Newport secured their first Welsh-Scottish League win of the season but were disappointing in front of their own Rodney Parade fans.

It became largely a battle between the two Shanes, Newport's Kiwi fly-half Howarth just shading his fellow international, Williams of Neath.

The former All Black contributed 14 points - one more than the darling of Welsh Rugby, who despite scoring all Neath's points almost became the villain of the piece with some defensive lapses under pressure.

Only poor finishing by the Black and Ambers prevented an even greater victory margin.

Newport moved up a gear in the second half and looked dangerous when securing second and third phase ball, with Howarth steadily controlling matters.

He kicked a magnificent 45-metre drop-goal which proved crucial as well as landing a hat-trick of penalties.

Emyr Lewis, son of Newport coach Allan, looked dangerous coming into the line, while Irish international wing Mat Mostyn was an impressive finisher who scored a brilliant try early in the second half.

But there were too many errors on both sides and neither camp were happy with the performance of their respective sides.

Neath led 10-6 at the break, Shane Williams grabbing an early try which he converted before landing a penalty.

Newport had to rely solely on the boot of Howarth who kicked two penalties.

It was a different story after the break with Mostyn's touchdown proving the turning point.

Fellow wing Martin Llewellyn notched the second Newport touchdown to end Neath's challenge.

Scorers - Newport: Tries: Mostyn, M. Llewellyn. Cons: Howarth. Pens: Howarth 3. Drop Goals: Howarth

Neath: Tries: S. Williams. Cons: S. Williams. Pens: S. Williams 2

Teams

Newport: E Lewis, M Mostyn, M Llewellyn, A Marinos, J Pritchard, S Howarth, D Burn, C Jones, P Young, A Garvey, S Raiwalui, I Gough, A Popham, J Forster, G Teichmann (capt)
Replacements: R Snow, J Richards, P Buxton, G Taylor, N McKim, M J Watkins, D Edwards

Neath: Darril Williams, C Morris, D Tiueti, T Davies, S Williams, J Brown, C Booth, D Jones, M Davies, A Howell, S Martin, G Llewellyn (capt), R Francis, R Phillips, B Sinkinson
Replacements: P Horgan, S Jones, G John, P Jones, N Bonner-Evans, A Millward, A Jackson

Ref: Huw Lewis