NEWPORT’S three-match winning run came to an end after they came unstuck against their greatest rivals Cardiff who fought back to claim victory after overcoming a 22-8 half-time deficit.

The Black and Ambers did however pick up two points after gaining both a losing bonus point and a four-try bonus point.

But they will be kicking themselves for failing to pick up all five after surrendering such a dominant position.

It was the Blue and Blacks’ first home game of the season, after mixed fortunes on the road, at Cardiff Arms Park after their ground had been turned into a ‘Fan Zone’ for the World Cup.

The game was delayed by ten minutes because the doctor due on duty hadn’t shown and proceedings couldn’t get under way for safety reasons, much to the annoyance of the crowd who were doubtless itching to get away in time to watch the World Cup final.

When a doctor in the house was found, it was the hosts who dominated the early stages and turned down an easy shot at goal in front of the posts because of the farce that is the new scoring system where penalties count for just two points.

They went for a driving lineout but made a right mess of it and were turned over.

The match was played on a gorgeous autumn day that was ripe for running rugby but there was almost nothing to report after an uninspiring first quarter.

Thankfully, things did get an awfully lot better.

Newport too turned down easy penalties but they were rewarded when number eight Sam Cross was driven over from a driving lineout for a try after 20 minutes, beautifully converted from the touchline by outside half Arwel Robson.

Their 8-0 advantage lasted for a matter of seconds only for Cardiff hit back after they tore the Black and Ambers defence to shreds, former Newport centre Will Rees Hole finishing superbly and scrum half Chris Williams tying the scores with the extras.

Newport livened up a fairly dull first half with an excellent try, finished well by Robson after a superb break off the back of a dominant scrum by the impressive Cross.

Robson converted and the visitors were 16-8 up after 32 minutes.

The Rodney Parade side seemed to have an aversion to taking the lead for they again invited the hosts back into the game by allowing them to go on the attack deep in their own half all too easily.

But just as it looked as if the hosts would cross for their second score, Robson intercepted from his own try line to show off his speed and race away to touch down at the other side of the pitch for a sucker punch of an unconverted try just before half-time, the first 40 minutes ending with Newport leading 22-8.

Cardiff head coach Simon King must have given some of his troops a rocket up the backside at the interval after their error-strewn first half performance, for they came out on fire for the second half.

They scored two tries in the opening three minutes of the second half, Rees Hole getting his second, while replacement hooker Marc Breeze scored the other.

Both conversions were missed however so the visitors still led 22-20.

Cardiff had the bit between now and scored a sparkling try with centre Luke Ford finishing in style as his side took the lead for the first time, Williams converting.

The Black and Ambers were given a golden chance to get their noses in front but made a right hash of a lineout five metres from the Cardiff line.

With the game wide open for the taking by either side, it made for an exciting final quarter.

The Black and Ambers should have retaken the lead with 15 minutes to go but Cross’ pass was knocked on with the home side’s tryline just a few metres away.

But it was Cardiff who proved more clinical, replacement scrum half Tom Slater finishing off a fine move in style after only being on the pitch for a few seconds, Ford’s conversion taking his side into a 14-point lead.

Newport butchered another glorious opportunity when they made a right Horlicks of a three on one overlap with seven minutes left.

But they were given a lifeline when Cross took a quick tap penalty and crashed over for his second try, Robson off target with the touchline conversion.

Newport tried vainly to at least draw the match but Cardiff held firm to just about deserve their win.

Cardiff: James Loxton, Ellis Wyn Benham, Luke Ford, Will Rees Hole (Shaun Powell 75), Ollie Smyth, James Thomas, Chris Williams (Tom Slater 67), Lewis Smout (Callum Lewis 50), Joe Tomlinson (Marc Breeze 35), Charlie Spring (Joe Jones 50), James Murphy, James Goode (Jordan Viggers 41), Nick White, Jonathan Edwards (capt) (Sean Driscoll 73), Ben Thomas.

Replacement: Geraint Llewellyn.

Scorers: Tries: Will Rees Hole (2), Marc Breeze, Luke Ford, Tom Slater, Conversions: Chris Williams (2), Ford.

Newport: Ed Howley (Barney Nightingale 51), Wes Cunliffe, Haydn Palmer, Andrew King (Julian Mogg 76), Elliot Frewen, Arwel Robson, Owen Davies (Aeron Bidgood 79), John Lavender (James Greenfield 58), Henry Palmer (Evan Whitson 70), Alex Jeffries (Tom Piper 58), Dan Partridge, Rhodri Jones, Brendan Lampitt (capt) (Bryce Morgan 56), Craig Atwell Jack Davies (61), Sam Cross.

Scorers: Tries: Sam Cross (2), Arwel Robson (2), Conversions: Robson (2), Penalties: Referee: Craig Evans (WRU) Argus star men: Sam Cross and Arwel Robson