The pitch which had partly been covered by polythene overnight was a hazard to the players from the start with a bone-hard surface and the players often had difficulties with their footing and the near zero temperature led to some erratic handling. 33 yr old Keith Poole playing his 450th game, led the team on to the field. Newport won the forward possession battle with ease and within 14 minutes Newport had established a 12 pt lead, through 2 tries by wing Steve Willis and 2 conversions by fullback Leighton Davies. Newport had the game wrapped up by HT with further tries by Mark Morris-Jones 2, Steve Willis and David Rogers with Leighton Davies kicking 2 conversions. Steve Willis then crossed in the 13th minute of the second half and although Glyn Miles snapped up a try for Neyland, No 8 Richard Barrell and centre Gareth Evans got further tries for Newport before the game was halted.