Director of rugby Ray Price is stepping down from the Newport hot seat – after guiding the club to National League Three Midlands safety.

The men from Forton Road defeated Hereford 32-14 in their final game of the season on Saturday to ensure they avoid a bottom three berth.

And a relieved Price feels the time is now right for him to step down and pass the baton on to a new man.

“I’ve been doing the job for four years and I feel I’ve taken the team as far as I can,” said Price.

“I need a rest away from it, and the club needs a rest away from me. It will be nice for someone else with a different view of things to come in and take it on.”

Price still has a Shropshire Cup campaign to oversee before he finally leaves his post, though he was delighted to end the league campaign in such impressive fashion.

A Morgan Goodall penalty put the Wyesiders in front, but winger Andy Whieldon went over for a try to move Newport ahead.

A 19th minute try by scrum-half Dan Phillips saw Hereford go ahead again.

James Curgenven kicked Newport level before Goodall replied with his second penalty – but the hosts took a lead they never again relinquished when Toby Mann scored a converted try.

Curgenven added his side’s third try early in the second half, converting himself, before Goodall kicked a third penalty for Hereford.

But Mann then added a fourth try, also converted, to earn Newport a bonus point.

And Curgenven then kicked another penalty at the death to seal an ultimately comprehensive win.

With Malvern losing at home to play-off hopefuls Hinckley, it means Newport can now look forward to another year at the pinnacle of Midlands rugby.

“From a personal point of view, it was very satisfying,” added Price.

“We had a big and vocal crowd at Forton Road and it was a good day for the club.”

By CHRIS HUDSON