From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"The Talbot Athletic Ground, is certainly proving a bogey ground for the Black and Ambers, and last Saturday proved no exception. The "Wizards" certainly deserved their 17-4 victory and Newport will be looking for a vast improvement in their form this afternoon. Confidence is a vital factor in rugby football, and today with the Challenge Cup at stake let's hope that the Black and Ambers have regained some of the confidence that made them such a formidable force last season."
"Congratulations must be expressed to Brynmor Williams on his selection for the Wales 'B' versus France 'B' game in Nantes last Sunday. The previous week he had made his Newport debut for the United in their game versus Bristol United, and gave an outstanding performance in the 23-21 victory. Unfortunately he was on the losing side in Nantes and will not be available for selection again until next week. Chris Webber who was a substitute in Nantes, must realise that it is going to be important for him to string a series of consistant top class performances together if he is going to secure a place in this seasons Welsh Squad. Everyone at Rodney Parade are confident that he has the ability, but hope that he does not leave it until Boxing Day to prove it."
"This afternoon we prepare to take another step forward in our defence of the Schweppes Welsh Rugby Union Challenge Cup. Due to our inconsistant form this season, it looks as if our chances in the Whitbread and Anglo Welsh Merit Tables are very slim. So we must ensure that our name goes forward tomorrow afternoon when the draw for the next round is made on B.B.C. Wales television. Chairman 'Nye' Williams, will be present to see fair play, provided we win this afternoon."
"With Christmas only a few days away, why not visit "Campbell and Bob's Cave" to see if they can help you solve some of your present problems. The Football Committee and players would like to express their sincere thanks to Mr. Howard Giles and his company for the gift of 'Special Souvenir Sweaters' presented to the players who brought great honour to the club last season. The black sweater has a lovely designed emblem on the left breast and will give the recipients great pride to wear. Many thanks for the gift Howard."
"Members and Supporters are reminded that the Gloucester game will be played at Rodney Parade on Wednesday 21st December K.O. 7.15 p.m., and not on the 24th December, as listed on the fixture list. Other games to be played at Rodney Parade during the Festive Season are Boxing Day 26th December v Cardiff College of Education, K.O. 3.15 p.m. and Monday 2nd January 1978 v Abertillery, K.O. 3.15 p.m. Next Friday the 23rd December the United travel up the Western Valley to play Cross Keys United at Pandy Park K.O. 7.00 p.m. The selection committee hope to use this fixture to give a number of students home on vaction the chance of playing in a Black and Amber jersey."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"Todays visitors are in their second year as probationary members of the Welsh Rugby Union. Formed in 1961, they consider todays game as the highlight of their short history. To take on the cup holders on their own ground, is just reward for their victories over Penygraig (9-3) and Chepstow (22-7) in earlier rounds."
"Captain-coach Paul Harding, leads by example from the No. 8 position, having had first class experience with the South Wales Police team, Cardiff and Penarth. He is really looking forward to his confrontation with British Lion Geoff Squire, and has warned his team that Rodney Parade is much bigger than the grounds they usually play on. But although victories are hard to come by at 'the Parade' he himself played for the victorious Welsh Police side in 1970, so will be hoping for a repeat performance. Another player with first class experience with Cardiff and London Welsh, Ian Harrison, will help his captain in the back-row. On their shoulders will fall the task of bottling up the 'Black and Ambers' half-backs and also covering those extra 'acres' of Rodney Parade. Full back Willie Jones is the teams top scorer with 119 points and will be looking to add to his total this afternoon."
"Rhiwbina are having an excellent season having lost only 4 of their 18 games, their full record reads Played 18, Won 12, Drawn 2, Lost 4. Last Saturday they boosted their confidence by defeating Newbridge United by 22 points to 6 points and will be looking for another Gwent scalp this afternoon. They are to be congratulated on their success since their formation in an area where there is great competition for players. Not only do they run a first team, but two other teams every week. Let's hope they achieve their ambition of full membership of the Welsh Rugby Union in the not too distant future."
"In welcoming Rhiwbina, the Newport Club would like to thank them for agreeing to a 3.15 p.m. kick-off this afternoon. It will be their first experience of playing under floodlights, and to help them, the Newport committee invited them to train at Rodney Parade earlier this week. Let's hope they have not set any traps on the field for the 'Cup Holders'."
"Welcome Rhiwbina, may your visit to Rodney Parade be a memorable one, and that the experience gained today will help further the ambitions of not only the players but the club."
As for the game itself .....
Newport after taking the sting out of a lively Rhiwbina pack in the first half, had little trouble progressing into the third round. The Newport pack kept it tight in the first half, giving their backs little quick possession but to Rhiwbina's credit they never gave up . David Burcher scored his fiftieth try for the club on the stroke of half-time. Keith James had a fine game, putting in some superb line kicking as well as showing his class with a couple of well executed breaks. David Waters and Tony Mogridge dominated the line-outs and prop Jim Dale got through an immense amount of work in every phase. Geoff Evans played his first senior game for 15 months. Further tries in the second half by Burcher and James put Newport in an unassailable lead but the crowd had to wait until the last five minutes for further tries by David Ford and Ken Davies.