From the match programme:-
"NOTES"
"Newport rarely play a mid-week fixture, an exception being the annual meeting with Oxford University, the home game being every other season. This is always among the most attractive of Newport fixtures, many memorable matches having been seen between the two Clubs. Newport have won five of the six engagements since the war, the first meeting on resumption of fixtures being drawn. Strangely, the last two games at Oxford have had to be cancelled, but at Rodney Parade in 1952/53 season, Newport won by 13 points to 6."
"The Oxford team for to-day has not been published at the time of writing, but during this term the University usually includes a nucleus of Freshmen with their established 'Blues,' with the idea of building for the 'Varsity match next season."
"Newport have selected a strong side, but are not at full strength. Garfield Owen will not be fit to resume playing until Saturday, so that John Hughes again deputises at full-back. This young player is getting most valuable experience, and is taking his opportunities really well. He is going to prove a great asset to the Club in the years ahead. Bryn Meredith is unable to journey to Newport to-day, so that Angus Evans will again be hooking. He performed creditably, indeed, last Saturday. Jack Hancock, of course, stands down in view of the England v. Ireland International next Saturday."
"On Page 7 details are given of the South African High Schools v. Welsh Secondary Schools' International at Rodney Parade on Saturday, and there is great interest in the match. Tickets have sold well, but Supporters are reminded that this is not, of course, an all-ticket match, and admittance can be gained as usual through the turnstiles."
"The following Saturday Newport are at home for the third of the season's meetings with Cardiff, and this will be, perhaps, the team's greatest effort and opportunity to break the run of Cardiff successes."