Newport v Cardiff

LEWIS Dennett stepped off the Ebbw Vale replacements bench and became an instant hit as he kicked eight second-half points to help clinch victory.

Bargoed were good value for their 10-8 interval lead with centre Jordan Howells marking his debut with a smart try against his former club.

Full-back Matthew Lewis converted that try and kicked a penalty in the first half before adding a second penalty just after the break to make it 13-8

But the Steelmen, the champions two seasons ago, stayed in the fight thanks to a Callum Hall penalty and then a great try by No.8 Jonathan Davies as he just managed to hang on to an old fashioned cross kick by Hall.

Dragons full-back Carl Meyer began reducing the deficit with a monster penalty from half-way and then Dennett chipped in with a penalty and a drop goal to give his side a 17-13 lead. Lewis then fatally missed with a penalty for the home side and the visitors went in for the kill.

Left wing Toby Fricker weaved some magic to cross for a vital try and Dennett kept his cool to add the extras. Bargoed battled back with a penalty try in injury time to earn a losing bonus point. Star man Ronny Kynes - Ebbw Vale

Date. Kick-off 2.30pm

LLYWARCH Ap Myrddin will be back on familiar territory when he makes his Cardiff debut at Rodney Parade against the club he left in the summer.

The full-back isn’t the only new boy at the Arms Park club this season. Steve Law has taken over the coaching reins after leaving Bedwas and he has brought the highly rated wing Pat Lewis with him.

Rhodri Cole starts at scrum-half after joining from Llanelli and Wales Under 20 Jim Botham gets a run in the back row.

Newport have had to endure a tough summer with their Rodney Parade ground, home for almost 140 years, sold off to the Welsh Rugby union to save the Dragons. They are at least able to play at the venue and will get first rugby usage of the brand new £750,000 Desso pitch.

They face the next chapter in their illustrious history in confident mode having beaten Neath in the Tier 2 final at the end of last season.