"Ever welcome visitors to the Athletic Grounds, we entertain Blackheath this afternoon in the second meeting between the clubs this season. In London on October llth, Newport gained victory by, a very narrow margin - 10 point to 8 - and whatever the outcome of to-day's match we do know that both sides will provide the usual open, attractive play which makes Blackheath's visits so popular with our Supporters. Last season's game on the Athletic Grounds was not notable for a Newport victory by 11 points to 3, but for an -outstanding object lesson given by the Blackheath forwards in the art of opening up play from the loose and line-out. The perfection of that all important phase of forward play has never been in greater evidence than on that day, and although in that particular game the Blackheath "outsides" were unable to turn to advantage their stream of opportunities, the potential advantages from such attack were never more apparent."

"Misfortune has certainly dogged the efforts to resume Newport's meetings with the Harlequins after a gap of 18 years. Last season (the first fixture arranged between the clubs since 1930) was the only home game Newport were finally unable to complete in a winter still fresh in the memory, while the severe weather conditions ruling last Saturday again caused the cancellation of the fixture. However, it can be stated that strenuous efforts are being made both by the Harlequins and Newport to fit in a game at the end of the season to compensate these two instances of misfortune, and, particularly as the clubs do not meet next season, it is sincerely hoped that such an arrangement may be possible."

"Perhaps the enforced rest last Saturday was not altogether unwelcome as far as the Newport players are concerned in the pursuance of their heavy programme, especially in view of next Saturday's home game with Cardiff. This meeting is arousing interest even beyond the normal for Newport and Cardiff clashes. Possibly this is because Newport have not won a game in the series since March, 1946, and possibly because it is determined that this vastly improved Newport side, inspired by Roy Burnett's play at outside-half, can successfully outplay this Cardiff team of brilliant record and achievement. Anyway, given fair conditions, we can certainly anticipate a thrilling game before what might easily be a record "gate". "