**Newport Prevails Over Cardiff at Arms Park to Secure All-Gwent Super Rygbi Cymru Final**
In a dramatic showdown at the historic Cardiff Arms Park, Newport RFC emerged triumphant against long-standing rivals Cardiff, sealing a 35-20 victory. The result propels the Black and Ambers into the Super Rygbi Cymru final, where an all-Gwent affair with Ebbw Vale now beckons, bringing further excitement to the region’s rugby scene.
This semi-final clash was particularly poignant for Newport, who are commemorating their 150th anniversary this season. Their win tasted even sweeter given it marked their third straight success at the Arms Park, underlining a remarkable run of form at the capital’s famous ground. Under head coach Ty Morris, the side now turns its focus to Eugene Cross Park for the trophy decider, intent on surpassing last year’s heart-breaking Premiership final loss.
The game itself unfolded with all the intensity expected of such a storied rivalry. Cardiff made the swifter start with Lloyd Lucas, a promising Wales Under-18 prospect, firing over a long-range penalty within six minutes of kick-off. The home side then doubled down with a well-worked try as scrum-half Ethan Lloyd finished off a measured attack, Lucas adding the extras to push Cardiff into a 10-0 lead—a deserved cushion in the early exchanges.
However, Newport were not content to play second fiddle. Gradually taking control, they struck back on the half hour mark when wing Iestyn Galton, set up by scrum-half Dafydd Buckland, claimed their first try. Although Jac Lloyd’s conversion attempt drifted wide, he soon found his range with a penalty, narrowing the deficit to just two points. The momentum appeared to be swinging, yet Cardiff had another trick up their sleeve before the interval. A pinpoint kick from Lucas led to Elijah Evans dotting down, Lucas again successful with the boot. Even so, Lloyd was able to keep Newport in touch with a penalty to make it 17-11 at half-time.
The second half, however, belonged to Newport. Cardiff suffered a setback when Evans was sin-binned, and Newport seized the initiative immediately. With a powerful driving maul, Kyle Tayler was on hand to cross the whitewash, Lloyd adding the conversion to edge Newport ahead for the first time. Cardiff briefly recaptured the lead through another Lucas penalty, but it was clear the visitors had found their rhythm.
Newport intensified their attack, with captain Ben Roach only denied another try by a knock-on a metre short of the line. Jac Lloyd endured some frustration with missed kicks, but persistent pressure paid off just after the hour. Prop Tom Devine bulldozed over for a critical try, and Lloyd’s successful conversion gave Newport breathing space. Moments later, a line-out error from Cardiff proved costly. Newport pounced on the loose ball and slick passing enabled centre Jon Morris to cross, Lloyd converting to extend the lead decisively.
With Cardiff unable to find a late response and Newport’s defence steadfast, the visitors closed out the match with another Lloyd penalty, ensuring an emphatic win and confirming their place in the final. The defeat marks a disappointing end to the campaign for Cardiff, but for Newport, hopes of silverware remain very much alive.
As anticipation builds for the all-Gwent finale at Eugene Cross Park, Newport’s supporters will be daring to dream that this could be the season their team writes a fitting ending to a remarkable anniversary year. Their resilience and attacking flair at Arms Park may just be the blueprint for a famous victory yet to come.
**Scorers**
*Cardiff:* Tries – E Lloyd, E Evans; Cons – L Lucas (2); Pens – L Lucas (2)
*Newport:* Tries – I Galton, K Tayler, T Devine, J Morris; Cons – J Lloyd (3); Pens – J Lloyd (3)
With Gwent’s rugby pride on the line, fans across the region will undoubtedly be watching as Newport seeks redemption and a memorable finish to their 150th season.