From the match programme:-
"Newport conclude their heavy Holiday Programme with a fixture of the most attractive type against Birkenhead Park at Rodney Parade to-day and we bid welcome to our Northern visitors on this occasion of the first meeting between the clubs."
"Birkenhead Park are among the premier Clubs in the North, and their record this season of 9 victories and 1 Draw in 13 games played - including a recent win in London against the strong London Scottish - indicates that Newport will have formidable opponents indeed to-day."
"There are many points of note in the selected Birkenhead Park team which will interest Newport supporters. The side includes one well-known International, G. A. Wilson, the Oxford University and Scotland forward. N. A. Steel, the scrum-half, is an England reserve and is one of many Cheshire County players who will be on view to-day. They include H. K. Rees, a forward with a Welsh qualification, and it is believed that the Welsh Selectors are interested in him. Another forward, J. D. Robins, has appeared in the English Trials, but as he was born in Cardiff he has a double qualification. Another interesting pointer is that the left-wing, J. E. Williams, is considered the best wing in their district, but is not qualified for English County football, as he resides in North Wales, as also does J. P. Taylor, centre-threequarter. Other County players in this most interesting Birkenhead Park side are: R. G. Crerar, S. Plumb, S. A. Evans, K. W. Carr and J. E. Abbott."
"Newport selected 27 players for their three Holiday Matches, and the exact composition of the side to-day will not be known until just prior to the game. It is difficult, therefore, in this publication, which had to go to press before the Holidays, to give the Newport side with accuracy, but as usual, changes will be announced over the loudspeaker. Newport will be without Hadyn Thomas, playing for the Barbarians at Leicester and it is hoped that Wynford Davies will again deputise. Ken Jones is playing in West Wales for the Welsh Union side and his place will be taken by John Lane. D. G. Ackerman will make his first appearance in the Newport pack to-day, and is considered a forward of great promise. Jim Partridge who has been hooking consistently well in the United will be making his first appearance in the side this season."
"SUPPORTERS CLUB NEWS"
"After several very pleasant visits where many new friends were made, our travelling supporters look forward to watching the first XV at home. We extend our good wishes to Roy Burnett on his return, and wish all selected players good fortune in the Final Welsh Trial."
"On Friday, December 30th, the club are staging the second of a series of dances at the G.W.R. Institute, Mill Street. Dancing will be from 7.30 p.m. to 12 to the music of Ken Wells and his All Star Sextet. If the result of the first dance is any criterion, then this should be a very successful effort, because despite the snow there was a gathering of 200 at our first venture."
"Arrangements are going ahead for the annual dance in February."
"The Supporters' annual outing will be to London for Newport's game against the Wasps on March llth. An outing fund has now started, and subscriptions can be made after any match at the Bowls Pavilion."
"Are you one of the 700 members yet? If not, get your badge at once. A limited quantity only remains."
"Watch this space for further activities."