From the match programme:-
"WELCOME TO THE PARADE"
"Cup rugby returns to Rodney Parade this afternoon with the visit of Mountain Ash in the 2nd round of this season's Schweppes W.R.U. Challenge Cup competition. A great deal of water has passed under Newport Bridge, and even George Street Bridge has been built since the "Old Firm" last visited Rodney Parade. The other "Black and Ambers" lost here on 31st March 1902, when Newport, led by G.LI. Loyd, won by 22pts to 3pts."
"This season Mountain Ash, under the captaincy of flanker Stephen Pascoe who at 21 years of age is the youngest captain in the Club's history (they were formed in the same year as ourselves - 1874-75), are leading Section 'A' of the Mid District with the following record ..."
"P18 W12 D 1 L5 Pts. For 395 (61 Tries) Agn. 155"
"Top Points Scorer is full back Jonathan Mason with 128pts, while wing three quarter Michael Dowding is leading try scorer with 7 touch downs. Tight head prop Neil Eynon brought honour to the Club when he achieved selection for the Welsh Youth team and, like many of his team mates, is a player of great promise."
"Welcome, Mountain Ash - we are well aware that you will receive a great deal of vocal support this afternoon from all those members and supporters who have travelled to witness the Black and Ambers progress into the 3rd Round as you try to reverse the result of your last visit. May the game be worthy of our two Clubs and the memory of your return visit be worthwhile."
" 'Lady Luck' deserted the Black and Ambers at the Talbot Athletic Ground last Saturday when the team certainly deserved to lay the bogey that the Red and Blacks have been able to cast since 1971. Let's hope that "The Lady" smiles on us this afternoon and that "The Reds" and not the Black and Ambers progress into the 3rd Round."
"The Chairman, Committee and Players extend their Best Wishes for a very Merry Christmas to all Members and Supporters and hope you get all the Christmas presents you have requested including "The 'Ports" progress into the 3rd Round."
The match itself:-
Newport played in red jerseys, Mountain Ash's colours being black and amber. Newport were never in danger of losing this game but in the face of a violent assault from the second-class club, Mountain Ash were lucky to have only one casualty. Their second row John Gibbon was sent off midway through a stormy first half and their out-played pack indulged in the most undesirable of tactics to intimidate and upset Newport. However, Newport were having none of it, and instead they concentrated on winning - something they accomplished with relative ease. A Nigel Callard hat-trick and a Glen George brace saw them through. It was not a great performance but it was more than enough despite an early second half comeback from the visitors who concentrated on rugby for a short while.