The former South Africa full-back Percy Montgomery expected the rain and fog last night as he made his competitive debut for Newport two months after arriving in Wales but he was not prepared for the atrocious rugby served up by two sides who aspire to super-club status.
Newport, who despite the constant cheque-book signings of their owner Tony Brown have had only one noteworthy victory all season, are known as the Black and Ambers but it was more like the Black and Embers as Bridgend raked over the ashes of the home side's burnt aspirations and Montgomery could do little more than watch.
Newport were hoping that his arrival would act as a catalyst after their miserable start to the season. It took Bridgend only 20 seconds to welcome him to Wales but he fielded a towering garryowen from Simon Mannix with aplomb, even riding the predictable late challenge from his fellow South African Shawn van Rensburg.
Any notions that Newport would rise to the 50-cap South Africa full-back's standard were quickly dispelled in a dire first half which showed all too graphically why Welsh club rugby is in an advanced state of decay: ball-carriers went to ground, there was precious little continuity and skill levels were embarrassingly low.
Montgomery had little to do in attack in the opening half which went to Bridgend 10-3. He saved a try but he stood out only because he wore white boots which, in the mist and rain, took on a fluorescent hue.
Montgomery asked not to be given the goal-kicking duties to allow him to settle into the side, so the responsibility was given to the erratic Shane Howarth who missed three out of four short-range penalties, all of which would have suited the left-footed Springbok.
Howarth's replacement Jason Strange immediately found himself lining up a 30-yard penalty from in front of the posts but later blew the chance to win the match for Newport in stoppage-time when his 30-yard attempt hit a post.
Montgomery was one of the few players on the field who showed any sort of imagination but the irony is that, if the Welsh Rugby Union gets its way and creates four provinces next season made up of Wales qualified players, Monty will be doing battle no more.
