NEWENT Rugby Club began life in Tribute Western Counties North with a 21-13 home success over fellow promoted side Bristol Saracens.

The Gloucestershire side, who visit Burnham-on-Sea on Saturday, led 8-6 after a tight first-half.

Newent, playing at the highest level in their history, went ahead with a Ross Webb penalty for offside. Saracens took the lead with two penalties but they lost two players to the sin-bin.

Newent capitalised when Brett Gardner scored out wide. Webb added another penalty but Saracens moved 13-11 ahead with a try from a rolling maul from a line-out.

But Newent showed character as Lee Warren was driven over for a second try and Webb converted before adding a final penalty.