History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"This evening it is our very great pleasure to extend the warmest of welcomes to the players, officials and supporters of Newport and Ebbw Vale Rugby Football Clubs, deserved semi-finalists in the 1997-1998 SWALEC Cup Tournament. We wish the both teams the very best of luck, and in advance, offer our sincere congratulations to the victors and commiserations to the vanquished. While knowing, from our experiences in the Cup, the contrasts of emotions which will flood the ground at the final whistle, Pontypridd R.F.C trust that our organisation on the day will have played a part in making it a truly memorable rugby occasion."

"In addition to our general good wishes to both teams, an extra special one to those players who have been players wearing Ponty colours. They are well remembered and well respected for their services to our club."

"As I contemplate this evenings encounter I take a trip down memory lane and remember my own refereeing experiences involving Newport and Ebbw Vale in the 70s. I never refereed them in a Cup clash as opponents, but my memories of their Cup game with other clubs remain fresh. Being evenhanded let me offer some comfort and encouragement to both teams."

"To Newport, remember your great Cup Final victory over Cardiff? I was there, with the whistle. What about your disappointing loss to Swansea - that time I was waving a 'touch' flag. To Ebbw - you never lost a cup round under my whistle, mind you I never had the pleasure beyond a 6th round tie. Great names of those times, Glyn Turner, Arthur Lewis, Mike Grindle, Mostyn Richards, Gareth Howls and Clive Burgess among the Vale stalwarts. For the 'Port - Ian Barnard, David Burcher, Keith Poole, John Jeffrey, Gareth Evans, Jeff Watkins, Alan Billinghurst come easily to mind. To those whose names are not included a very big sorry, but I just do not have enough time or space to include you. Backing up these super players were many fine administrators, and it is comforting for Welsh club rugby that that tradition has been maintained to this present day."

"We've gone 'leagues' followed by 'pros' but for me there is no greater 'buzz' than that of a Cup day. The Cup provided the first real chance for the David's of rugby to compete against the Goliaths, and history has shown that the competition has shown all the true values of our great game. Tonight two genuine Goliaths face each other, and that in sporting terms is a mouthwatering prospect."

"Some useful information for this evening's spectators:-"

"(i) After the game the grandstand lounge/bar is reserved for a private function. All other club bars will be open to all."

"(ii) Arrangements have been made for the Sardis Road Public Car Park to remain open until 9.30p.m. Persons who have parked there should remove their vehicles before that time, otherwise they will be locked in until Monday morning. Wow - what a weekend. P.S. - How did Ponty get off at Cardiff."

"AND THEN AGAIN!"

"by David Watkins, Newport R.F.C."

"Despite our league form there has always been a strong belief that the side can perform at a higher level and our quarter final win proved just that. It was after all a win against a Pontypridd side that has been most consistant and capable of competing against the best opposition the Northern Hemisphere can provide."

"It certainly provided us with the confidence that has been lacking at times of need and hopefully a good finale to the season end."

"Today of course is our reward for beating Ponty at home, a game against our North Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale at I may add here at Pontypridd's Sardis Road."

"Our opponents today like ourselves are proud to be this far and I'm sure it is going to be a hard fought game. Ebbw Vale are close to my rugby heart, my father in law Wally Talbot was chairman in excess of 20 years, and many of my friends have represented the club, in fact the very first senior game I played in was for Ebbw Vale in 1960-1 against Swansea with some great players Ray Evans, Tommy Carpenter, Ray Knott, Dai Barrat, Keith Westwood, Mel Williams, Denzil Williams, David Nash and Francis Mathews. Forgive me for not naming them all but some still rekindle fond memories. That I was eventually to play for Newport coming from Blaina was simply that Ebbw Vale's Wilf Hunt was the incumbant at No. 10, but on the day I played he was reserve for Wales v France at Cardiff the next day."

"Newport's history too is a proud one and I am delighted that both Gwent Clubs have come this far, more's the pity this wasn't the Final, it would certainly have given Gwent rugby a boost. Ebbw Vale of course have had a successful league campaign that no doubt is down to the hard work, and careful planning of their squad aided by of course their forward thinking coaches. To both sides I wish you well, you have done Gwent proud. I hope the performance's justify it today."

"To our two Steves, Jones and Fenwick keep it up."

As for the game itself, perhaps one to forget:-

Newport suffered a five try demolition at the hands of Gwent club Ebbw Vale at Pontypridd's Sardis Rd. They simply could not cope with a rampant Ebbw Vale side and missing key forwards were destroyed up front. The inexperienced front row caving in during a torrid first half and to compound Newport's misery they lost Nicky Lloyd after only 15 minutes with a serious eye injury. A Kingsley Jones inspired Vale side were also far too strong behind the scrum and had it not been for some brave Newport defence the score could well have topped the half century. A Taumalolo brace of tries and Hayward adding 13 pts with the boot made the game effectively all but over. Newport's front row nightmare was confirmed with the substitution of Christian Johnson after only 25 minutes but they did however gain some self respect when Mark Workman ploughed over from close range in first half injury time.

The second half inevitably became damage limitation although Newport put in some brave last ditch tackling. It wasn't enough to hold out the one way traffic and two tries from Lennie Woodard and a third for Taumalolo made it the grimest day in all of Newport's semi-final appearances.