Goodchild’s late show too much for Newport

FORMER Dragon Joe Goodchild’s incredible late try secured a 13-10 victory for Cardiff against Newport in what was a rather disappointing Welsh Premiership Cup final.

The match between the last two holders of the Cup – Newport beat Aberavon in last year’s final – had rarely come alight as the teams cancelled each other out.

Both fly-halves Dan Fish and Matt O’Brien exchanged penalties in a nervy first half.

Newport took the lead following the interval as Ben Roach went over from close range after turning down two kickable penalties.

That looked to be enough to secure the title for Newport but Aaron Pinches made a searing break before Cardiff recycled and Goodchild finished in the corner with an acrobatic finish.

Goodchild said: “I’m buzzing. All I could think of was don’t drop the ball. It was one of those matches that was going to be tight like that and go either way.”

It was Cardiff’s ninth success in Wales’ showsent piece cup competition with veteran Fish saying: “I am delighted for the boys to get a reward for the hard work they have put in.

“They dug deep during the second half when we could have fallen away and to get that try at the end was fantastic.”

Earlier in the day, Pontypool beat Ystrad Rhondda 28-15 to lift the Championship Cup.

Scrum-half Callum Phillips put Pontypool ahead early on with a converted try. Ystrad hit back moments later as Deon Smith scored a try five metres in from the right corner.

Both sides had players to the sin bin in the first half as Cole Morgan (foul play) was joined by Peter Lloyd (deliberate knock on).

Pontypool went back in front through Mathew Powell showcased his power and strength to score. Matthew Jarvis put Pontypool further ahead with a penalty but Rhys Truelove cancelled it out with a three-pointer of his own.

Truelove edged Ystrad momentarily ahead with a second penalty but Peter Lloyd powered over and back to back Jarvis penalties sealed victory for Pontypool.

The day began with

Newbridge beating Nant Conwy 29-13 in the Division One final courtesy of hooker Stuart Vokes’ hattrick.

A slick lineout move led to the opening try by hooker Vokes. Experienced front row Vokes crossed for a second try and the clincher came when Vokes went over from a driving lineout and a dominant scrum then earned a penalty try to make it 29-6.

Nant Conwy got a consolation for their spirited efforts when Siencyn Metcalfe crossed from close range but Newbridge were triumphant after a powerful display.