From the match programme:-
"NOTES."
"The calls of the Welsh International Trial match and the English County Championship will weaken both Newport and Gloucester for their meeting at Rodney Parade to-day."
"The Welsh Rugby Union, making an early start in the formation of the side to meet South Africa on December 22nd, claim five Newport players and hold three in reserve for the Trial match at Abertillery, while Gloucestershire, for their County match, include five Gloucester players, including their English International full-back, Hook, and such well-known players as Terrington and Hudson."
"With this evening-up process, Gloucester, among Newport's most formidable opponents, will, as always, be an extremely difficult team to beat. In the corresponding match at Newport last season, which Newport, on a very wet afternoon, won by a penalty goal and a try to nil, it was afterwards considered to be among the hardest games Newport survived during that record breaking season. The teams have met twelve times since the War, of which Newport have won 8, Gloucester 2, with two games drawn. During this period, Gloucester have not won at Rodney Parade, but drew 21 points each here in a memorable game in the 1945/6 season."
"With adequate reserves, Newport have still been able to select a strong side for to-day's match. With only Bryn Williams of the regular threequarter-line available, Graham Ross, Hedley Rowland and Ken Sergeant complete the line. R. D. Owen, after a considerable absence, hopes to test his injured leg with the United side at Gloucester, to-day. In the forwards, J. Blackborow will take over the hooking for Lyn Davies, and R. Rowlands will come into the front row. United team players who will complete the pack and who have all had considerable first team experience, are D. Whelan, Ian Ford and S. Kimpton. Geoff Hirst, who tested his injured leg with the United side last Saturday, is not satisfied as to its fitness, and has decided that further rest is necessary before resuming."
"Representatives of the Welsh Rugby Union met a sub-committee of the Newport Club to discuss arrangements for the South African game, at Newport, in January. Details regarding Stand accommodation, Tickets, etc., will be announced when the full Newport Committee meets to confirm these arrangements next week."
"In 10 games played to date, Newport have scored 164 points against 45. For those interested in such statistics, it is interesting to record that after the corresponding number of matches last season, they had scored only 1 point more, 165 points - against 33."
"SUPPORTERS' CLUB NEWS."
"Last week, a very great number of Supporters helped to swell a large crowd at Abertiliery Park, but most of them returned very disappointed with the 'Monmouthshire League Fare' served up. The tragedy of the game was the injuries to our popular skipper, 'Bob' Evans and to Malcolm Thomas. May they both soon be in harness again."
"Our congratulations to R. T. Evans, Ken Jones, Malcolm Thomas, 'Big Ben' and 'Let' Jones on being chosen for the Welsh Trial, or will it be England for 'Let?' With Glyn Davies, Lyn Davies and John Lane standing by, there will be a strong United flavour this week, and these players will have an opportunity of showing the selectors that it may be a good idea to run two first teams in future instead of 1st and 2nds."
"We are about to start our series of Social Whist Drives at the Castle Hotel. Look for the announcement in our next issue. You can always be sure of a nice quiet game in the best spirit."
"For the Cheltenham game, the Railway Authorities have suggested running a Special Excursion at 6/9d."
"If you are interested, please contact us at the Bowls' Pavilion to-day, so that we can report if it is possible to run a train."
"On Wednesday, November 21st, the Cardiff Rugby Supporters are visiting us at the St. Julian's High School Old Boys' Club in Shaftesbury Street."
"They have challenged us to a Dart Match, both Gents, and Ladies, so if there are any 'star' players about contact Mr. F. Bailey, 61 Chepstow Road."
"On our Annual Outing to the Wasps, we shall have an added attraction, because before the big game, the Newport Town Schoolboys play Middlesex County. Those of you who have not yet booked, come along now. You always get best possible value at lowest prices."