Newport were entertained to a civic reception before the match and were welcomed by the largest crowd ever for a club match in North Wales. The brass band, television cameras, the president of the WRU and the chairman of selectors, all helped to make the biggest game in the club?s short history a gala occasion. Newport played with the slope in the first half and from the kick off the Newport pack quickly demonstrated ball winning skills. Time after time they won possession but their backs were unable to capitalise, mainly because of the excellent tackling and covering of the Ruthin back row forwards.

After 25 min Bob Guilfoyle broke and Paul Watts carried up to the line where Colin Smart was on hand to pick up and score. Rhys Morgan easily converted. Two heels against the head by Ruthin hooker Colin Peters kept Newport under pressure in their own half but all Ruthin had to show for it was a missed penalty goal by John Davies. Clean line-out ball and a slick three-quarter movement enabled wing Derek Hadden to go over in the corner for an easy try and a fine handling move just before half time gave wing Mike Shore the easiest of tries, which Rhys Morgan converted.

In the 2nd half Ruthin demonstrated some neat passing moves, none more so than when after turnover ball after a Guilfoyle fumble enabled Fred Roberts to run 40 yds for a brilliant try which Tudor Hughes converted. This gave Ruthin heart and continual driving raids up field put Newport on the rack. However the raids usually failed through poor backing up from a tiring back row. Adrian Hearn came into the line for a well taken try. Ruthin prop Dave Cunnagh scored a corner try in a lively finish to the game but a Lloyd Davies try and Adrian Hearn conversion in the last seconds completed the scoring.