Bedford Athletic ended their lengthy Midlands One losing streak as they beat Newport 17-14 at Putnoe Woods.


After seven straight league defeats, Ath went into the clash against their unbeaten visitors as underdogs, but continued their recent improvement with a crucial victory.

Newport took an early lead with a brace of penalties from James Curgenven but the hosts, with the back row trio of Garry Acton, Scott Grant and Ben Beagent to the fore, gradually fought their way back into the contest.

Ath's Chris Meehan pulled the strings at fly-half with a series of well-directed kicks and, just after the half hour, he gathered his own kick and would have made the scoring pass but for the illegal interference of the Newport full-back.

His indiscretion was punished with a yellow card and a penalty try, which was converted by Matt Jones, to put Ath 7-6 ahead.

The home side continued to press but on the stroke of half time Newport broke clear and restored their lead with a Curgenven drop-goal.

After an injury-hit start to the second period, Ath imposed themselves on the game with their second try.

Fernely Simmonds' kick was gathered by Joe Hunt who crossed in the left corner but Newport hit back almost immediately as they stole possession and worked an opening for their winger to touch down to give the visitors the lead for the third time.

With time running out it looked as though Ath were going to be denied, but in the 70th minute Simmonds broke through three tackles to score from 40 yards out. The conversion was missed but Ath controlled possession well as they hung on to claim a hard-earned victory.

Ath are without a game this weekend and return to action on November 29 when they travel to bottom of the table Malvern.

Ath's second string won their first game of the campaign as they edged to an 8-5 victory against Towcestrians, Jamie Phillips scoring all their points.