The following article appeared in the match programme for Newport v Caerphilly on 30th October 1999:-

"A PAST ENCOUNTER"

"Saturday, 7th November 1998 Newport 3Opts Caerphilly 35pts"

"I suppose when the founding organisers of the European Shield Competition visualised the future for their branchild they would not have envisaged one side having to travel a round trip of 25 miles to undertake a tie. However, group pairings required Caerphilly to make such a journey to Newport, although the group of seven included the likes of Narbonne, Racing Club and Perigeux from France, Caerphiily had already beaten Newport 28-20 in a league encounter at Rodney Parade in September and were anxious to gain another victory to qualify for the further stages of the competition."

"Despite scoring four tries to Caerphilly's two, Newport were again defeated as they ran into a virtuoso performance from Caerphilly full back Brett Davey, who collected 22 points, succeeding with all his eight kicks at goal. He landed five penalties, converted the two tries scored by Chris John and Sean Marshall, and set the seal on a terrific show by dropping a 40-metre goal in the dying moments. Chris Davey, his coach, remarked, "He's a points machine and is right on top of his game. He's always prepared to try things and there is no such player in Wales." Newport's four tries could not disguise their disappointment or conceal their problems in the set scrum. Allan Lewis, Newport's Director of Rugby, commented, "There was a ten minute period when our scrum was so weak they put us under pressure and scored two tries. We're too loose and we're not keeping possession long enough. I would have rather scored two tries and won the game." For Newport, Scott Mitchell had an impessive running game at outside half, creating two tries, but his goal kicking let his side down. Matt Cardey scored his third try in as many matches, this one coming after a splendid run from Alan Harris, who also scored a try together with David Gray and David Smith."

"As a result of their hard-earned victory, Caerphilly became the first Welsh club to qualify for the quarter-finals of the European Shield. Unfortunately, they were then drawn at the mighty Brive, where against the likes of Lamaison, Magne, Arbizu and Co Caerphilly performed with considerable credit in losing 43-12, Caerphilly's points coming from four penalties from the irrepressible Brett Davey."