"NOTES."
"Our visitors to-day come from a hot-bed of rugby football and as a club can boast of achievements parallel or even greater than most. Over the years they have contributed a steady flow of players to the Welsh XV. This season their skipper Onllwyn Brace (much beloved by us at Newport) has had a difficult job because he has had to re-build the side for various reasons. Terry Davies and Rhys Williams were on tour with the Lions and Cyril Davies, Caerwyn James and Ray Williams, all Internationals decided either to retire or leave first-class football, Denis Evans, who was at one time with Ebbw Vale is now up at a Varsity and is strongly tipped for his "Blue." They have a heavier fixture list than ours and have already played 14 official games to our 8. Last Saturday they snatched victory in the closing minutes at Blackheath so their fighting spirit cannot be in doubt, and we should be on the alert for any such repeat performance. To-date their record reads Won 5; Drawn 2; Lost 7. Points for 125, Points against 161. Last season we won here by 15 pts. to nil and at Stradey we shared 22 pts."
"As nothing will be gained by burying our heads in the sand the fact remains that we must strive for a combination fore and aft that will flow with a more fluid motion. It may not sound very reasonable when our present record is considered, but again experiments are still needed if we are to successfully blend the material we have at our disposal. One change is made from last Saturday with R. Wills coming in to the centre to partner David Pulsford. He played on the wing in the last two games of last season, at Gloucester and Neath, so to-day will be his first appearance at Rodney Parade for the 1st XV. He is no stranger to the mid-field, having played outside-half and centre for the Youth and the Extras. He has played consistently well for the United on the wing and must have justified his inclusion. Viewing our threequartcr line-up the accent appears to be on speed, so assuming that we get our fair share of the ball and we utilise our resourses correctly a good afternoon's rugger is forecast."
"Next Saturday we are away to Rosslyn Park. It is possible that the team will be depleted by Trial calls. At the time of going to print the team for the Pontypridd Trial are not known."
"SUPPORTERS NOTES"
"Newport were again worthy winners last Saturday, although the Wasps started as if they meant to smash the record, and take the Wasp Trophy back to London. There was little to choose between the packs, who fought a hard battle throughout the game, but we just had the edge behind, with great work again by Brian Scrivens, Norman Morgan also turned in a fine performance."
"To-day we welcome the 'Sospans,' and if their record this season is not up to standard, we still expect them to fight hard to lower Newport's colours, skipper Onllwyn Brace will be their inspiration, and his tussle with Brian Scrivens should be very interesting, as also will be the selectors experiment of playing Richard Wills in the centre. We congratulate them on their efforts to strengthen a winning team."
"If you have not yet secured your Supporters' Badge, please do so as soon as possible, supplies are now running short, they will be on sale at the entrances or the Canteen."
"The next Coach trip will be to Aberavon on Saturday, December 12th, for further details in a later edition."
"We should also be pleased to hear from supporters interested in a trip to London for the Wasps game, on Saturday, March 12th, please contact the Secretary, Mr. L. King, or the trips organiser, Mr. A. Paul, or the Canteen Staff."