Newport had to pump 5,000 gallons of water off the pitch the day before to ensure this cup tie went ahead.

S W Police outside half Bleddyn Bowen put an end to Newport's cup hopes with the scores tied at 12-12. With only minutes to go and extra-time looming, man-of-the match Bowen hacked ahead towards the Newport line and was late tackled by Gerald Williams. He then cooly landed the penalty goal which gave his side a shock 15-12 win on their first visit to Rodney Parade. Newport's early lethargy cost them 9pts with a Bowen penalty and a Richie Donovan try from a Gerald Williams fumble near his own line. Both Newport half-backs had a day to forget: Andy Phillips had a terrible day with his touch kicking and was unable to find touch or get the distance to break out of the Police chains wich pinned them in their own territory. The Newport pack dominated the second half with desperate handling moves which gained little, but with heroic Police tackling they held out for a shock win.