History of Newport RFC :: 1874

FoNR TALK Newport History of Newport RFC

	Newport RFC	South Wales
Points *
Tries	4	0
Conversions	4	0
Penalties	0	0
Drop Goals	0	0
Goals From Mark	0	0

Venue	Home
Game Category	Official
Attendance	3000
Referee	unknown

This Boxing Day game was reported in the Monmouthshire Merlin on 29th December 1882:-

"FOOTBALL.- Newport v. South Wales. - An interesting match between these teams took place on the ground of the Newport Club on Boxing Day, the game being witnessed by about 3000 persons. The weather was unfavourable, and the ground very soft and slushy, so that the players soon resembled a lot of "mudlarks" in appearance. The Welsh team was hardly a representative one, several Newport players having to join them to make up the deficiency in their numbers. South Wales won the toss, and Newport kicked off about three o'clock, facing the grand stand. The visitors did not succeed in returning the ball, and they speedily touched-down in self-defence. This they did a second time, and on the ball being started afresh the visitors succeeded in working the leather into their opponents' quarters, forcing the Newport men to touch-down. When the ball was again in motion it was soon sent into "Welsh territory" and a try on the part of Newport was ere long converted into a goal by G. F. Harding. Subsequently the home team obtained two further tries, but failed to secure goals. Play continued on the ground of the Welshmen, scrimmages being the order of the day. B. Newman eventually succeeded in collaring the ball and made a goal by a clever bit of manoeuvring. Half time was then called. During the latter part of the game the visitors played with great determination, but they failed to keep the ball out of their quarters for more than a brief period, and Newport was credited with another goal. On time being called the scores stood thus: Newport, three goals, three tries, twelve touches-down. South Wales, two touches-down."

* There was no points system in place prior to 1890-91. Instead, a game was determined by the number of goals scored (conversions, dropped goals, and later, penalties). If a try was scored, an opportunity to convert the try into a goal was given. If the goal was kicked successfully, the try no longer counted.

For these games, the number of Tries are shown under 'Tries', and Goals are shown under 'Conversions'. Drop Goals and Penalties are shown in the normal way.