NEWPORT leapfrogged Cross Keys to go fifth in the Principality Premiership after recording a superb bonus point victory over Bridgend who slumped to their sixth straight league defeat of the season.

The Black and Ambers' promising start to the season continued as they swept aside the troubled Ravens at the Brewery Field with ease.

The visitors made an excellent start and tighthead Lloyd Fairbrother crashed over for the opening try after his side won a scrum five, No 10 Arwel Robson's conversion give the Black and Ambers an 8-0 lead in as many minutes.

But the Ravens soon hit back when hooker Dale Rogers crossed for an unconverted try from a driving lineout.

It was Newport's turn to use the driving lineout to devastating effect when centre Aled James went over for his side's second converted try after 23 minutes after it was used to soften up the Bridgend defence.

Yet again however, as soon as scoring the Gwent side allowed the hosts back into the game, their lock Ashton Evans getting his side's second unconverted try after an effective cross-kick by stand off Joseph Scrivens.

The Black and Ambers had their scrum to thank after referee Neil Hennessey awarded them a penalty try after they had the home side in trouble.

The Ravens pounded the visitors' try-line just before the interval but excellent defence kept them out, Newport deservedly leading 24-12 at half-time.

The Rodney Parade side were under intense pressure in the opening minutes of the second half but more heroic work kept their opponents at bay.After weathering the storm, Newport got their bonus point try in the 58th minute when hooker Evan Whitson crossed from another driving lineout, Robson again nailing the conversion.

Centre Barney Nightingale rubbed salt in the wound with another converted try as Craig Warlow's men threatened to run riot.

Wing Wes Cunliffe got Newport's sixth before replacement back David Evans and Mike Powell scored late tries to give the Ravens a four-try bonus point.

Bridgend scorers: Tries: Dale Rogers, Ashton Evans, David Evans, Mike Powell, Conversion: Joseph Scrivens (2).

Newport scorers: Tries: Lloyd Fairbrother, Aled James, Penalty try, Evan Whitson, Barney Nightingale, Wes Cunliffe, Conversions: Arwel Robson (4), Julian Mogg.

Referee: Neil Hennessy.