Llanelli bounced back from last week's shock defeat to Ebbw Vale with a deserved win over Newport.

Two length-of-the-field tries provided some bright spots in an otherwise drab occasion for the biggest crowd of the season at Stradey Park.

Tries by wings Mark Jones and Garan Evans proved the difference as Llanelli eventually ran out victors.

It may still be early in the league campaign, but two defeats out of two for last season's runners-ups Newport does not bode well going into the New Year.

Match details

Llanelli (10) 23 Tries: M Jones, G Evans Cons: S Jones (2) Pens: S Jones (3) Newport (6) 13 Tries: Snow Cons: Strange Pens: Strange (2) Att: 8,047

Despite playing into a strong wind in the first half Llanelli built up a 10-0 advantage after half an hour.

After Stephen Jones had opened his side's account with an eighth-minute penalty, the champions crossed for a superb 70-yard try.

Full-back Barry Davies launched an impressive counter-attacking inside his own half, with Wales wing Mark Jones finishing off in style.

Jones converted before opposite number Jason Strange responded with two well-struck penalties before the break.

Ironically, it was Newport's best period of the game just after half-time that resulted in Llanelli's second try.

Matthew Watkins booted down field and wing Garan Evans had the pace and footballing prowess to win the race to the touchdown.

Jones' successful conversion made it 17-6.

Throwing caution to the wind, Newport did manage a try by Canadian prop Rod Snow after 72 minutes.

But a late Stephen Jones penalty ensured the points for Llanelli after Newport replacement Andy Powell was sin-binned.

Llanelli: B Davies; M Jones, Watkins, Selley, G Evans; S Jones, Peel; I Thomas, R McBryde, J Davies, V Cooper (capt), L Gross, S Easterby, D Jones, D Hodges.
Reps: John, Gravelle, Cudmore, I Boobyer, G Easterby, G Bowen, N Boobyer.

Newport: P Montogmery; Luscombe, J Jones-Hughes, A Marinos, A Cadwallader; J Strange, D Burn; R Snow, J Richards, C Anthony, S Raiwalui, M Voyle, I Gough, J Forster, S Ojomoh.
Reps: A Garvey, P Young, Gravell, A Powell, O Tonu'u, S Howarth.

Referee: Colin Saunders (WRU)