In 1968 at Cardiff, John Anthony was captain of what looked like a strong side on paper with Gordon Britton, Paul Evans and Allen Evans and forwards Martin Webber, Brian Perrins and John Jeffrey. They scored 3 tries to 1 against Newbridge in the first round but missed conversions meant a close score of 9-5. Two converted tries to one unconverted saw them beat Cross Keys in the 2nd round and meet Pontypool in the S/F.

Newport scored first with a converted try by John Anthony but Pontypool scored a converted try to make the score 5-5 at HT. Then Gordon Britton scored a try again converted by John Anthony but Ivor Berry scored a converted try himself to make the score 10-10 at FT. A sudden death try by Adrian Hearn – later to play for and coach Newport – saw Pontypool home in extra time by 13-10.

Bridgend had their first success by beating Pontypool in the final and the as yet uncapped John “JJ” Williams winning the Everson Award. The Bridgend team also featured JPR Williams, Ron Evans and John Lloyd.

Newbridge 9-5 W (Tries : J Anthony 2, B Perrins)
Cross Keys 10-3 W (Tries : J Anthony, J Jeffrey and J Anthony 2c)
Pontypool 10-13 L (after extra-time) (Tries : J Anthony, G Britton and J Anthony 2c)