The match programme provided a .....
WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE
This afternoon we are delighted to welcome Llanelli, the W.R.U. Challenge Cup winners for the last three years to Rodney Parade. Although this is the first meeting of our two Clubs in the new cup competition, it is certainly not the first cup - tie ever played between the two clubs. The first fixture between the Black and Ambers and the Scarlets was a cup-tie, way back in 1877, while the Scarlets gained their first-ever victory over Newport in the 1884 Cup Final.
Since those early days the rivalry between East and West has been intense ; 139 games have been played, with Newport winning 73, Llanelli 43, and 23 being drawn. It is interesting to note that since the Second World War 62 games have been played, Newport winning 36, Llanelli 15 and 11 being drawn. Rodney Parade has not been a happy hunting ground for the Scarlets, for during this period they have only won here on four occasions: 1953-54, 1869-70, 1971-72, and 1972-73. But statistics count for nothing in the Cup, and they are determined to keep their hands on the trophy this season.
Their star - studded line - up contains some of the finest names in modern rugby, names like John J. Williams, Roy Bergiers, Ray Gravelle, Phil Bennett, Barry Llewellyn and Derrick Ouinnell. Couple these with Andy Hill (who has played over 350 1st! XV games for Llanelli), Selwyn Williams, Roy Thomas, Hefin Jenkins and Gareth Jenkins, and it is easy to understand why they are such a power. Everyone at Rodney Parade would like to congratulate Ptiil on his magnificent performance in setting up a record points aggregate for Wales and equalling the individual points record. Let's hope he forgets his magical boots to-day!
To back up this fine team off the field the Scarlets are fortunate to have an excellent coaching panel under Norman Gale. They will obviously miss the talent of Carwyn James, but the following, under Norman, are certain to ensure that Llanelli remain a force in world rugby: Peter Lewis, Meirion Davies and Tom Hudson.
Welcome, Llanelli. We are confident the game will be a Cup classic. May the best team win.
CLUB NOTES
Skipper Colin Smart and Coach John Ryan are delighted that Lady Luck smiled on the Black and Ambers for the first time at this stage of the cup competition and gave them a home tie. It is an added bonus that the opposition is provided by the cup winners for the last three years. Only Australia have been victorious at Rodney Parade this season, so it is understandable that the word defeat has not entered the heads of this afternoons team. They are well aware of the mammoth task that faces them, but are certain that the crowd will give them every encouragment to achieve the required result. So let your voices be heard!
Promising young starlet Richard Taylor has certainly had his share of bad luck this season. The double break he sustained in his leg versus Leicester will certainly keep him out of action for the rest of this season. It is reported that his leg has set to the satisfaction of his doctors, and it is certain that everyone at Rodney Parade wishes him a complete recovery. We look forward to him challenging for a first-team place next season. The news on the other injured players is encouraging. Clive Jenkins is hoping to re-start with the United this afternoon; Rhys Morgan is back in action, and Tony Mogridge hopes to be available soon. We wish them all well.
Congratulations must be paid to Colin Smart on his selection as non-travelling reserve for England v. Scotland. Following the result, he may get promotion for the next game, and Rodney Parade could soon have another international to cheer.
Pontypool and Ebbw Vale are already through to the semi - finals of this seasons Cup competition; can the Black and Ambers make it a triple Gwent challenge by winning to-day? Only time will tell. The television cameras are here this afternoon to capture the action for B.B.C. Wales tomorrow afternoon. Lets hope it portrays the best of both clubs.
AS FOR THE GAME .....
Newport?s hopes of their first Welsh Cup semi -final were dashed by wing J J Williams who sprinted over for three fine tries in a 21-4 Llanelli win in front 15,000 people at Rodney Parade ? the largest crowd of the season. Newport gave Llanelli a far harder task than the score-line suggests and although Llanelli eventually earned their victory, they had to absorb a large amount of forward pressure.
An early Phil Bennett penalty goal with his fourth attempt gave Llanelli a brief lead before wing Ken Davies put Newport ahead for the only time in the game. Llanelli led 13-4 at HT through tries by Williams (2) and a penalty and conversion by Bennett.
Williams?s hat-trick in the 20th, 40th and 79th mins sealed Newports fate, with Ray Gravell slipping in for a late injury time unconverted try.