1978 saw Newport lose in the S/F to Bridgend who were the eventual winners beating Cardiff in the final. They beat Pontypridd in first round and then met London Welsh in the 2nd round. John Taylor of London Welsh was given a special reception which saw his retirement after the match against Newport. He made a spectacular flying tackle, scored a try and converted one as London Welsh fought back from 6-22 to 18-22. In the other S/F Cardiff beat Moseley 22-10 but were no match for Bridgend in the final at the National Stadium and lost 38-16 in front of a 10,000 crowd. Bridgend’s outstanding forward Gareth Williams won the Everson Award.

Newport squad : J Churchill, B Lease, Geoff Evans, J Watkins, D Waters, C Webber, K Jefferson, N Brown , L Davies.

Pontypridd 22-0 W
London Welsh 22-18 W
Bridgend 10-24 L