This was the fourth game between the two local rivals this season and as with the others was expected to be a close game. The first twenty minutes were very cagey with both sides looking to gain an advantage. Newport seemed to have the better of the territory, but Cardiff’s defence was outstanding. The Black and Ambers were pushed back at every opportunity as they launched several attacks.
After Harrison James failed with a long range penalty for Cardiff, Newport had their first opportunity for points when they were awarded a simple penalty midway through the half, but Matt Bancroft pushed the kick wide. Cardiff were defending aggressively and the first points of the match came via that defence. Newport attacked from the halfway line, but a Ioan Evans tackle forced the ball to go loose. Harrison James deftly picked up the bouncing ball and as the Newport defence closed down the gap James put in a deft kick towards the touch line. Cameron Winnett was first to react and as the ball flirted with the touchline the fullback managed to keep the ball in play and hack it into the twenty-two. The ball bounced nicely into the arms of the chasing fullback who gathered and scored. Harrison James converted.
Newport had another chance of points that went begging when Bancroft was again off target with a simple penalty. Cardiff went further ahead just before the break when they won a scrum in Newport territory. Tom Habberfield passed out to the backs and some deft hands released Dewi Cross, who had looped from his wing. With one man to beat his perfectly timed pass allowed Winnett in at the corner for his second, James converted beautifully from wide out for a – 14-0 half time lead.
Newport were quickly out of the blocks in the second half and the half time change of outside half seemed to spur them. Carwyn Penny was creating a lot for the visitors and after only five minutes of the second half the pressure told, Elliot Frewen going over for a try that Penny converted. With Newport now only a score behind the game though was mostly being played between the two twenty-twos. Defences were on top throughout the half and neither side were dominating the set piece resulting in a tense atmosphere.
Cardiff tensions were eased slightly when the next score came and it was no surprise when that it came from a turnover. A Newport attack was again stopped on the halfway line Cardiff won the ball back. A burst down the blindside exposed space and Dewi Cross was able to exploit it and cruise round under the posts. James again converted and with ten minutes left Newport had to throw everything at Cardiff. The home side were up to the defensive task and as the ball was knocked on the last play of the game allowed Morgan Allen to run into touch and the referee blow for no side.
Cardiff will now play Llandovery in the final at the Arms Park next Sunday (17:15).