Llanelli bounced back from their shock opening defeat at Ebbw Vale to inflict more misery on Newport in an ill-tempered 23-13 Welsh Premiership clash.

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 to move off the bottom of the table.

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.

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 which brought a large Boxing Day crowd to their feet in appreciation.

It started just outside the Llanelli 22 when full-back Barry Davies launched an impressive counter-attacking move with Wales wing Mark Jones finishing off in style.

Wales number 10 Stephen 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 and, although Strange missed a penalty opportunity to reduce the arrears soon afterwards, Newport were then always on the back foot.

Throwing caution to the wind, Newport did manage a try through 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.