Harold Phillips was the natural successor as captain in 1929-30 when Vince Griffiths retired. A good start brought wins over Penarth, Cross Keys, Pill Harriers, Aberavon (A) and Swansea. However defeat at Pontypool was followed by a poor run with experiments being tried to halt the decline. Walter Martin was given the role of tutor of tactics and training and with a settled team there was a remarkable recovery and in mid-season Newport once more became one of the best teams.

Several new names figured - Arthur Lyle, wing from Newport High School, new half-backs Ron Tovey and R. T. (Nick) Carter, centre J. R. Edwards from Tredegar, forward Ned Shiner and Peter Hordern who eventually was capped by England.

The personality of the team was undoubtedly Jack Morley and his influence on the team was profound. He was chosen to tour with British Lions to Australasia. On the other wing Lyle, although small in stature, he was a first class tackler and scored 15 tries - 4 at Pandy Park , Cross Keys.

Jerman and Tovey shared the inside half place and Hubert Day won his first Welsh cap as hooker. Harry Peacock, W. C. Morgan, Harry Phillips and new comer Bill Jackson of Pill Harriers shone in the forwards. Everson topped the century again with 121pts from 40 appearances, Jack Morley scored most tries with 21 and Nick Carter made most appearances with 41.

In 1929 there was a reunion of the 1891-92 invincible team and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Newport's first loss (A hammering from Blackheath) a jubilee anniversary match was played on 12th October 1929.