EVERY Newport fan inside and outside the Millennium Stadium yesterday would have had a lump in their throat when Gary Teichmann lifted the Principality Cup in his last game for the club before his retirement.

It all went according to plan, with the Black and Ambers' inspirational captain lifting Newport's first piece of silverware for 24 years - in his last-ever club game. The giant South African no 8 has become a legend during his two-year stay at Rodney Parade - and how the fans appreciate what what he has done for their beloved club.

He has been symbolic as the club's momentum gathered. They started as also-ran and became one of the biggest forces of Welsh rugby. They could have only dreamed about playing in cup finals and qualifying for the Heineken Cup.

Yesterday, some supporters - a couple of whom carried inflatables of the captain - shed tears of joy and chanted "Teichmann, Teichmann!" as the great man lifted the cup. The players also know what he has done for the club and carried him off the pitch on their shoulders.

The jubilation continued in extraordinary scenes back at Rodney Parade, where a sea of fans greeted their returning heroes.

Newport's South African star Andy Marinos, who has also played in Australia, said he had never seen anything like it in 11 years of rugby Enjoying yesterday was pensioner Ray Williams, 70, of Barrack Hill, who has been a Newport fan since 1936.

After Teichmann lifted the cup, he said: "This is fantastic. "And it's all down to (chief executive) Tony Brown. And not just his money but his ideas, which have taken the club forward." Speaking about Teichmann's contribution to Newport, he said: "This is a fitting way to end his career. His experience has been invaluable and he has always been in the right place at the right time. He will be missed next season."

Newport fan Rachel Smith, aged 18, of Beechwood, said: "It was an amazing day - a real carnival atmosphere.

"And it's great that Teichmann has won some silverware at Newport before he retires. I just hope that this is just the start of our success." Of course, Teichmann is not the only person who has contributed to the revival of Newport Rugby Club.

Their change in fortunes has been largely due to the financial backing and forward-thinking ideas of chief executive Tony Brown. Coach Allan Lewis also deserves a mention.

And they, along with all the other players who have turned Newport into cup winners, will be basking in the glory this morning - and probably recovering from the night before.

Yesterday afternoon's pouring rain, in complete contrast to the scorching heat of the FA Cup Final on Saturday, could not dampen the joy and elation of the swarm of Newport fans who travelled the ten miles to Cardiff in their thousands.

They out-numbered the counterparts from Neath - and out-chanted them, too.

Waving black and amber flags, they made the occasion a real carnival. At the final whistle it was just pure joy.

Thanks to this 13-8 victory, Newport have their first piece of silverware in the trophy cabinet since they beat Cardiff in the Challenge Cup back in 1977.