Newport were made to fight all the way by battling Caerphilly in their opening centenary game. Newport seemed well in control when they led 3 v 21 but with the pack losing control and the backs fumbling and dithering Caerphilly reduced Newport's lead to 20 v 25 before Newport reasserted themselves with two late tries. Even though they were below full strength Newport looked anything but a side who are going places this season. The backs appeared strangers to one another, with Jeff Howells unhappy at outside half. The passing left a lot to be desired and only Jonathan Callard and Shaun McWilliams threatened. In the pack Andy Pocock made a satisfactory first team return with two tries following a long lay-off. Ashley Barker, Wayne Kendall, Shaun McWilliams, Callard and Paul Roberts all scored tries, whilst Howells kicked a penalty and conversion and Callard a conversion. Former Newport players Andy Phillips and John Churchill shared twelve points for Caerphilly, with Dave Phillips and Mark Jones both scoring twice.