In 1965 Newport were keen to put the previous season’s disappointment behind them at Swansea and they were en route as they easily beat Ebbw Vale, Llanelli and Cardiff to reach their 10th final in 12 years. They conceded just the 1 try – against Llanelli in the 2nd round.

The final against Newbridge was another affair though. Newbridge took the lead with a converted try by Dennis Hughes and Alun Thomas scored an unconverted try to be behind 3-5 at HT. Brian Perrins scored another unconverted try for Newport and then Newbridge scrum-half Jeff Palmer (later to figure in a successful Newport VII) scored a try to make the score 8-6 to Newbridge but Brian Price saved the day with a match winning try for a 9-8 win and Newport’s 8th Snelling title.

Ebbw Vale 13-0 W
Llanelli 12-3 W
Cardiff 11-0 W
Newbridge 9-8 W