History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"Having previously covered their ground with straw, which since their previous match had been again covered by a thick layer of snow, Newport resorted to the use of bulldozers to clear the pitch in readiness for the third meeting between these old rivals on Saturday, February 15th."

"Naturally the pitch looked greyish and flecked with white with wisps of straw abounding on a surface somewhat both soft and hard in parts."

"Spectators who braved the cold were rewarded with an excellent game, played in a grand spirit. Cardiff had most of the play but only managed to effect a draw - in one sense a fitting result to a game in which their old rivals did so much to make pleasant by opening out the play at all times and keeping all ill-feeling out of the game. Congratulations to J. H. Bale the Newport captain, and Les Manfield, Cardiff's acting captain, for leading so well in spirit and example and which was followed so admirably by both sets of players."

"Players and Officials of both teams met after tea - served by the Newport ladies - in the very friendly atmosphere of the new Newport Club House. This fraternal feeling between the two clubs has come to stay and we venture to say that the days of the "dog fight" matches are gone."

"It is hardly necessary to remind our patrons that today's home match with Newport, a fourth meeting between the two sides, will provide a thrilling finish to the season's series. Cardiff have already won two out of the three matches played, but this should not detract from the attraction which today's game is sure to provide."

"CANCELLED FIXTURES."

"It was a pity that the match with Penarth which should have been played on the Park on the 1st inst. had to be cancelled owing to the state of the ground. It is unlikely that a substitute date will be arranged owing to the Club's heavy programme for the rest of the season, which already includes additional and re-arranged matches as follows:- Wednesday, 12th March, at Tumble; Monday, 31st March, at Pontypool; Wednesday. 23rd April, at Newbridge (Monmouthshire Police); Monday, 28th April, at Llanelly."

"Club players, officials, patrons, and sportsmen everywhere, will join with us in extending heartiest, congratulations to our Club captain, Dr. Jack Matthews, now of the R.A.M.C , on the occasion of his recent marriage, and to wish him and Mrs. Matthews every prosperity in the future."

"Many welcome the return of Maldwyn James to the side of late, following his short retirement from the game. Maldwyn in his capacity as hooker played in several of Wales' representative games last season and is recognised also as a successful place kicker."

"During the weekend, February 22, 1947, a guest at the Rugby Club was Mr. Henri Picherit, the Secretary of the Stade Nantais University Club of Nantes."

"He brought with him a film of the Cardiff Rugby Club's visit - by air - to Nantes last November - by courtesy of the Amateur Cine Society of Nantes (Garciau-fils)."

"This film was shown, in addition to the international Rugby Film, at the Llandaff Club's social evening on Thursday, 20th February, to which function Mr. Picherit was a guest, and in reply to which privilege he spoke in appreciative terms."

"The Llandaff meeting was a very successful and enthusiastic one and the Cardiff visitors included D. E. Davies. H. Johnson. G. V. W. Jones, W. Wooller, Les. Spence and Bleddyn Williams."

"Our Patrons will be pleased to know that negotiations for the visit of a strong combined team from Nantes and Cognac to Cardiff in September next are proceeding, and we understand that a strong combination are likely to appear - following trial matches in France."

"This combination will visit Bristol also. It is no secret that Monsieur Picherit looks forward to an annual meeting between the French Clubs and Cardiff."

"It is interesting to note that Cardiff have a Gwyn at full back - Gwyn Davies, a Gwynne at three-quarter - Gwynne Porter, a Gwyn at halfback - Gwyn Martin, and a Gwyn among the forwards - Gwyn Evans."