Newport had a good season in 1881-82 again under captain Will Phillips. The season also saw the end of his career while George Rosser ruptured his lung against Swansea and after a long illness retired. It was a big loss as Rosser had shown that he was a clever runner and probably the fastest threequarters in Wales.

Regular players included George Reynolds, Fred Phillips (brother of Walter, Clifford and Will) - fine runner and threequarter and ex-captain of Swindon. Newport still played 10 forwards, often with 2 backs, 1 threequarter and two halves ie no full-back. In the second half of the season they reverted mainly to the orthodox 1 back, 3 threequarters, 2 halves and 9 forwards. Newport won the South Wales Challenge Cup beating Pontypridd, Pontypool, Cardiff and Llanelly (after a replay).

After Christmas 'Old Cambria' took the field at Newport and the Monmouthshire Merlin of 20th January 1882 reported as follows:-

"FOOTBALL.- North of England v. Wales -"

"Perhaps the best match ever seen in Monmouthshire or South Wales was that which came off on Saturday last at Newport, between 15 natives of the North of England and a similar number of Welshmen. Between 3,000 and 4,000 spectators watched the play throughout, the deep interest manifested in the game being very noticeable. The North of England team won the toss, and Payne, their captain, started the ball, which was followed up and kept in the home 25. The "natives" were soon compelled to touch down in self-defence, and the game proceeded in a spirited manner, both sides displaying rare pluck, and doing all they could to gain an advantage. At length the ball found its way into the Welsh goal, and there was another touch down in self-defence, followed by a splendid piece of manoeuvring on the part of old Cambria's sons, Harding, Newman, and Phillips especially distinguishing themselves. Just before half-time the visitors touched down to defend themselves. When play was resumed Lewis, one of the Welsh backs, re-started the ball. The latter half of the game was exciting in the extreme, and the Welshmen were cheered again and again for their masterly play. But unfortunately they could not do more than deserve success, and victory lay with the side of the North by one goal and three touches downs to one try and two touches down. The following were the players:- North of England: Back, R. Wood (Cheshire); three-quarter backs, C. E. Bartram (Yorkshire), E. Beswick (Lancashire), and A. Newsome (Yorkshire); half-backs, J. H. Payne (captain), and W. R. Richardson (Lancashire); forwards, J. Wilson, J. T. Hunt, G. Wood, W. S. Hulse, C. Horley (Lancashire), J. W. H. Thorpe, B. R. Middleton (Cheshire), J. Bottomley, and W. F. Huth (Yorkshire). Wales: Back, C. P. Lewis (Llandovery), and S. S. Clark (Neath); three-quarter backs, J. Bridie (Cardiff) and G. F. Harding (Newport); half-backs, C. H. Newman (captain) (Newport), R. Bridie (Cardiff), and W. F. Evans (Rhymney); forwards, B. E. Girling, T. Williams, W. D. Phillips (Cardiff), R. Gould, F. T. Purdon, T. B. Jones (Newport), E. Treharne (Pontypridd), and T. J. S. Clapp (Nantyglo). The umpires were - R. Mullock, hon. sec., W.F.U , and J. M'Laren, vice-president R.F.U. The referee was J. D. Miller of Clifton." 

The growing presence of Newport Athletic Club was witnessed by the Bristol Mercury and Daily Post of 1st June 1882:-

"NEWPORT"

"WHITSUNTIDE HOLIDAYS. - In addition to the usual Whitsuntide treats to the Sunday School children of the town, the Newport Athletic Club arranged a capital programme of sports on their grounds. It was computed that 5000 persons paid for admission to the ground. The various contests were well sustained, and the programme was got through without any mishap. Mrs. Captain Lonsdale distributed the prizes to the successful competitors, amongst whom were several Bristolians."