From the match programme:-
"Newport have a very early opportunity to welcome English visitors this season, and Bristol, who provide the opposition at Rodney Parade to-day, in the second game of the season, are among the most popular on the Newport fixture list. Bristol, while playing Rugby in the traditional English, open style, are a difficult side to defeat, and the record, particularly of post-war games between the clubs, indicate how closely matched the teams have been. Indeed, with the exception of the first game, since the resumption of fixtures neither side can claim victory by a wider margin than 5 points. Last season, at Bristol, Newport won by 11 points to 8, and in an even closer struggle in the return match at The Athletic Grounds, Bristol were defeated by 8 points to 6 after holding a half-time lead of 6 points."
"In that game second-half tries to give Newport victory were obtained by forwards H. |. Tovey and Doug. Dando, who were strangely enough to have been the subject of the only change in the selected Newport side for to-day, following the substantial win over Penarth last Saturday. Dando is, however, still not fully recovered from a leg injury sustained in the Trial Match, and there will probably be no alteration, therefore, in the pack. There will, however, be one change in the threequarter line. W. Ewan, the ex-Watsonian centre, injured an eye in the Newport mid-week "missionary" game at Panteg, and has had to withdraw from the side. It is expected that his place at centre will be filled by Lyndon Smith, a young player of great promise, who has joined the Newport Club this season from Cross Keys."
"A word of praise to head-groundsman Mr. Fred Cox, and his staff, on the excellent appearance of the Newport ground for the commencement of the season. Despite the heavy summer rains the condition of the playing surface is all that could be desired, and reflects the greatest credit on their work during the close season. Supporters will also have noted the new Banking on the popular side of the ground, which should make for considerable improvement in viewing the game from that point."
"Newport have to set into stride with little preliminary this season. Successive early tests will include to-day's game against Bristol, followed by Neath (home), Swansea (away), Gloucester (home), and Cardiff (away) on October 7th, which is probably as hard a run of fixtures as will be experienced throughout the season. The capabilities of the Newport: team will clearly be revealed during the next month, and it is very much on the credit side that the Trial matches have shown challenging talent rather above the ordinary run of recent years. As a result, the United side, playinig at Bristol to-day, includes newcomers of the calibre of:- K. Coleman and Lyndon Smith in the threequarters, and in the forwards, M. Everson. G. Keeley, H. B. Powell and N. G. Davies. "Missionary'' games at Panteg last Wednesday, and at Talywain next week are of added value with the inclusion of some of these young players in the Newport sides fielded. There is a strong contender for every position in the Newport team, and this indicates a most healthy state of affairs - particularly for the commencement of a season."
"Reports from the Newport and District Junior Rugby Union, too, point to a like optimism for the season ahead. With an additional six new teams the strength of the Union is now 42 Clubs. Two well-known pre-war Junior Clubs, The Hibernians and C.Y.M.S., have reformed, while other newcomers are N.A.L.G.O., Saunders Valve (Cwmbran), H.S.O.B. (Ill) and 56 H.A.A. (R.A.) Newport Barracks. This Junior Rugby Union is splendidly organised, and the good it is doing for Rugby in the District is of immense value and worthy of the widest recognition."
"SUPPORTERS CLUB NEWS"
"The Supporters' Club is now away to a good start on their 2nd campaign."
"The Annual General Meeting was held at the Castle Hotel on Monday last, before a large gathering."
"It is proposed that the Castle Hotel will he used as Headquarters, and it is hoped that a Club Night can be held each week, together with a Social Evening on most Saturdays."
"Outings are being arranged and will commence with a visit to Swansea on September 23rd. Approx. cost of this journey will be 7/-. and you are asked to contact the officials after the match and reserve your seats. Bookings will he accepted for any other match where we are running an organised trip."
"The Annual Outing this year will be to Richmond on January 27th. Remember our successful time last year and Book Early, and so help to run this event satisfactorily."
"Badges are now available, and we ask your support. Volunteers are needed to help dispose of these, and would-be helpers can contact the Committee on Thursday next at the Castle Hotel, 7.30 p.m."
"Any suggestions or programme to the betterment of the Club would be gratefully accepted and so we ask you to co-operate at all times and give us your support."
"Remember, we are trying to do our best for your benefit. Thank you."