The Black and Ambers took the trophy with a thrilling 28-25 victory over defending champions Llandovery at Cardiff Arms Park.
A decisive late try from flanker Kyle Tayler completed the turnaround for Newport, sealing the trophy and adding it to the inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru league title they secured last season.
The final was fiercely contested throughout, with Llandovery taking the lead on three different occasions before Newport struck at the death.
Reflecting on the achievement, Morris was full of admiration for his players’ character in a tightly fought contest.
“Absolutely proud of everyone involved today,” said Morris afterwards.
“It was a real arm wrestle between two very good sides.
“Llandovery were excellent and incredibly clinical. At times it felt like every transition they had ended in points. But the boys stuck in and showed real determination and grit.”
Llandovery edged the first half and went into the interval with a 17-14 advantage. Their scores came from wing duo Llien Morgan and Harri Doel, both of which were converted by Ioan Hughes, who also added a penalty.
Newport responded through tries from wing Morgan Williams and hooker Henry Palmer, with Jac Lloyd successfully converting both efforts to keep the contest finely balanced heading into the second period.
The holders continued to threaten after the break, as Morgan crossed for his second try of the match while Hughes added another penalty to maintain Llandovery’s advantage.
However, Newport gradually wrestled back control of the encounter. Lock Josh Skinner crossed to narrow the deficit before Tayler’s crucial late score — also converted by Lloyd — ultimately proved decisive.
Morris explained that the turning point came in the closing stages when his side began to assert sustained pressure on their opponents.
“In the last 15 minutes we began to move the ball better and build sustained pressure,” added the Newport boss.
“That pressure eventually told as we managed to sneak over with a minute to go – and then showed excellent game management to see the game out.
“There were so many outstanding individual performances, but I must say a huge thank you to the supporters. The noise and energy from the crowd in those final minutes genuinely helped drive the players over the line.
“The atmosphere was unbelievable. It’s a moment everyone at the club deserves for the hard work that goes in behind the scenes.”
