Early matches were encouraging and on 1st October 1983 Newport defeated old rivals Cardiff 32 v 21 at Rodney Parade with wing Tim Harrison scoring a hat-trick. Victories continued up to Christmas including Gloucester, Llanelli, Ebbw Vale, Maesteg, Glamorgan Wanderers and a draw against the Barbarians. Unfortunately outside half Andy Phillips showing fine form then suffered a serious leg injury as did Wales B fullback Phil Steele.
Success continued after Christmas although Newport were eliminated in the Welsh Cup Q/F at Neath 26 v 11. Although missing an accurate place kicker, Newport - thanks largely to fine forward play - recorded notable victories over Newbridge, Pontypridd, Richmond, Aberavon, Neath, Moseley, London Welsh and Bath.
Mike Watkins (captain), Marc Batten, Rhys Morgan and David Waters all contributed to the first ever Wales B victory in France while Rhys Morgan won his full Welsh cap vs Scotland at Cardiff Arms Park. Mike Watkins was selected to lead Wales on his debut vs Scotland. He retained his place and captained Wales vs France, England and the Rest of the World.
Club records were set for points (1,110 ) - first time ever over 1,000pts and tries (186). Top points scorer was Andy Phillips with 174pts from only 22 appearances and top try scorer was scrum half Tony Coombes with 22 - a club record for a scrum half. Prop John Rawlins (45) led the appearances followed by wing Marc Batten (44) and locks Widdecombe (43) and Waters (43). Newly capped Rhys Morgan reached 366 1st XV appearances and David Waters 319 who also played for the Barbarians.
