NEWPORT’S class of 1977 was reunited at Rodney Parade last week to toast the 40th anniversary of their famous Welsh Cup final victory against Cardiff.

The Friends of Newport Rugby Trust arranged a celebration dinner that featured highlights of the 16-15 success and memories from the victorious coaches and players in a Q&A with Gareth Evans and Dai Burcher, who were left out of the side after being selected for the Lions.

The Black and Ambers beat the much-fancied Blue and Blacks, who boasted Gareth Edwards and Gerald Davies in their ranks, at Cardiff Arms Park on April 30, 1977.

Tries by wings Jen Davies and Jeff Cranton, a Leighton Davies penalty and a penalty and touchline conversion by Chris Webber took the spoils for Smart to lift the trophy in the capital.

The Newport RFC team: L Davies, K Davies, N Brown, C Webber, J Cranton, D Rogers, A Billinghurst (captain), C Smart, D Ford, R Morgan, D Waters, I Barnard, R Barrell, K Poole, J Squire. Replacements: F Headen, T O’Gorman, S Phillips, H Davies, J Watkins, B Lease.

Not present on picture: Jeff Squire, Neil Brown and Leighton Davies. Picture courtesty of Ron Sutcliffe