"CLUB NOTES"
"Campbell Black, would like to express his thanks to all those who supported 'the players fund raising function' at the Club Double Diamond, Caerphilli, on Friday 10th November, Tom O'Connor and the Caerphilli Male Voice Choir provided excellent entertainment while the presence of former All Blacks, Grant Batly and Ian Hurst, who were there in charge of parties of New Zealand supporters added to the arguments as to who was going to win the Wales v. New Zealand game."
"During my conversation with Ian Hurst, he was quick to point out that his last game at Rodney Parade was in the Scarlet jersey of Llanelli, and with our present vice captain Gareth Evans, who was then with Cross Keys, as his co-centre I reminded him, that the Black and Ambers won the game, and only allowed Gareth to score a try so that he would join us."
"Talking of Gareth, it is good news to hear that he is getting no reaction from his wrist and hopes to be back playing before the end of the month. It has certainly been a disappointing period during his career, having to miss the opportunity of testing his skills against the visiting All Blacks. All may not be lost if he can quickly regain top form for it is certain that the Barbarians selectors will be looking for players of speed and skill to play in their back division for the final All Blacks tour match at Cardiff on December 16th. Another player who could also make that team is Brynmor Williams. It was heartening to see him playing so quickly following his hand injury versus Ebbw Vale, while his form during the victory over Rosslyn Park, last Sunday, was outstanding. With our injury list raprly decreasing and three wins in succession having been achieved confidence is beginning to return to Rodney Parade just at the right time."
"Today we start on the long road that eventually leads to the National Stadium, Cardiff, and the Cup Final. We have been there for the last two seasons, returning once with the cup, and once empty handed. The players know which feeling they prefer and are determined to get off with the right result this afternoon. Everyone here at Rodney Parade, wishes Geoff Evans, and his team every success 'along the long, long, trail awinding'."
"Next Saturday we visit Old Dear Park, Richmond for a morning K.O. versus London Welsh. This is to avoid clashing with the England v. New Zealand game at Twickenham. Why not book a place on the supporters bus and have a full day of rugby. Remember, the team will appreciate your vocal support."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoon we are delighted to extend a very warm Rodney Parade welcome, to our near neighbours Newport High School Old Boys, in the first round proper of the Schweppes Welsh Rugby Union Challenge Cup."
"During their history 'the Old Boys' have contributed a great deal to rugby football in the town of Newport, and since gaining full membership of the Welsh Rugby Union, they have proved their strength by gaining many honours both on and off the field. Many of their members and supporters consider todays game to be the highlight of not only this season, but their whole history."
"Over the last decade there has been a great deal of movement between Rodney Parade and the 'Old Boys' headquarters of Caerleon, as players moved across town. The present Newport team includes David Burcher and Gareth Evans who played at Caerleon, while the 'Old Boys' have the following ex-Black and Amber players in their ranks. Captain Eddie Mogford, Roddy Jones, Jimmy Dean, John Rogers, Peter Williams, Peter Rose, Andrew Evans and Paul Williams."
"The 'Old Boys' were delighted when they learned of the draw for this afternoons game, even though they were defeated by our United by 19pts to Nil, during an evening game, on the day of the draw. They are confident that their coaching panel under ex-Cross Keys star Roger Beese, and captain Eddie Mogford, will be able to motivate the team enough to cause a major upset this afternoon. When one looks at the team they are able to field, it is easy to understand their confidence. Full back Chris Kelly has had first class experience with Newbridge, wings Robin Hazelhurst and Keith Staddon with Newport and Pontypool, centres Peter Williams, Newport and Bristol, Roddy Jones, Newport and Abertillery, outside half Eddie Mogford, Newport, inside half Bob Guilfoyle, Newport and Pontypool, hooker Peter Rose, Newport, lock Martin Hambleton, Newport, flanker, Paul Williams, Abertillery and No. 8 Andrew Evans, Newport and London Welsh."
"If the movement of players seems to have been in one direction during recent years, the same must be said for coaches in the opposite direction during the last six years. The first to arrive at Rodney Parade from Caerleon, was John Ryan, who since his retirement has been helping out with 'the Old Boys' for todays game. He was followed three years ago by present first team Newport coach Sid Jeffries, while his assistant Adrian Hearne, returned to Rodney Parade where he spent many happy years as a player via Caerleon."
"The scene is set for a cup tie that Newport will remember, let's hope the quality of rugby provided will be a credit to both clubs. Welcome Newport H.S.O.B."
The game itself:-
Newport went through to the second round, but they had a far from easy first round passage against the Old Boys. Newport were on top in the scrummages and line-outs but struggled to break down a resilient OB's defence, and had to fight all the way. Newport surprisingly played the game much as the OB's must have wished. They may have had the OB's reeling long before the final quarter had they moved the ball more often to their wings. Brynmor Williams had another excellent game for Newport, as did the speedy John Churchill. HSOB never gave up in this dour local derby but Churchill's pace proved too much for the OB's - a hat-trick was just reward, one effort from 5yards inside his own half.