Not surprisingly there was limited success in the first 3 months of the season and wins against Pill Harriers, Penarth, Tredegar, Aberavon, London Welsh and Beddau were matched by defeats - some heavy - by Coventry, Pontypool, Neath, Swansea, Cardiff, Newbridge, Barbarians, Llanelli, Gloucester, Pontypridd, Moseley and the All Blacks (9 v 54). Coaches Keith James and Jim McCreedy resigned. At this time a number of former players made overtures to the Newport Rugby Committee and after a meeting Gareth Evans and Nev Johnson were appointed Team Coaches with Stuart Watkins as Team Manager at the end of November 1989.
Form continued to be unpredictable with wins over Bristol, Glamorgan Wanderers, Treherbert, Pontypridd (cup) and a draw against Gloucester tempered by defeats against Nottingham, Ebbw Vale, Swansea (twice including cup) and Bridgend. A purple patch followed with splendid displays vs Ebbw Vale, Llanelli, Cardiff (A) and Cross Keys ended with defeat at Pontypridd.
More defeats followed until the end of the season and there was an obvious need for new talent and experience if Newport were to gain promotion the following season to the Premier League in the new Welsh league format.
Mark Yendle and Andrew Lewis were part of Wales U21 squad and prop Mark Davis in the U20 squad. Kieron Gregory and Glen George who played consistently well through the season played for the Barbarians and Kieron was also picked for the Welsh squad to tour Namibia while Glen was on standby. David Waters reached 561 appearances, Rhys Morgan 538 and Roger Powell 338 appearances for 1st XV.
Top points scorer was Gary Abraham with 131pts while Paul Turner who had returned to Rodney Parade scored 70pts in 15 games. Top try scorer was wing John Thomas with 12 and appearances were led by Phil Booth (37), Glen George (36) and David Waters (35).
