James on target as Cardiff down Newport

HARRISON James kicked 18 points as holders Cardiff dispatched Newport 38-15 when they clashed in the first round of the Welsh Premiership Cup in a repeat of last year’s final.

- ROB COLE

The outside-half was on the mark with four penalties and three conversions at Cardiff Arms Park during a convincing triumph in one of rugby’s oldest and most fierce rivalries.

The Blue and Blacks didn’t look back after taking a third minute lead through centre Luke Pollock, converted by James.

Newport hit back with a try from right-wing Oli Andrew, converted by play-maker Matt O’Brien, but back-to-back penalties from James moved Cardiff into a 13-7 lead.

They pulled away in the second quarter with left-wing Dewi Cross catching a crosskick to score and captain Morgan Allen going over for a 25-10 lead.

James put them further ahead with a penalty. Newport replied at the hour mark with full-back Carwyn Penny crossing for a super effort but Cardiff had the final say with a late try from substitute hooker Alun Rees, and a conversion and penalty from James.

Merthyr came out on the right side of a humdinger of a tie during their A470 Taff Valley battle with Pontypridd at Sardis Road.

The so-called House of Pain was a graveyard for some of Europe’s biggest clubs before Welsh rugby brought in a regional tier but it was Pontypridd who suffered this time as the lead changed hands six times during a rousing encounter with Merthyr taking it 30-27.