On a day for mudlarks at the Memorial Ground, Newport fittingly found David 'Muddy' Waters the rock on which Pontypool Utd's hopes of giant killing floundered. In his 651st game Waters revelled in the stamina sapping conditions, ruling the line-out with fellow lock Mike Voyle. Newport's only first half points came from a turn-over in midfield, and quick re-cycling led to Jonathan Westwood crashing over and a brilliant touchline conversion by Westwood gave a seven point buffer at the interval. Despite heroic efforts from fullback Chris Nicholls and No 8 Chris West, who both put in herculean displays in the ankle deep mud, Newport made sure of the game in the closing minutes with a Jason Williams penalty goal.