Frustrated but still optimistic – that’s the message from Newport after they were edged out in a low scoring encounter at Hereford.

The Forton Road men were beaten 8-6 on a day when the visitors had ample possession and territory to get their National Three Midlands campaign off to a dream start.

Ultimately, however, the only consolation came in the narrow margin of defeat which earned the Fishes a bonus point.

“I felt we were the better side and showed more attacking intent,” said team manager Gareth Davies.

“Three of their players received yellow cards which shows how much pressure we put them under. But we weren’t clinical enough when it came to taking our try scoring chances or with our kicking.

“I think it was a bit of early season rustiness but teams will go down there this season and not come away with a bonus point so that is something.

“We are only one game in and the time to judge us is after 10 games when we have played most of the teams in the league.”

Newport got off to a dream start with a Jamie Simpson penalty on five minutes, but Hereford took the lead through a try from Eric Rabuka

Playing with both the wind and the slope in their favour in the second half, Newport looked well placed to push for victory, but they had only another Simpson penalty to show for their domination.

And that proved costly as Hereford wrapped up victory with a successful penalty with only 15 minutes remaining.