This pulsating match at Rodney Parade went a long way towards restoring pride in Welsh rugby after it has taken a battering in recent weeks.

Almost all of the Welsh clubs involved in the Celtic League have suffered from a loss of form, but this full-blooded match was a more positive advertisement and went all the way to the wire.

Newport could have snatched a dramatic victory in injury time but former Wales international full-back Shane Howarth missed a penalty from 30 metres.

It would have been enough to have got the Black and Ambers home by a point and record their first win of the season.

It was a physically demanding game superbly handled by international referee David McHugh of Ireland.

He issued two yellow cards in the first half to Cardiff players, prop Peter Rogers - a former Newport player - for going over the top at a ruck and to Canada international Dan Baugh for foul play.

In the end it was the pace and guile of the Cardiff back line which just got the better of a gritty and determined Newport side.

Cardiff always looked dangerous when in possession and wing Craig Morgan bagged a brilliant hat-trick of tries.