STRONG WORDS INSPIRE RALLY

FIVE second-half tries secured a 33-19 comeback Super Rygbi Cymru Cup triumph for Newport over old rivals Cardiff at the Arms Park - but not before some strong words from head coach Ty Morris.

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Harri Ackerman (right) scored two tries for Newport

Just as in their Pool A opener at Carmarthen Quins, the men in black and amber were slow starters and Morris didn’t mince his words with his side again trailing at halftime as he made a raft of changes.

His players responded, but still trailing 19-5 with a quarter of the game remaining, they had to dig deep to secure another five points and ensure they remain unbeaten and top of the pool.

Centre Harri Ackerman scored two tries after coming off the bench, with lock Josh Skinner, scrumhalf Dafydd Buckland and Wales U20 scrumhalf Carter Pritchard also on the scoresheet.

Jac Lloyd kicked four conversions.

Centre Bailey Cutts scored twice for Cardiff, who were also awarded a penalty try. Steff Crimp kicked a conversion.

Newport boss Morris said: “It was very much a game of two halves. While it was pleasing to come away from the Arms Park with a win against Cardiff and to maintain our momentum in both the league and cup, I was extremely disappointed with our first-half performance.