"NOTES."

"It is a happy occasion to-day to renew pre-war associations with Oxford University, and when the Dark Blues take the field this afternoon we shall be welcoming them on their first appearance at Newport since October 27th, 1938."

"This year's University combination is undoubtedly of outstanding excellence. Early in the season, when they were piling on the points against all comers, the critics were hesitant to apply the label of greatness to the side, but their culminating triumph came with a clear and decisive win over Cambridge in the 'Varsity match, which left general agreement on all sides that the Dark Blues ranked in comparison with the great University teams of the past."

"Oxford come to Newport with an unbeaten record, having won all their fourteen games played, with the remarkable scoring record of 312 points for, against a mere 37 points. That in itself is a challenge to Newport, their only Welsh opponents of the season. There is a parallel to recall way back in the 1921 season when Oxford were here with an unbeaten record which, Newport lowered in a remarkable game by 12 points to 11. The teams first met at Oxford as long ago as 1889, and of the 31 matches played in all Newport have won 24, Oxford six, and there has been one drawn game. In 1936 the Dark Blues gained their last victory at Newport, when, with the great and still lamented Obolensky in their side, they were successful by eight points to five."

"So much for records, facts and figures which, while interesting to recall, are of little moment in comparison with the outstanding memories conjured up of past meetings between the teams and which, without doubt, have done so much to prove what a very great game Rugby football can be. Long after the result is forgotten we recall with delight the quality of the football and the spirit of the game itself, which makes the mere winning or losing of the match of such secondary importance. In the knowledge that post-war meeting will continue to provide this quality and spirit we welcome the Dark Blues to-day. As did their predecessors so will their successors always find a ready and warm appreciation on the Newport Athletic Grounds of their interpretation of the spirit of the game."

"IN BRIEF."

"Newport are Oxford University's only Welsh opponents this season."

"Of the Dark Blues' side who opposed Cambridge, D. W. Swarbrick (wing three-quarter), M. P. Donnolly (outside half), and B. H. Travers (wing forward) will be assisting England against Ireland on Saturday, and so will not be available in to-day's 'Varsity side."

"There are seven "Blues" in the Oxford team to-day."

"Writer of to-day's "A Peep in My Diary" is the famous old Newport captain and Welsh International half-back, G. Llewellyn Lloyd. Other contributors during February will include Wilfred Wooller and A. W. Boucher." [Editor: see player entry for G. Llewellyn Lloyd's article]

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The Times of 7th February 1947 reported:-

"OXFORD CHECKED AT LAST"

"A crowd of 10,000 people at Newport saw Oxford University held for the first time this season, when Newport drew with them by scoring a penalty goal (3 points) to a try (3 points)."

"The Newport forwards, with Evans, Blakemore, P. Davies, W. G. Jones, and Garland in fine form, often dribbled grandly, but good handling movements were infrequent. Galbraith gave the Oxford backs a useful service and Girling, in the centre, took the eye. Newman, however, was the outstanding player."

"Both scores came in the first half. After 10 minutes Bridge wended some quick passing with a try in the corner, which Newman just failed to convert, but Newport retaliated and 10 minutes later G. Jenkins, their full back, made the scores level with a penalty kick."