REFEREE Nigel Williams came under heavy pressure as last night's Newport-Cardiff league clash went ahead amid considerable controversy, writes Robin Davey.

The Cardiff camp were keen to get the match called off after heavy rain all day and fielding a virtual reserve team, while Newport wanted the match played.

The recent Pontypridd-Cardiff game was played in far worse conditions, but Williams was put under fire by Cardiff in particular before the game after they were on the telephone to the Newport club from early in the day.

But there was no surface water on the pitch and after the referee examined it, he asked for one area to be forked before having another look.

He finally gave the go-ahead, a decision described by Newport coach Leigh Jones as justice'.

Williams was put under even more pressure because of the recent court case when a Welsh player, who broke his neck in a scrum, won major compensation from the WRU in a landmark court case.

'I was bemused by all the fuss before the game,' said Jones. 'I appreciate the pressure referees are coming under because of litigation.

'I felt for Nigel. He's more than aware of the recent litigation, and we chatted about it.

'But the ground was fit and it would have been a travesty if it had been called off.

'Cardiff came up with a lot of injuries so they'd have been happy if the game did not go ahead. But justice was seen to be done.'

Cardiff coach Geraint John gave a tongue-in-cheek reply: 'We just asked the referee if the pitch was OK and he said yes.'

On the victory, Jones said: 'I was delighted with the first-half and that we implemented things we had done in training.

'We produced more quick ball which is of more use to the backs and they functioned better.

'I was disappointed with the second-half. We played in the wrong areas but that has to be accepted in the conditions.

'It was a win at all costs, but it was comfortable as well.'