From the match programme:-
"WELCOME TO THE PARADE"
"THIS afternoon we are delighted to extend a very warm Rodney Parade welcome to Tonna in the 2nd Round of the Schweppes W.R.U. Challenge Cup. The 'magic of the Cup' has certainly proved a great incentive to all Clubs since its inauguration as it gives Clubs the opportunity of visiting and playing teams who normally don't appear on their fixture lists."
"Tonna joined the West Wales Rugby Union in 1977 when it was extended to 5 Sections. They quickly made their presence felt and won Section E. Last season they gained promotion from Section D, although they did not win the Section, into Section C. But, unfortunately, their form has been a little like the Black and Ambers and they have only won one Championship game this season, losing twelve and drawing one. This record means that they are currently bottom of Section C and although they will be striving for 'Cup Glory' this afternoon they are anxious that their League form will improve in the second half of the season to enable them to retain their Section place."
"Cup rugby is certainly something different and Tonna are delighted that, following their victories in the preliminary rounds and then in the 1st Round proper versus Ogmore Vale by 12 pts - 6 pts, they have reached the 2nd Round for the first time in their history. A few years ago they gave Maesteg a fright in the 1st Round before the Old Parish eventually won by 18 pts to 9 pts, while in 1973 they reached the semi final of the Glamorgan Silver Ball under the captaincy of Jeff Pyles, who went on to play for Neath. Another 'Old Boy' of the Club who also wore the All Black jersey emblazoned with the Maltese Cross is Martyn Davies. He played with distinction for the Gnoll team, captaining them as well as playing for the Barbarians. It is certain that he will have passed on his vast experience of playing at Rodney Parade to the present Tonna team."
"Welcome, Tonna - we trust that your visit will be a memorable one, even without your captain Paul Hitchins, and that today will be remembered as one of the high spots in your Club's history."
"CLUB NOTES"
"LAST Saturday Colin Smart and his team certainly delighted the Rodney Parade faithfuls with their fine performance versus Aberavon. The delight was not only in the victory but in the exciting manner in which it was obtained. It is hoped that the early 'Christmas Present' is a foretaste of the 'Christmas Fayre' we can expect this afternoon, throughout the 'Festive Season' and into the 'New Year'."
"One player who must have impressed Welsh Selector Terry Cobner during last Saturday's victory was hooker Mike Watkins, who not only took the only strike against the head in the game but completely out-played Aberavon's Billy James in every facet of the game. When it is considered that Billy was in the hooking position for the Wales XV against the N.Z. Maoris during their recent game, surely Mike's performance and his consistent displays throughout the season should win him a place against his arch-rival Allan Phillips in the forthcoming W.R.U. Final Trial."
"Due to pressure of work, United Match Secretary and former Rodney Parade favourite Geoff Evans has had to resign from the Selection Committee. He has been replaced by Haydn Mainwaring who, although only in his first year as a Committee Man will be remembered for his fine attacking play for Wales, Barbarians, Combined Services, Royal Navy, Swansea and Newport. Last Saturday's display certainly brought a smile to his face."
"As this is our final home game before Christmas, the Chairman, Captain, Players and Committee would like to wish everyone at Rodney Parade, together with all Members and Supporters -"
"A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR"
"Tomorrow afternoon the Draw for the 3rd Round of the Schweppes W.R.U. Cup will take place on the 'Sports Line Up' programme. Let's hope our representatives are there and that we get a home tie to commence 1983."
The game itself:-
Newport's easy dismissal of Tonna, should not be allowed to disguise a somewhat unsatisfactory performance. A 38 v 0 win, with eight tries was a poor return for incessant pressure, which produced a constant stream of gilt-edged chances. Newport had the possession to score a lot more tries, but cold hands on a biting afternoon ensured that their second half attempts to get the ball moving were excessively disrupted. To their credit Tonna kept tackling and tackling and curtailed many scoring chances for Newport.