Welsh Cup First Round: Newport High School Old Boys 19 Cardigan 12

Cardigan made the three-hour journey to Newport with a makeshift team to play the High School Old Boys and went down to defeat - but not before they had shown real grit.

Fighting back from a 14-0 interval scoreline in the home side's favour they stayed in contention right up until the final moments when the Cardis tried to run the ball out from their own line as they trailed 12-14, only for the move to break down and flanker Jamie Lane to cross for an unconverted try, which sealed a home win.

Mark Hughes filled the hooker's berth since Aled Harries was working until 1pm, and the livewire flanker played really well in the close exchanges alongside veteran prop Eurfyl Davies and Richard Jones. Duncan Lewis switched from his regular spot in the threequarters to occupy the flanker's role in partnership with Steve Liptrot and Chris James - and there was even a 10-minute cameo from coach Derek Burton, who joined the fray in place of Phil James, who had played well in cahoots with Colin Davies in the second row.

But so many changes in key positions was bound to disrupt the Cardis' battle plan and they conceded two converted tries in the first half, both emanating from the lineout as hooker Chris Camborghini was driven over and then a good platform allowed play to be swept wide for centre Phillipo Molano to slice through. Both tries were converted by fly half Ryan James and although Cardigan looked sharp with Alun Williams and Dylan Rees paired in the centre, they had few periods of real pressure from which to build concerted attacks.

Cardigan started the second period well, however, with a penalty try after only five minutes. They were awarded a penalty, which was quickly taken by Hughes and his way to the line was blocked so the referee awarded a penalty try - only for Gareth Mason's conversion to be charged down from in front of the posts! But Mason made amends when Cardigan grabbed a second try, converting from wide out when Dyfed James released his backs and Alun Williams sliced through to the corner for a quality try.

There was some good work in defence by Gary Souter, Richard Bowen and Huw Davies as Cardigan kept in contention but with time running out a handling error in midfield caused them problems - and Lane crossed for his try to send The Teifisiders tumbling out of the cup despite their genuine efforts. They have a league fixture this Saturday, with Pencoed as visitors to the King George Vth ground.