Newport secure four-timer with latest derby success

AFTER 146 years of trying, Newport have finally achieved their ‘Holy Grail’ of beating arch-rivals Cardiff four times in a season.

Their 86-year-old president, former Wales international Brian Jones, was on hand to witness the 34-28 triumph at Sardis Road which sent the Black & Ambers through to the WRU Premiership Cup final at Principality Stadium next month.

‘BJ’ played 330 games for the Black & Ambers in a 12-season playing career from 1953-68. He won three times against Cardiff in the 1958-59 season and went on to coach the side after hanging up his boots.

“We were struggling a bit with injuries, and didn’t play particularly well, but finally winning the four games in a single season was great. Times have changed down the years, but this is an achievement that will stand the test of time,” said Newport team manager Mark Workman.

The lead changed hands five times in a thrilling contest. Cardiff went clear with an early penalty from Dan Fish and a try from Wales U20 fullback Cam Winnett, before Newport hit back with two first half tries from wing Will Talbot-Davies.

Skipper Matt O’Brien converted them both and also kicked a penalty to draw his side to within a point of Cardiff at the break 18-17. The Blue & Blacks added an Alex Everett try and Fish conversion and penalty before the break.

Man-of-the-match O’Brien, who moved seamlessly into the No.10 position from centre because the Dragons had taken Will Reed with them to South Africa for URC duty, added a third try just after the restart to regain the lead.

Cardiff hit back with an Ellis Bevan try which Fish converted, but a fourth Newport try from prop Jamie Jeaune finished things off.

Aberavon, meanwhile, reached their first final since 2011 as they held on to pip Llandovery 24-23.

Having been beaten twice by the Drovers in the pool stages of the competition, they hit back to win the one that mattered the most.

At one stage the Wizards were leading 21-0, but then found themselves trailing 23-21 with time running out. Three tries without reply, including a penalty try, looked to have sent them into an unassailable lead, but then came a massive response from the Drovers as they clawed their way back into a thrill-aminute contest.

With his side trailing 23-21, Wales U20 outside half Dan Edwards then kicked a 45-metre penalty to edge his side back in front and steer them into the final. Yet it might have been different at the death had Kris Jones, who had earlier kicked two penalties, been able to hit the target with one final shot at goal.

The angle and istance proved too much for him, though, and the Aberavon players, coaches and fans were very relieved to hear the final whistle.