From the match programme:-

"NOTES."

"In February, 1951 a 15,000 record breaking crowd for a mid-week game, came to see Oxford University, on this ground. The Dark Blues always play attractive football. Their style, which is common to 'Varsity type of rugger, is copy-book, and the younger students of the game endeavour to mould their own efforts on this particular approach to the game. They have selected a strong side which includes W. G. Wilcox at full back. He is one of the three new "caps" picked for England to do duty against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday week. In the original selection for today was R. A. W. Sharp, who has been re-called to the England XV. He is due to play for the Barbarians against the Springboks next Saturday at Cardiff, so he may not risk playing this afternoon. Our visitors playing record this season show that out of 16 games they have won 9 and lost 7, with 180 points for and 163 points against. Last February we travelled mid-week up to Oxford and paid the penalty for fielding a depleted side and we were well beaten by 22 points to nil. The previous year at home we witnessed a very good game. The Dark Blues found our fellows in adventurous mood and they had their line crossed nine times with the final score 35 points to 8 points. We have a few changes from last Saturday. Peter Rees is injured, so Clive Lewis, if he is available, will occupy his old place on the right wing, otherwise Billy Hazell, a very competent footballer, who is at home anywhere in the back division, will turn out. Ian Ford returns to the second row. Roy Webb, who deputised so ably for him against Llanelly, will this afternoon perform a similar service for Brian Price, who is standing down in readiness for the Baa-Baa's game against the South Africans. Billy Watkins will partner Billy Griffiths. Our away game with Penarth next Saturday, has been postponed until February 22nd and will be played on this ground. Penarth will take the "gate."  "

"Next Saturday morning the United XV will play Talywain here. A strong team has been picked and this game could serve as an appetiser before going to say "au revoir" to the Springboks. Have you bought your copy of Jack Davis' book, "The History of the Newport Rugby Football Club, 1875-1960?" Copies are still available and we highly recommend this excellent book (Price 10/-)."

"SUPPORTERS'   NOTES."

"With two fine victories last week, the first a hard fought one point success over the strong Royal Navy side, and on Saturday a surprisingly easy 9-3 advantage over Llanelly, gives the results table a much improved look."

"In the latter game Gordon Britton was particularly successful, and on this form should gain the attention of the Welsh Selectors. Newport, if they play as in the above matches, should notch another win, although today's visitors, Oxford University, are usually a powerful and lively team, so we look forward (weather permitting) to a fast open game."

"Congratulations to Brian Price on being selected for the Baa-Baa's to play against the Springboks, but we are very much surprised that he is our only representative, after the great game our boys gave the Tourists."

"The Canteen is again being run by the Rugby Supporters' Club, and we will welcome your patronage, profits help us to assist schoolboy rugby, etc."