1971 saw Newport reach the final for the 13th time in 18 tournaments. Newport’s team of John Anthony, Paul Evans, Keith James, Warren Lewis, Jeff Watkins, Peter Williams and Andrew Evans just got past Bridgend 15-14 but in doing so Jeff Watkins was injured and replaced in the next round by Del Haines.

Wins against Swansea and Cardiff saw them meet Llanelli in the final but they were outclassed. They found themselves 31-0 down at one time but made the final score 31-10. John Thomas set Roy Bergiers up for the first try and Newport were 18-0 down at HT. Llanelli’s try scorers were Roy Mathias 3, Andy Hill 2, Roy Bergiers and Phil Bennett whoscored 32pts in the competition but the Everson Award went to John Thomas.

Bridgend 15-14 W
Swansea 11-3 W
Cardiff 12-5 W
Llanelli 10-31 L