From the match programme:-
"NOTES"
"Firstly there will be general acclaim, not only by Newport Supporters, but wherever there is a real regard for Rugby football, at ROY BURNETT'S selection in the Welsh team to meet England next Saturday - his first 'cap.' ROY BURNETT played his first game for Newport five years ago - during Christmas, 1947, to be exact, and since that time his play has given pleasure to thousands, not only on the Athletic Grounds, but wherever Newport play. He has given outstanding service to the Newport Club and it is fitting, indeed, that his great ambition is realised. All will wish the Newport captain well in his first International. Those wishes and congratulations will be extended, too, to KEN JONES, MALCOLM THOMAS and BILLY WILLIAMS on their well merited selection for Wales, also. It is gratifying to the Club that four such players should carry the honour of Newport on to the Cardiff Arms Park next Saturday."
"Cheltenham pay their first-ever official visit to Rodney Parade, to-day, and they can be assured of a warm welcome. It is true they played here in the 1944/45 season, but that was before the resumption of recognised Rugby following the War. Newport played at Cheltenham last season where, in top form, they beat the home side by 21 points. As indicated by their very good victory over Pontypool last Saturday, Cheltenham have a strong side this season, and their record to date bears witness of this. Playing for them at full-back is a Welshman, S. J. T. Walters, who will be remembered by many Newport followers for several fine displays for Blackheath against Newport of recent years."
"Newport, while not at full strength, have selected a strong side. T. Sterry and R. Sheppard are still on the injured list, and it has also been decided to rest for a further week of football, S. Kimpton, R. Bridle and John Wills, all recovering from injury. In the forwards, E. Pryor, who played several games for Newport early in the season, and who is in splendid form for the United, comes into the front row. Young G. Davidge, who, by the way, celebrated his 19th Birthday with the Newport side in Scotland - retains his place in the second row, while I. McJennett who did very well in his first game, at Llanelly last Saturday, comes in again as wing-forward. In the backs, Roy Burnett stands down and R. D. Owen plays at outside-half. Malcolm Thomas and Ken Jones have reported fit and John Lane and Billy Williams, on duty at Cardiff last Saturday, also return to the side."
"Graham Ross played his first game of the season for the Club last Saturday and showed splendid form for the United, for whom Malcolm Lewis has also recently made a welcome re-appearance after a long spell of injury. This may be the last game for Newport for a while for G. Legge and G. Davidge, both of whom are on draft with the Borderers to Germany next week."
"All Newport followers - and members, particularly - will appreciate the Newport Club's difficulty with Ticket Distribution for the home Internationals. The Stand and Enclosure Tickets, having been balloted for and taken up, the Feild Tickets will be sold to full senior Club members only, following to-day's game. The allocation wil be one Ticket per membership card, while supplies last. Members are requested not to form queues during the progress of the match - the selling points of these Tickets will be announced immediately at the game's conclusion."
"All members who applied for Stand Tickets for the England and France game at Twickenham on 28th February, will be successful. The Club will advise members, in due course, when to take up their allocation. A ballot, however, will probably be necessary for applicants for Tickets for England v. Scotland at Twickenham on 21st March."
"SUPPORTERS' CLUB NEWS"
"Of primary importance this week to all Supporters is the announcement that the Newport ' Skipper,' Roy Burnett, has at last been honoured by the Welsh Selectors."
"It is recognition well deserved, and all members of the Supporters' Club join in wishing him the " Best of Luck". "
"We have not singled out Ken, Malcolm and 'Billy,' because they are becoming 'permanent occupiers,' but it certainly reflects great credit to our back divisions to have 4 representatives in the National Team."
"Perhaps the forwards will soon gain recognition."
"Mr. Les Powell informs me that, a few badges remain. We ask you to support us in disposing of the remainder. Remember, we are giving all possible help to Schools, Youth and Junior Rugby, and the Badges are our main source of income."
"Arrangements are almost completed for the Leicester Annual Outing. A very limited number of seats are available and must be booked immediately. Please make contact to-day at the Bowls' Pavilion or contact Mr. Frank Bailey, 61 Chepstow Road. 'Phone 2606."