In 1988 Newport lost in the first round to Aberavon 10-28 L while old rivals Cardiff lost 16-0 to Bridgend in a preliminary round. Llanelli cruised to the final with wins over Neath, Bridgend and Maesteg to meet South Wales Police who had made their first ever final. The Police had beaten Ebbw Vale, Pontypool and Aberavon on the way.

Only 2000 people saw Llanelli with star player and Everson Award winner Jonathan Davies overwhelm South Wales Police 40-4. Phil Davies captained Llanelli who also had Ieuan Evans, Nigel Davies and Steve Bowling in the side.

Newport squad : Glen George, Keiron Gregory, David Waters, Simon Williams, Nigel Callard, Ceri Jonathan, Alan Owen, Jason White, David Phillips and Gary Abraham.

Aberavon 10-28 L