Francois Mounier takes a line-out for Cardiff

Jon Pritchard was stopped by a forward pass and Matt Mostyn by obstruction before Cardiff launched their first attack and Craig Quinnell was penalised for punching.

Howarth used the wind to put Newport on the opposition line and after drive from the pack, the fly-half was halted by a forward pass.

The blustery conditions were playing havoc and, after Craig Morgan went close for Cardiff, Howarth put the first three points on the board with a 23rd minute penalty.

Four minutes later, another spell of home pressure saw Howarth chip over a neat drop goal to make it 6-0.

Iestyn Harris tried to get Cardiff moving, but only succeeded in helping Newport go forward and Howarth converted another penalty to extend their lead.

Conditions contributed to Harris missing a simple kick before Andrew Lewis dropped a try-creating pass with Anthony Sullivan roaring through outside him.

Shane Howarth had a try disallowed for a forward pass

Things got worse for the former rugby league wing soon after as he was pulled up for a delibrate knock-on and shown the yellow card.

After the interval, Cardiff had the advantage of the wind, but Harris put the kick-off dead.

It was the forerunner to a constant spell of Newport attacking and, after a fine exhibition of passing, Mostyn appeared on his opposite wing to dive over and make it 14-0 with his 12th league try of the season.

Despite having the wind, Cardiff were stuck on the defensive and Andy Powell missed a glorious chance to add another try before Harris put the visitors on the board with a penalty.

That gave them the impetus they wanted, and in the 63rd minute Cardiff scored their first try.

Jamie Robinson kicked the ball through and, as Rhys Williams and Pini collided, Sullivan appeared on the scene to touch down.

Jamie Robinson scored the winning try for Cardiff

There was an element of doubt about the try, but referee Clayton Thomas gave it and Harris added the conversion.

Newport tried to fight back, but it was Cardiff who scored again thanks to a break from Harris.

He found replacement Nicky Robinson in support, and brother Jamie took on the move to run in from 30 metres for the try which Harris converted.

The home crowd tried to lift their side, but it wasn't to be and - apart from one bout of fisticuffs - Cardiff held on to win.