NEWENT produced an extraordinary display of determination to claim their first victory of the season, defeating Chew Valley 19-12 despite finishing with just 11 players.

The Green Army overcame an early red card and two late sin-binnings to secure a remarkable home triumph at the Recreation Ground on Saturday.

Director of Rugby Sam Goatley described the performance as "heroic" after his side survived a dramatic conclusion against their Somerset opponents.

Newent opened the scoring when Kyle Towers powered through the visiting defence following strong carries from Ed Wallin and Josh Lever.

Tom Webb missed the conversion, leaving the hosts 5-0 ahead.

However, Newent suffered a major setback when prop Tom Woodman was shown a straight red card for striking an opponent after reacting to being held down.

The dismissal left the hosts facing more than three-quarters of the contest with 14 players.

Chew Valley capitalised when scrum-half Will Knight collected a loose ball near halfway and raced clear, with Max Dorrington converting to establish a 7-5 advantage.

Newent responded immediately through Tom Cowan, who finished an attacking move involving Doug Long and Jake Monk.

Webb added the conversion before Jim Hartland crossed for Newent's third try following another promising attack.

A second successful conversion from Webb gave the Green Army a commanding 19-7 advantage at half-time.

The hosts continued attacking after the restart, with Joe Warner twice denied close to the line following impressive breaks.

Cowan also appeared to have secured a bonus-point try, but the referee ruled that Warner's final pass had travelled forward.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Newent continued to frustrate Chew Valley with committed defending and determined tackling.

However, the closing stages brought further complications for the home side.

Replacement Harley Smith suffered a shoulder injury, leaving Newent without sufficient front-row cover and forcing uncontested scrums.

Under the regulations, the hosts were reduced to 13 players before Luke Stephens received a yellow card for an infringement at a ruck.

Warner was subsequently sin-binned for a high tackle, leaving Newent with just 11 players for the closing minutes.

Remarkably, the depleted hosts almost extended their advantage when Webb kicked through a loose ball, although Cowan could not gather possession near the posts.

Chew Valley eventually exploited the space when Knight scored his second try following a quickly taken penalty.

The conversion was missed, leaving Newent protecting a slender seven-point advantage at 19-12.

With the visitors enjoying a substantial numerical advantage, the home side faced an enormous defensive challenge.

However, Towers led an outstanding rearguard effort as Newent repeatedly closed down attacking opportunities and prevented Chew Valley from finding a decisive breakthrough.

The visitors were eventually penalised at a ruck inside Newent's 22, allowing Webb to kick into touch and bring the contest to a dramatic conclusion.

Towers was named man of the match following an influential performance throughout the afternoon.

The victory lifted spirits at the Recreation Ground, although Chew Valley's losing bonus point kept them narrowly ahead of Newent at the foot of the table.

There was further cause for celebration as Newent's second XV defeated Ledbury Seconds 61-12.

For Goatley's side, the remarkable victory offered renewed confidence ahead of the challenges awaiting them in Regional One South West.