History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"Fixtures of outstanding interest prior to the war were the annual games with the 'Varsities, who used to appear at Newport in alternate years. One can recall many displays of real brilliance provided by the visits of both Oxford and Cambridge, and few games have ever given a greater degree of entertainment than Newport's contests with the Light and Dark Blues."

"To make up a little for lost time, we have the pleasure of entertaining both Universities at Newport this season, and following the 'Varsity match at Twickenham last Tuesday we welcome, firstly, the Light Blues who appear on the Athletic Grounds to-day in the second game of their Welsh tour. We are purposely compiling these notes before the 'Varsity match takes place, because whatever the outcome of that contest it will not add or detract one whit from the enjoyment or anticipation of to-day's meeting which, given reasonable conditions, cannot fail to provide football of the highest order."

"We have to go back as far as December 9th, 1937, to record the last visit of Cambridge University to Newport, when the Light Blues were beaten by 25 points to 3, a success which Newport followed up the next year at Cambridge - the last meeting before the war - with a victory of 18 points to 6. In the course of many thrilling meetings between the clubs we recall a memorable Light Blue victory at Newport in 1923 by 3 goals, 2 tries, 21 points, to 5 tries, 15 points, and in "A Peep in My Diary" to-day Arthur Holland instances another great match in which a goal kick decided the issue - this time in Newport's favour."

"Of great interest to our followers will be the appearance of Ken Spray in the Cambridge three-quarter line. The news that he had won his "Blue" was not surprising, for his displays for Newport early in the season had indicated his worth, and few had doubts that he would merit this distinctive award."

"Since the publication of our last home programme three weeks ago there have been two matters of interest on which a word of comment might be appropriate."

"The first, which has just concluded happily, is the decision of the Welsh Rugby Union to reverse their previous "judgment" on Old Internationals and restore their privilege of a ticket for home International games. The justness of this privilege was never in question, as public opinion was quick to express, and we have no desire to enlarge on its merits. But we would like to make known to our followers that the Newport Committee was unanimous in its protest against the Union's original decision, and having officially registered this protest we are glad to think that the Newport Club, among others, were able to play their part in righting an injustice. Its happy conclusion must give immense satisfaction to Rugby followers generally - and not to Old Internationals alone."

"The other matter of interest concerns the Newport Team and two invitations to play in France. The one is from the French Club, Cleremont-Ferrand, who propose a visit at the end of the present season, and the other from the Lyons Club, who offer to arrange a more prolonged tour in France next season. Both these offers are now under discussion, and it is hoped one or both may materialise. The interchange of visits between French and British clubs is becoming increasingly popular and entirely to good effect. Rugby in France is gaining tremendously in popularity and efficiency, and meetings between the players of both countries must add variety and broaden the outlook of Rugby men on both sides of the Channel. We have the feeling that in the Rugby theatre France is becoming a force to be reckoned with. They acknowledge freely the part played by Britain in fostering and teaching them the finer points of the game, but France themselves may well produce ideas that we should do well to study, and only by free interchange of club fixtures shall both countries benefit by what each has to teach."

"The Wales v. England game at Cardiff will again be an all-ticket affair. Members requiring a stand ticket are requested to apply immediately at the Club offices. There will only be a limited number available. The allocation of field and enclosure tickets will be on sale probably at a future home game."

"Members desiring stand tickets for the English home games at Twickenham can apply for same at the Club offices."

"There is an important change of venue to note in the Newport and Blackheath game on February 22nd, which will be played at Newport instead of London. There is an International "clash" at Twickenham on that day, when England meet France, so that Blackheath have deemed it desirable to pay us a second visit this season. So will you alter your fixture cards now and mark February 22nd as a HOME game?"

"Another fixture changes concerns - the game with Abertillery at Newport on January 18th. Owing to the Wales v. England International match at Cardiff, this has been postponed until later in the season."

"The "Chick" Mogford Testimonial Fund has been augmented by a donation from the Gloucester Club when they visited Newport recently."

"It has been decided that the proceeds from the sale of programmes at the Watsonians' game on Boxing Day shall be donated to the "Chick" Mogford Fund. It will be a special "Chick" Mogford Programme for which we shall ask our supporters, in a good cause, to pay 3d. In addition there will be a special collection on the grounds at half-time."

"The Inter-county match between Monmouthshire and Glamorgan will be played at Newport on Thursday, January 9th, after which the first Welsh side to meet England at Cardiff on January 18th will be selected."