In the first half of 1957-8 Newport lost 7 matches (including 9 v 12 against Penarth in the first match of the season with Bernard 'Slogger' Templeman dropping 3 second half goals for Penarth) and drew 3.

A tremendous recovery followed under astute leadership of Malcolm Thomas who had taken over from Leighton Jenkins who had been taken ill. Roy Burnett played his 300th game and Glyn Davidge was the best forward.

Newport were the only side to beat Cambridge University and turned in a magnificent display to record the biggest win over the touring Australians 11 v 0. Norman Morgan scored 155pts and Glyn Davidge (39), Norman Morgan (38) and Brian Scrivens (38) led the appearances.