THIS week we go back in time to 1990 and an historic day - not just in the history of Newtown Rugby Club but the entire mid Wales sport.

For on that day the mid Wales club became the first and only Powys club to compete in the final of the Worthington Welsh Districts Cup.

Newtown came up against St Albans based Hartridge Rugby Club at the old Arms Park in Cardiff who had been losing finalists just a year earlier.

County Times: Action from Newtown's Worthington Cup Final defeat to Hartridge in 1990.

Newtown RFC in 1990.

Unfortunately Newtown went down 24-18 in the final but the final appearance remains historic with the competition discontinued in 2009.

The day may have ended in tears, but Newtown's big day at Cardiff Arms Park will live in the memories of all those who made the pilgrimage to the home of Welsh rugby.

More than 1,000 people travelled down to the National Stadium to roar Newtown Rugby Club on in the final of the Welsh Brewers Cup - the most prestigious competition for the minnows of the game.

County Times: Action from Newtown's Worthington Cup Final defeat to Hartridge in 1990.

Action from Newtown's Worthington Cup Final defeat to Hartridge in 1990. 

And although mighty Hartridge High School Old Boys lifted the trophy after a thrilling encounter, Newtown's heroes did themselves, their supporters and the whole of the town proud.

Newtown had already made history by becoming the first team from mid Wales to make the final - shaking the game at its south Wales roots by beating favourites St. Albans in the semi-final.

County Times: Action from Newtown's Worthington Cup Final defeat to Hartridge in 1990.

Action from Newtown's Worthington Cup Final defeat to Hartridge in 1990. 

Inspired by their tremendous support, Newtown battled throughout but it was Hartridge who always maintained a winning edge.

Nevertheless, there was a nail-biting climax as Newtown had opportunities to level the core from penalty kicks. Both went wide and, as everyone admitted after the final whistle, the cup deservedly went to Hartridge.

County Times: Action from Newtown's Worthington Cup Final defeat to Hartridge in 1990.

Newtown subs in the final.

Defeat is never easy to take in a cup final, but amid tears of disappointment the excellent spirit the whole event attracted continued as supporters united in applauding the efforts of both teams.

For victorious Hartridge, it was a case of third time lucky in the final.

County Times: Action from Newtown's Worthington Cup Final defeat to Hartridge in 1990.

Action from Newtown's Worthington Cup Final defeat to Hartridge in 1990. 

A club spokesman said: "The Brewers Cup Final was a great moment in the club's history, the club and everyone involved remains justifiably proud of the achievement of playing at the Arms Park.

"As we look back on over the past 50 years during this our 50th anniversary season, the 1990 final features strongly among many proud moments during that time.

"The club have enjoyed huge success over the years, and we continue to build on that success with everything that is going on with the club right now.

"We have a healthy junior section upon which our current senior teams are built, and a strong membership with an emphasis on volunteer involvement throughout the club.

"We hope to see more days akin to the 1990 final, and our current upward trajectory offers much optimism that we will soon be cheering more success for our current player group to look back on."