"CLUB NOTES"
"Last Saturdays hard earned victory over table leading Pontypridd, has certainly lifted some of the storm clouds that were gathering over Rodney Parade. This afternoon we commence the long road that leads to the National Stadium. As holders of the Welsh Rugby Union Challenge Cup, we are well aware of the "tumbles" that can occur along the way to the final. With "Sch - you know who" now sponsoring the competition, publicity for the eventual winners will be even greater than that received in the past. Everyone who was associated with last seasons memorable success are well aware of the great sense of achievement felt as the team did their lap of honour. Having tasted the sweet smell of success once, and all the glamour associated with winners, our players are determined to achieve a repeat performance this season. Your support was vital during last seasons campaign, so 'Let Your Voices Be Heard' and remember, it's a long way to the National Stadium."
"The Football Committee are doing everything within their power to ensure that fixtures are played at a time most convenient for players, members and supporters alike. With this in mind, they have brought forward the Gloucester game from Christmas Eve to Wednesday 21st December, 1977, kick-off 7.15 p.m. and the Abertillery game from Saturday 25th February, 1978, (a W.R.U. Cup quarter final date, let's hope we are involved!!) to Monday 2nd January, 1978 (a Bank Holiday) kick-off 3.15 p.m. While last seasons postponed home fixture versus Cardiff, will be played on St. Davids Day, 1st March 1978, kick off 7.15 p.m. Please make a note of these revised dates in your diaries."
"Substitutes have certainly proved a vital part of our line up during recent weeks and it is hoped that our walking wounded, David Rogers, Keith James, Alun Billinghurst, Rhys Morgan, Phil Williams, Jeff Watkins, Bryan Lease, David Sanders and Geoff Evans will soon be fully fit and able to ease some of the selectors problems."
"As Christmas is not very far away, perhaps Campbell Black and 'Bob' Atkins, can help solve some of your present problems from 'Among their Souvenirs', why not pay them a visit in the Rodney Hall, following todays game."
"Next Saturday we visit Old Deer Park to play a vastly improved London Welsh team. The journey up the M4 does not take very long, so if you are unable to travel on one of the organised Supporters Buses, why not make the effort in your own car. The team will certainly appreciate all the support possible, so please make the effort!!!"
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoon we are delighted to welcome Llanharan to Rodney Parade, as we commence our defence of the W.R.U. Challenge Cup. For many years relationships between our two clubs have been of the highest order and the United are always aware of the opposition they can expect from those "other Blue & Blacks" from across the border."
"Formed in 1898, Llanharan became members of the Welsh Rugby Union in 1924. During their history they have made a large contribution to rugby in East District, and can claim to have produced two Welsh Internationals who started their careers with the club. Danny Pasco was capped while playing for Cardiff while the other one graced Rodney Parade with immaculate full back displays during the mid 1950's. He was of course Garfield Owen, still considered by many as the finest in his position ever to play for Newport."
"During more recent years, Llanharan have been known for the number of Welsh Youth Internationals they have produced and also the quality of their youth team. It is interesting to note that this afternoons team with the exception of Paul Beer and Ray Taylor, are all ex Llanharan Youth players, certainly something the committee can be proud of. The Club are the present reigning East District Champions and were runners up in last seasons Silver Ball competition."
"29 year old (a touch of the Charlie Faulkners!!) Cyril Jones, is in his fifth season as captain of the team, which is a club record. He is a talented outside half who has had first class experience with Bridgend, and the teams leading points scorer with 60 points. Four seasons ago he set up the clubs individual points record, by scorirg 252 points in the season. Other members of the team with first class experience are centre Mike Thomas who played for Bridgend and flanker Ray Taylor who played for Penarth. This list would have been increased by the inclusion of ex Welsh Youth International Barry Baxter, who spent a period of time here at Rodney Parade some years ago, but unfortunately he failed a fitness test with a back injury."
"Last Saturday Llanharan defeated Cowbridge by 19 pts. to 3 pts. and are in good spirit for this afternoons game. Let's hope they do not give us the same fright they gave Pontypridd a few seasons ago. This season they have won 10 games, lost 6 and drawn 1. Our United defeated them here at Rodney Parade on the opening day of the season by 17 pts. to 12 pts."
"Welcome Llanharan, may your visit to Rodney Parade be a memorable one and the game worthy of the newly named Schweppes Welsh Rugby Union Challenge Cup."
The game itself:-
Newport's first round win will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, the game was marred by three players being sent off, a number of uncontrolled bouts of fighting, and several off the ball incidents. Newport hooker Steve Jones was sent off with Llanharan second row Barry Pascoe after 45 minutes, and Llanharan centre Mike Thomas followed them 30 mins later. Swansea referee Mr John Evans' hold on the game was tenuous. Llanharan, the East District champions killed a large slice of loose ball. Leighton Davies opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a penalty goal and tries followed from Richard Barrell and David Bale, both converted by Davies. Llanharan scored a try by fullback Williams before Bale and Barrell crossed again. Jeff Squire romped over for the final try with Davies adding two more conversions.