene (18), Ovey (43), P.Jones (46), R.Davies (57), Wheeler (78).
Goals: Palmer 2/5.
CARDIFF DEMONS: Jamie Iles, Adam King, Gareth Holtham, Lewis Francis, Andrew Bradshaw, Gareth Jones, Oliver Hughes, Pete Gooding, Andy Howard, Pat Howell, John Byers, Anthony Loxton, Miles Davies. Subs (all used): Kyle Blake, Richard Jones, Andy Jones, Tom Burnell.
Tries: Byers (37), Holtham (76).
Goals: Jones 4/5.
Gamestar: Richard Davies who scored a try to round off an excellent all-round performance.
Gamebreaker: Mark Wheeler's try with just two minutes to go gave the Titans an eight-point lead.
Referee: Niel Wood (Hull).
Half-time: 4-10.
Men of the Match:
Titans: Richard Davies.
Demons: Pat Howell
Article by Ian Golden
5 Jun 2005
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