From the match programme:-
"FOREWORD"
"All good things have to come to an end and sometimes with a vengeance as they did in our last home game against Neath. After a run of thirteen victories out of fourteen games hopes were high for the visit of the Welsh All Blacks. As things turned out of course we were soundly put in our place with a resounding defeat by 42-12. In defeat, however, one could but admire the all round effectiveness and ruthlessness of a magnificent display by Neath and one can but hope that the Whites can pick themselves up and recapture their previous form for today's encounter with Newport. As Roger Blyth, chairman of the selectors said after the Neath game, "Neath showed us how much work we have to do. We can take stock for the future. We believe that future will be a good one for Swansea." "
"But what of the future of Wales? After witnessing the performance of Neath at St. Helen's it was difficult to comprehend that the national team should be as inept as they were at Twickenham. The numbing effect of that mauling is still with us and though the team for the game against Scotland had not been announced as we go to press one wonders where do we go from here. As Robert Jones said after the match, "This game will be remembered for a long, long time". As far as Welshmen are concerned it will be for the wrong reasons."
"Certainly the restructuring of the game in England at all levels seems to have paid off and it would appear that the advent of league football and the diminishing importance of county rugby in that country seems to have paid dividends. One wonders and hopes that the advent of a league system in Wales will lead to similar results. Perhaps the resignation of John Ryan as coach and the appointment of Ron Waldron will be the first step in the right direction."
"Today however we concern ourselves not with league or international football but with the Schweppes Cup Competition and we welcome our visitors Newport. The black and ambers perhaps surprised most when they defeated Pontypridd 12-3 in the twice postponed tie in the fifth round. After an indifferent start to the season Newport have shown an improvement of late and although the Whites have recorded the double over their opponents this season by 29-19 and 31-21 today's result is no foregone conclusion. Newport have played 31 games, won 12, lost 18, and drawn 1 with 498 points for and 696 against. Since the resignation of coaches Jim McGreedy and Keith Jones in November and the appointment of new coaches Gareth Evans and Nev Johnson together with manager Stuart Watkins there has been a greater commitment in the team despite injuries to lock Andrew Perry, hooker Keiron Gregory, flanker Andy Pocock and the enforced retirement of prop Rhys Morgan after 537 games for the club. The team was also affected by the departure of David Phillips and Ceri Jonathan to Pontypool, Damion Griffiths to Cardiff and Jonathan Callard to Bath. However one of Morgan's fellow long service team mates continues to give valiant service to the club particularly in the line out. We refer of course to David Waters, with 547 games to his credit (Could Wales still use him?). The club's record scorer Paul Turner with 368 points in season 1986/7 has also returned to Newport from Newbridge."
"Both teams today will be striving for a semi-final place and we look forward to an exciting game."
"GLYN ELLIS"
For 67 mins of this pulsating quarter-final heroic Newport defied almost everything Swansea and a gale force wind could throw at them. It had been a colossal effort by the underdogs to keep their noses in front but with the wind and a vociferous St Helens crowd roaring them on, overwhelming All White pressure finally told during a blistering 15pt finale. In no way did the eventual margin of defeat equate with a memorable battling performance. Newport led 14-3 early in the second half with tries from Nigel Callard and David Waters and a fine team effort kept them in contention, but the superior pace of the Swansea forwards ultimately proved too much.
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From The Daily Telegraph of Monday, 27th February 1990:-
"Wyatt's kicking is decisive"
"by David Green"
"Swansea 28pts Newport 14"
"SWANSEA made their expected progress to the Schweppes Welsh Cup semi?finals by beating Newport at St Helens on Saturday. But, though in the end their margin was comfortable, they were given some uneasy moments."
"Indeed, when Newport, who had the advantage of the gale in the first half, went 14-3 up two minutes after the interval, an upset seemed possible. But finally Wyatt's tactical kicking and Swansea's greater all-round pace were the decisive factors."
"Newport have certainly perked up since October, when Stuart Watkins, the former Wales wing, assumed overall responsibility for their playing side."
"He and his chief lieutenants Gareth Evans, Nev Johnson, Rhys Morgan and Roger Powell, all ex-players, have largely restored the side's self-belief."
"Unfortunately, they lacked pace outside the scrum, and therefore could never put pressure on Swansea in pursuit of Turner's long downwind kicks. In contrast, Swansea had in Emyr and Parfitt two fliers who harassed the Newport defenders unmercifully in the second half."
"Swansea's scrum was also the stronger, which enabled flankers Ian Davies and Reynolds to detach earlier than Newport's George and Pocock who, for all their unstinting endeavours had to play second fiddle in terms of securing loose ball."
"Newport's first-half scoring was limited to a try by Callard in support of Gregory's strong run, Abraham's penalty, and a Turner dropped goal."
"Wyatt landed a penalty for Swansea and, shortly after the restart. Waters scored for Newport direct from a line-out. With Wyatt and Clement using the wind with great common-sense. Swansea's grip then tightened."
"Increasing pressure forced errors. Wyatt kicking three more penalties, and tries coming from Arnold, around the front of a line-out, Buckett, and Reynolds."
"Swansea: M. Wyatt, M. Titley, S. Parfitt, Adrian Williams, A. Emyr, A. Clement, R. Jones (capt), I. Buckett, W. James, M. Morgan, S. Williams, P. Arnold, I. Davies, A. Reynolds, S. Davies."
"Tries: Arnold, Buckett, Reynolds Conversions: Wyatt (2) Penalty goals: Wyatt (4)"
"Newport: G. Abraham, (A. Jewitt, 74), A. Tucker, M. Yendle, L. Jones, M. Puddy, P. Turner, N. Callard, F. Hillman, K. Gregory, Alun Williams, D. Churchill, D. Waters, A. Pocock, G. George (capt), P. Booth."
"Tries: Callard Waters Dropped goal: Turner Penalty goal: Abraham."
"Referee: G Simmonds (Cardiff)"