Cardiff survive Newport onslaught for thrilling win

THIS was the 436th time that these two old foes have met but few of those occasions could have been more closely fought or more exciting.

Five times the lead changed hands before Cardiff claimed the narrowest of victories to kick start their season following two previous defeats.

The home side opened the scoring, with a Gareth Thompson try following a tap penalty before Newport returned the compliment through Harri Lang and levelled the scores.

Cardiff crossed twice more before the interval through Tom Daley and Joe Gatt.

But a Matt O’Brien penalty and a further converted Jonathan Morris try ensured that Newport went into the break holding a single point lead.

The second half started at a slightly less frenetic pace and a 48th minute Thompson penalty saw the home side edge ahead again.

Newport’s third try of the game, scored by Chay Smith, restored their advantage but perhaps the best try of the game, from Cardiff full-back Llywarch ap Myrddin, provided the bonus point for his side and ultimately the victory as well.

The closing moments of the game saw Newport camped out in the Cardiff 22 but the home defence was up to the task ensuring they took the honours while their visitors left with just a losing bonus point to show for an heroic effort.