A match originally scheduled for 13th January 1979.
From the match programme:-
"PAST GLORIES AND TODAY'S TARGET"
"The most fascinating cup-ties fall into two categories - those between major and minor clubs, in which reputation and past achievement often count for little, and those featuring senior clubs of long-standing tradition, whose meetings gain an extra layer of competitiveness and excitement from the importance of the cup occasion."
"Today's clash obviously comes within the second category, and no encounter in the third round promises a higher commitment in terms of skill and tactical expertise."
"Yet both Llanelli and Newport have had their share of alarms brought about by the courageous challenge offered by minor clubs. The Scarlets had a thoroughly unsettling experience at Ystradgynlais in the last round, and detailed records provided by Les Williams remind me of torrid engagements at Rhymney in 1973 (12-9), Crynant in 1 974 (14-9) and Taffs Well in 1975(10-6)."
"Newport, too, have cause to shudder at the recollection of their visit to Tumble two years ago when they escaped with a 12-12 draw and went through (as the Scarlets did at Ystradgynlais) on the try count alone."
"That year Newport went on to win the cup, beating Ebbw Vale in the semi-final and Cardiff (by a single point, 16-15) in the final. Last season the Black-and-Ambers were in the final again, losing 3-13 to Swansea after defeating Aberavon (10-6) in the semi-final."
"Llanelli have not had by any means an overwhelming measure of success in their clashes with Newport, winning 46 games to Newport's 76, with 23 matches drawn But in terms of cup achievement the Scarlets have an unmatched record - five successive cup final appearances, with four victories in that period - and their cautious optimism today will be strengthened by a fine victory (21-4) at Rodney Parade on the one occasion on which the teams have met before in the cup."
"Re-living past glories is always a pleasant pastime, and it may do the morale of Llanelli supporters some good to recall those five cup final appearances - against Neath (9-15) in 1 972, Cardiff (30-7) in 1973, Aberavon (12-10) in 1974, Aberavon (15-6) in 1975 and Swansea (16-4) in 1976."
"But past glories are not a substitute for present day achievement, and the Scarlets today will be determined to advance a step closer to another cup triumph, just as Newport will be aiming resolutely at a third successive appearance at the National Stadium."
"It is an awareness of the past which makes today's clash all the more significant and absorbing."
"GARETH HUGHES"
"A MATCH OF PRIDE AND TRADITION"
"by Brian Jones, Newport RFC"
"As an East Walian - or, as my very good friend from Pontypool, Ray Prosser, would quickly point out, 'a man from Gwent' - I am honoured and pleased to contribute to this afternoon's match programme."
"Newport RFC has been very much a part of my life for the last twenty-five years - the first twenty years as a player and coach, and the last five years as an administrator."
"On checking the records from my playing and coaching career, I found that during my playing days our two clubs met on thirty occasions, with Newport winning fourteen games, Llanelli seven, with four matches drawn, while during my coaching period Newport won six games and Llanelli four."
"But rugby football is not measured merely by results. It is a game about respect, friendship and most of all, pleasure and enjoyment."
"During my playing/coaching career I always had a great respect for the Scarlets. How could it be otherwise with the Llanelli club's illustrious history? But this certainly did not mar the enjoyment or excitement of our encounters; if anything, it increased it."
"It would be impossible to list in such a limited space all the outstanding players from both clubs who played during this era. They certainly added a great deal of sparkle to world rugby, and it was my privilege to play with and against them."
"On the field they played with flair and enjoyment, and also with a strong determination to win. After the game, in the clubhouse, many lasting friendships were forged through mutual respect."
"I know the present-day players are always complaining, "You old fogies are always being nostalgic and living in the past". But both our clubs have a past of which to be proud, and are respected in world rugby. It is in the hands of today's players to keep it that way, with creative and successful rugby their ultimate aim."
As for the game itself ..................
This was a thrilling and absorbing match that had the 12,000 crowd roaring with appreciation from start to finish and there was hardly a dull moment with the result in the balance right up to the final whistle. The game was delayed for the past two weeks due to snow and the Stradey park pitch was protected by 700 bales of straw to ensure the tie was played.
The match exploded into life from the kick off with both sides scoring tries in the first six mins and a penalty goal apiece left the sides tied on 9-9 at half-time.
A crucial try by J J Williams early in the second half proved the difference. Although Chris Webber responded with a huge 52yd penalty goal and frantic late surges by Newport almost saved the tie.