From the match programme:-
"WELCOME TO THE PARADE"
"THIS afternoon we continue along 'the cup trail' when we extend a very warm Rodney Parade welcome to South Glamorgan Institute, who are playing their third game versus Gwent opposition in this season's Cup Competition. Having already disposed of Cross Keys 14 pts. to 3 pts. and Pontypool Athletic 21 pts. to 3 pts. they will be hoping to achieve a victory which will give tham a place in the last '8' for the first time in their history."
"The Institute have a fine reputation for producing Welsh Internationals as well as International Coaches, and Coach Leighton Davies, who will be remembered as the Bridgend wing forward who covered every blade of grass on Rodney Parade in his contests with David Watkins, has carried on building on the foundations laid by Roy Bish. The present team fresh from their mammoth victory by 71 pts. to Nil over St. Mark's and St. John's College, Plymouth, in the British Colleges Cup, are led by hooker Huw Gilson, who has played for Abertillery. Other members of his team who have played for first class Clubs are Wales 'B' centre Kevin Hopkins (Neath), outside half Geraint John (Cardiff), inside half Nigel Price {Neath and Bridgend) and forwards Gareth John (Swansea), Neil Robinson (Neath), Simon King (Maesteg), Jeremy Cooper (Swansea), Steven Howells (Newport)."
"Black and Amber supporters will need no reminding that on their last visit to the Parade, South Glamorgan Institute not only achieved their first ever victory over Newport by 20 pts. to 6 pts., but scored five outstanding tries while the home team could only score two penalty goals. Although Kerry Williams and his team can be inspired with the knowledge that under their old name of Cardiff College of Education, today's visitors lost 47 pts. to 10 pts. here at Rodney Parade during the 1977-78 season."
"Congratulations must be extended to Colin Smart on retaining his place in the England team following their 9-all draw versus Scotland in the Calcutta Cup, for next Saturday's game versus Ireland at Twickenham, and everyone at Rodney Parade trusts that he will have better luck against 'the Irish' than his team mate Robert Ackerman had at Lansdowne Road last Saturday. With the 'Big 5' delaying selection of the team to play France until tomorrow, Robert will be looking for plenty of try-scoring opportunities this afternoon to ensure that he retains his place. Stuart Barnes, who must be congratulated on his inclusion in the 'Welsh Squad' will also be looking during the next few weeks to stamp his name in the minds of the selectors. While these individuals have been ensuring that the name of Newport remains to the forefront of British rugby, the team have impressed in their two games since 'the Big Freeze'. The 3-all draw at Aberavon, our best result at the Talbot Athletic Ground since John Jeffrey's team won there in 1971 by 16 pts. to 7 pts., showed that the team have a great deal of character, while our five tries at Torquay last Sunday in very heavy conditions showed that we have flair and attacking potential."
"Welcome, South Glamorgan Institute - we are confident that today's game will provide rugby of the highest quality and produce excitement that can only be generated by 'the Magic of the Cup'."
The match itself:-
Newport found it no easy task to contain the enormous enthusiasm and considerable skills demonstrated by a highly talented Institute side but the students lacked Newport's weight, strength and experience and these proved crucial factors in a thoroughly enjoyable cup clash. Newport's expertise was seen mainly at the line-out and their power at the scrummages, but referee Jones took a dislike to this area and frequently penalised Newport. Robert Ackerman ran strongly and also tackled well, a vitally important feature against a lively team always prepared to run with the ball. Stuart Barnes and Gareth Evans had relatively few attacking chances, such was the determination shown by the students courageous defence.