"The visit of Neath to the Athletic Grounds to-day is the first of four consecutive home appearances for the Newport team, culminating in the second meeting with Cardiff on November 12th. Since the war, in the course of some very close matches between the clubs, Neath have enjoyed the balance of successes. In these four seasons they have recorded five victories out of the eight games played, including a one point win at Rodney Parade in 1947. With both sides endeavouring to run into their best form, we can certainly anticipate a game of great interest this afternoon."
"So far this season Newport have disappointed, and in none of the seven games played have they shown their best form of last season. That the players comprising the present Newport team are capable of greater achievements is beyond doubt. Newport are not beset with team-building problems; theirs is the less serious problem of a side of proved ability settling down to provide their normal standard of play. It is still early in the season to judge a team too seriously, and there is time enough certainly to retrieve what must be regarded by Newport standards as a very indifferent opening. It is a healthy sign that the United side are playing so capably, and that so many of their players are demanding serious consideration for promotion. With such an abundance of talent in the club there is little doubt that a greater measure of success will soon be achieved, and that there will be in store for our Supporters football of the most attractive type."
"The selected Newport side shows three changes for today's game. John Lane, who was unable to make the journey to Leicester, returns to the left wing, M. Walsh takes over at outside half in the continued absence of Roy Burnett, and Emrys Morgan, who has shown such good form in the United, earns promotion to the front row of the pack."
"And finally a word of good cheer and ecouragement to Newport's acting captain, L. E. T. Jones in the difficult task he has taken over. "Let" is striving to the utmost of his great capabilities to achieve success for Skipper Hedley Rowland. May the team to a man, and we who follow Newport's fortunes, support his efforts with spirit and cheer."
"NEWPORT RUGBY SUPPORTERS' CLUB"
"Calling all Supporters. This is the announcement you have waited patiently for. The newly-formed Rugby Supporters' Club announce the following programme: The first outing will be to Penarth on November 26th and will be followed by trips to Llanelly on Decem-ber 10th, Swansea on December 17th, and Newbridge on Christmas Eve. The fares for these excursions will be: Penarth 2s. 6d., Llanelly 8s. 6d., Swansea 8s., and Newbridge 2s. The Committee are prepared to run an outing fund and subscriptions can be made at half time or after the game to the Committee who will be located at the corners of the ground. In any case, any supporter wishing to travel must give his or her name to the Committee at once so that coaches may be booked."
"There is a big demand for badges, and we have the good news that these will be available in approximately two weeks. Membership, including badge and rule card, is 2s. 6d. Don't forget! Watch for the Enrollers at the entrances and be a real supporter. A series of dances and smokers are being arranged. These will be announced in future issues of the Club Programme and over the "mike." A willing band of workers have been collated. Have you volunteered? If not, contact the Secretary after the match. He will be near the Bowls Pavilion."
"Finally, your team is the best known in the country. Make your Supporters' Club the same, and let us all join in wishing a speedy recovery to the "Skipper". "
"IN BRIEF"
"There will be an interesting ceremony at half-time to-day, when Colonel J. E. C. Partridge, chairman of Newport Rugby Committee, will present to Mon. Branch of National Playing Fields Association a cheque for £153 1s. 7d., being Newport's proceeds of the Middlesex "Seven-a-side" Tournament in which they participated last season."
Newport Rugby Supporters' Club are in being again. Read of their proposed activities on the opposite page and watch our programmes for further details."
"Len Attewell, the old Newport and International forward, is making good progress to recovery following a serious operation in a Newport Nursing Home."