Mixed feelings for Dawe following spirited draw
Albion outplayed the Welsh Premiership side, who last week beat Exeter Chiefs 21-14, and can count themselves unfortunate not to have recorded their first win in the competition.
Newport took an early 3-0 lead with a Chris Wannell penalty, but Plymouth levelled with a three-pointer from Kieran Hallett on 16 minutes, and from then on had the better chances to win the game.
"It was a war of attrition, but mentally the players turned up with their heads on and physically they matched Newport," said Albion chairman of rugby Dawe.
"They took the game to them and Newport respected that come the final whistle.
"The rain was incessant, but surprisingly the pitch held up really well.
"There was some football played, but a lot of it was a tactical game.
"I thought we came out on top of that, but, sadly, we just couldn't get anyone over the try-line."
Dawe's side dominated the second period without being able to add to their points-total.
He added: "Newport's back three were very good facing the ball and dealing with our chase game – they fielded everything really well.
"To be fair to Newport, they did try most things in the book but they couldn't come up with any answers.
"The back three did really well, the inside backs defended well, but it was a forwards night and we just couldn't quite overcome their forwards."
Last night's draw leaves Albion on three points from two matches after they lost their opening game in the competition, 16-13 at home to Leinster.
With more luck and a more clinical edge, the Brickfields outfit could have recorded victories in both matches.
"It could have been two wins," agreed Dawe.
"I guess away at Newport you have to take whatever is on offer, but it would have been nice to have got more than two points."
After two British & Irish Cup matches, Albion return to Championship action next weekend when Rotherham visit Brickfields.
When the two teams met earlier in the season, it was the Yorkshire side who emerged 29-16 victors.
"Rotherham will be a different mind-set," said Dawe.
"We are back at home and Rotherham beat us at our place back in the spring.
"And we lost out physically up there only a few weeks ago, so that is quite fresh in our memory."
