A match programme had been prepared for the original game and included the following:-
"MESSAGE OF WELCOME"
"Today we are delighted to welcome Newport R.F.C. to Bryncoch for this W.R.U. Challenge Cup match their visit is indicative of our outstanding progress and a fitting tribute to all who have contributed to our Club's success."
"Our visitors Newport R.F.C. are known to rugby followers throughout the world. They are a club with great achievements over many years, we are honoured and delighted to have such illustrious opponents at Bryncoch this afternoon."
"I take this opportunity on behalf of Bryncoch R.F.C. And our supporters to warmly congratulate Newport in this, their Centenary year, and we look forward to an entertaining and enjoyable game this afternoon."
"County Councillor Roy Jones"
"Chairman Bryncoch R.F.C."
The match that never was!
Bryncoch forfeited their first round Welsh cup-tie after the original first date was rained off. The Welsh Rugby Union was brought into arbitrate on a new date but Bryncoch protested when they ruled that the game would have to be played at The Gnoll, Neath mid-week on Wednesday 20th November 1974 under floodlights. They felt that they would lose valuable ground advantage. Newport were given a walkover.
Bryncoch's position was reported as being:-
"Another Welsh rugby cup flared when Bryncoch refused to play their game with Newport at the Gnoll, Neath on Wednesday night as ordered by the Welsh Rugby Union. And they accused the WRU of "Bending cup laws to suit themselves". "
"Said angry secretary Peter Edwards: "The rules state the first club out of the hat is the home team, but we will not be playing on our own ground. Newport were offered a date within 10 days of last Saturday's postponement to play the match at Bryncoch with an afternoon kick-off. They could not meet us. While we appreciate Newport's difficulties, we think the Welsh Rugby Union have stepped in and bent the laws to suit their own convenience". "
"A member of the Bryncoch committee, who met last night and decided unanimously not to play on Wednesday delivered the club's protest to the Welsh Rugby Union's office in Cardiff today."
"According to an official Bryncoch statement, issued by Mr Edwards, they say:- "Certain fundamental principles of the competition we feel, regrettably, we have to take a stand now."
"The Welsh Rugby Union ordered the tie to be played under flood lights at Neath on Wednesday after the two clubs had failed to agree on a new date for the match. Now that Bryncoch have refused to play at Neath, the Welsh Rugby Union must decide to award the tie to Newport by default or tell Newport to go to Bryncoch on one of the dates offered next week. Mr Edwards says his club have no intentions of withdrawing from the cup."
"The matter is in the hands of the WRU and it is up to them to decide."
"The outcome was that the Welsh Rugby Union awarded the tie to Newport RFC."