Llanelli overcame a gritty Newport side in the last final of the professional era and lifted the cup for a record 12th time. This was a classic East vs West battle and the final score flattered Llanelli who were expected to walk the final. It was a sad goodbye to Shane Howarth whose two mistakes cost Newport dear and to captain Simon Raiwalui. Howarth was to retire while Raiwalui was forced to move elsewhere, to Saracens in London, with the Regional set-up being introduced in Wales in 2003/4.

Percy Montgomery kicked a penalty - his 10th in a row at the Millennium Stadium and Stephen Jones replied for a 3-3 score. Aggressive defence by Newport kept the Llanelli midfield closed down and although they had more than their fair share of territory and possession they could find few gaps. Montgomery landed a huge drop goal and a further penalty for a 9-3 lead. The match then swung dramatically as fly-half Howarth?s inside pass was intercepted by flanker David Hodges to put wing Mark Jones away to score a try converted by Stephen Jones that put Llanelli ahead 10-9 at HT.

Midway through the 2nd half Wales international Scott Quinnell and company kept the ball tight and marched upfield. Wing Salesi Finau broke out of Howarth?s tackle and flyer Mark Jones was on hand to score his 2nd try. The game was effectively over before Llanelli captain Leigh Davies and wing Finau scored further tries.