The game seemed all but over at half time after the home side raced in for their fourth try but the Ravens somehow came back to win their first league game since November with a 34-27 victory.
It was a good start for Bridgend as they dominated proceedings, Lewis Williams slotting a penalty from 45 yards.
Despite trailing 3-0, an onslaught ensued from the hosts and Bridgend had to hold out as their scrum was repeatedly charged backwards. Glen Holloway cleared after an impressive turnover by captain Jon Vaughan though it failed to stop Geraint O’Driscoll getting the Black and Ambers back into things.
O’Driscoll followed up his penalty with a try minutes later. Fed the ball by Newport’s impressive backs, the full back scored out wide though he put the conversion past the post.
The Ravens battled back and went ahead again after an overthrown lineout was collected by Scott Hicks. The No. 8 raced to the line with Williams nailing the conversion.
With the crowd still catching their breath, Newport struck again through Craig Attwell with O’Driscoll extending the lead.
Yellow cards for Jon Thomas and Shaun O’Rourke alongside two Newport front rowers followed as the flow of the game was halted.
And in this period, Newport would run in two more tries to seemingly put the game to bed. Dan Robinson and Elliot Frewen crossed in quick succession to increase the lead.
Whatever Ben Rose and Vaughan said to their players at half time obviously worked. A second half comeback to mirror that seen when the sides met last season never really seemed on the cards but the defiant Ravens were not to be denied.
Lloyd Evans scored early on in the half with his side taking the initiative from the outset. The try came from another overthrow but the backrower raced past three tacklers to score. Williams kicked the points to give the visitors hope.
Minutes later, Williams hit the post with another effort, but with pressure on the follow up, he was finally able to bring Bridgend within a score.
Bridgend looked certain to score after a series of scrums in the red zone but Newport escaped following a knock on over the line.
What happened next turned the game on its head. Newport received a red card in the midst of a maul and Bridgend capitalised.
Jamie Murphy collected a loose kick and broke the line in style before releasing wing wizard Glen Lewis to score under the posts. Williams levelled the score line with just over nine minutes to go.
With their scrum now dominant, the Ravens were on top and after Williams struck the post with a penalty, Vaughan followed up and offloaded to Lewis who went over for his second try. Williams landed the conversion from the touchline to seal a remarkable comeback.
