Newport made their way to what was to be their last ever Snellings final in 1987. They beat Pontypridd and overcame Cardiff 12-6 after a tough fight. Jason White raced away in the last 30 secs to score the winning try. Cardiff’s Tim Crothers, Owen Golding and Alun Carter formed a forceful trio against Newport’s Wayne Rendall, Glenn George and David Waters. They then met Llanelli who had thrashed Abertillery 34-12 and who looked good for the final. Newport’s unflinching tackling pinned the Scarlets down in a memorable game. Llanelli led 14-12 but Jon Callard raced away near the end for a decisive try to make the score 18-14. The price of victory was high with injury to influential wing Jason White.

Newport had to call on yet another replacement during their 19th final with Paul Roberts replacing the injured Jon Callard. Bridgend crossed for 5 tries before HT and ran out winners 34-12 with tries by Glen Webbe 3, Mike Hall 2 and Jeremy Cooper. Newport’s scores came from David Pitt and Jon Callard with conversions by brothers Jon and Nigel Callard. Aled Williams of Bridgend won the Everson Award.

Newport’s final team : David Pitt, Jon Callard (rep: Paul Roberts), Nigel Callard (capt), Tony Coombes, Wayne Rendall, Glenn George and David Waters.

Pontypridd 20-10 W
Cardiff 12-6 W
Llanelli 18-14 W
Bridgend 12-34 L