From the match programme:-
"NEWPORT BID FOR THE RECORD!"
"By THE EDITOR"
"To-day's 252nd meeting of the two great rivals in Welsh club rugby, Cardiff and Newport, at the Arms Park, promises to provide one of the most exciting and interesting encounters in the long association between the clubs, which began in season 1876-77."
"Newport, at present leading the Welsh clubs, are determined to gain four victories in a season over Cardiff, and thus complete all the records open to win. If they achieve the four wins, there will remain only for them to defeat the All Blacks touring side and they will have completed their task. At the moment they have enjoyed six invincible seasons whereas Cardiff have yet to achieve that honour."
"However, Cardiff have gained four wins in a season over Newport on four occasions and Newport have just failed on several occasions to do so. The nearest they came to doing so was in 1950-51 when they won the first three matches and then drew 3-3 at Newport in the final match. This season Newport defeated Cardiff at the Arms Park on October 1st, after Cardiff had led by six points to nil, and then lost their captain and vice-captain, Rex Willis and Gwyn Rowlands through injury."
"In Newport at Rodney Parade, Newport won comfortably by 13-0 to gain their biggest win over Cardiff since 1923. However, today the situation should be slightly different. Cardiff have improved immensely in the last two months, and have won eight matches in succession since they were defeated at Bristol. Newport on the other hand have not played so well in their last few matches, as they did earlier in the season."
"Thus it would appear that the sides are evenly matched for today's encounter, which if weather conditions allow, should attract the largest crowd of the season at the Arms Park."
"The match is of interest too, since the Newport captain, Malcolm Thomas, resides in Cardiff, and the Cardiff captain, Malcolm Collins, resides in Newport! The "battle" of the two Malcolms may have an important bearing on the final leadership of the unofficial Welsh rugby table. Newport are comfortably placed in the 90's with only two defeats in 24 matches, while Cardiff have 10 defeats in 29 matches and are in the 60's. Thus Newport will have to lose many more matches and Cardiff none if Cardiff are to climb to the top."
"Cardiff have a heavy fixture list for March and April, and, including the Cornish tour, have 19 matches to play. There was considerable regret at the unkindness of the weather in preventing the club travelling to Gloucester and Aberavon, during the past two weeks. It is understood that the home clubs suffered considerably by loss of revenue, and the Cardiff club are in full sympathy for opposing officials."
"The Cardiff club extends a very hearty welcome to all Newport officials, players and all those supporters who have travelled over with their team. The good relations existing between the two clubs is an inspiration to all young players, and the spirit in which football has been played between the clubs since the War has had an important part in the development of the Game."
"The club extends its congratulations for the fine performance put up by the Newport side last week against the South African students and although they were beaten, Newport maintained the high traditions of Welsh club football by contributing to an attractive match."
"The Cardiff Athletic and Youth XV's though without a game for some weeks, are still strong in spirit and intend to complete the season, with a run of successes while playing the traditional football associated with the club."
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"Books to read:-
"1. "History of the Barbarians' " by A. Wemyss and O. L. Owen, published by Playfair Books, price 16/-."
"2. "Lions Rampant, " by Vivian Jenkins, published by Cassells, price 15/-."
"3 . "Lions on Trek," by J. B. G. Thomas, published by Stanley Paul, price 12/6."
"4. "The Bob Scott Story," by Scott and McLean, published by Jenkins, price 16/-."
"These books will provide interesting reading, and contain many references to the Cardiff and Newport clubs."
"SOUTH STAND EXTENSION."
"The questionnaire recently sent to all South Stand Season Ticket Holders regarding re-seating was issued in order to make a preliminary survey as to whether ticket holders would prefer to be transferred to the new accommodation, or whether they desired to retain their existing seats in the older portion of the stand."
"The return of the questionnaire duly completed at an early date would be appreciated. No action will be taken until a further communication is sent out."
"Hon. Secretary."
"WANTED--By the Cardiff Athletic Club copies of the Club's Annual Report to 1939."