From the match programme:
"NOTES"
"A new and exciting season awaits us. We are committed to a heavy fixture list but with a flexible nucleus, the burden on any particular group of players can be eased by the inclusion of capable reserves at the appropriate times. Keen competition can result and with our sights aimed on the visit of the New Zealanders at the end of October the best combination of players available should by then be apparent. Our Football Committee Chairman for the coming season is Mr. A. R. (Ron.) Tovey. He held this position in season 1952/53 when Roy Burnett was Captain, so on occupying the chair again after eleven years he fully appreciates the responsibilities he and his Committee have to face before the season ends. Brian Price is Club Captain, and he has nominated David Watkins to be his deputy. Brian and David are young men and the confidence placed in them is another honour to the many they have received already. Both are Barbarians and seasoned Internationals. We wish them both a successful season. Three committee men with a special mission are Bryn Meredith, Bryn Williams and Ian McJennett. They are to assist the Captain during the training sessions, which embraces all the XVs."
"We are proud to open our campaign by playing hosts to new friends from Italy. The Roma R.F.C. are visiting these shores on a flying visit and for their short tour four games were arranged. Last Thursday they played the Harlequins at Twickenham and were narrowly beaten 16pts. to 14 pts. On Thursday they were at St. Helens and Swansea triumphed by 12 pts. to nil."
"Their last match will be at Stafford on Monday. Brian Jones and John Mantle will be assisting the Midland side so they will not be available for our game against Penarth. The Italians have thirty players in their party, with a few who have had experience with French clubs. Last season the Italian International XV went under to a strong French XV, by 14pts. to 12 pts. Nine of that Italian side are in the Roma party. Rugby football is on the up-grade in Italy and they have ambitions to play full internationals against the National XVs of the British Isles. Our Mayor, Councillor Trevor Vaughan is with us this afternoon and we thank him for his attendance, also for his invitation to the Mansion House this morning when he entertained the Tourists in his official capacity."
"A dance has been arranged tonight in the Rodney Hall of the Social Centre, tickets are 4/- each, and dancing is from 8.30 p.m. to 11.45 p.m. refreshments etc., are available."
"The Newport side for this afternoon includes only one newcomer, Alan Skirving, ex. St. Julian's High School who is now a medical student in London. He has made his name as a sprinter already, but he possesses also a rugby skill which promises well for the future. There is a slight doubt about Bob Prosser who had a nasty knock during the Trial on Tuesday night. David John will be standing by for him. Des Greenslade has officially announced his retirement after grand service to this Club. He was a firm favourite, and his unselfish loyalty entitles him to be ranked with the great front row forwards who have worn the Black and Amber jersey."
"Penarth will be playing here next Monday evening K.O. 7.15 p.m. Next Saturday we are away to Bristol and the British Railways are running a special excusion, leave Newport 1.15 p.m., arrive Ashley Hill 2.0 p.m., leave Ashley Hill 5.20 p.m. and arrive Newport 6.10 p.m., return fare 6/3."
The following article was published in the match programme for Newport v Transvaal in November 1992:-
"PERROTT'S DRAMATIC TRY . . ."
"Former left wing Dennis Perrott helped Newport to defeat the 1963 New Zealanders and draw with the 1966 Australians, and between 1961-2 and 1968-9 he scored almost eighty tries for Newport in first-class matches."
"Obviously he experienced many moments of great satisfaction during his years of excellent service to the club, but one try which gave him cause to feel particularly proud was that which he registered against an Italian touring team in 1963."
"That team was Roma, the leading club in Italy, who were the first team from that country to play at Rodney Parade. They had several internationals in their squad as well as some players who had been associated with prominent French clubs, and they put up a really splendid performance against Newport, who were led by Welsh international Brian Price."
"Indeed, as the game was nearing its end Roma, who had a really fine pack in which Francisco Zani, a tall and fast number eight was outstanding, were leading 8-5 and Newport appeared in danger of suffering an unexpected defeat."
"But then came Perrott's dramatic try. David Watkins, now Newport's team manager and backs coach, got the ball out to his three-quarters, and it finally went to Perrott near the half-way line. In a flash he bounded forward, sliced his way past three opponents and raced for the line. The Roma full back Busson hurled himself at Perrott, but the speedy Newport wing dived away from him and touched down for a try which saved the game for Newport."
"Afterwards Perrott commented, "I realised this was my chance to put Newport level, and the try really made me feel quite proud".
"Newport's other scores were a try by John Uzzell and a conversion by Ray Cheney. The Italians scored a try by Bollesan, a conversion by Busson and a dropped goal by Martini. As for Perrott, by the time he played his last game for Newport he had scored 77 tries and twice collected 14 tries in a season."
"WILLIS HUNTLEY"