From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"Everyone who was present at Rodney Parade on Wednesday night must have been delighted with the performance of the team in gaining such an outstanding victory over a very powerful Gloucester team. But it was not only the victory that pleased, but the manner in which it was achieved, the game was a tribute to both clubs and the Gloucester side certainly deserve every congratulation for the brand of attacking rugby they produced with fourteen men in the second half. It was certainly a game that must have pleased the two England selectors present. Peter Ford and Alec Lewis, and I am certain that Colin Smart must have enhanced his chances of honours with a power packed display."
"It is pleasing to report that the injury sustained by captain Geoff Evans is responding to treatment, and he could be back playing sooner than first expected. After the disappointment of Pontypool he must have been thrilled with the way the team responded to acting captain John Jeffery against Gloucester. With the United now settling down after a period of disorganisation due to injuries, the morale at the club is at a premium."
"Our visitors from the South Sea Islands are now on their way home, and although their results were disappointing it is certain that they learned a great deal, and their game will be the greater for their visit. They made many friendships with their smiling faces and have left behind many memories. We at Newport were proud to entertain them and hope they will return one day."
"Supporters will be delighted to know that through the auspices of the 'Gwent Talking Newspaper' commentaries on all our home games are now available to a number of hospitals in the county. It is hoped to enlarge this service to every hospital in the county in the future, and I am certain that everyone at Rodney Parade will do everything possible to help those unfortunate people who are led in a hospital bed to enjoy Newport rugby."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"Our friends from Sudbury visit us today as holders of the Middlesex Cup, having defeated Metropolitan Police in the final. But I am certain that they would consider the recapture of the 'Golden Wasp Trophy' a far greater achievement, especially when one considers that the last time they obtained victory at Rodney Parade was in the 1962-63 season, by 5 points to 3 points."
"Formed in 1867, the Wasps have always been regarded as one of the premier clubs in the 'Great Metropolis', and their black jersies emblazoned with the gold wasp motif have been worn by some of the most famous names in English rugby. Crowds throughout the country have been delighted over the years by the quality of their play, and the results of last season must have pleased everyone connected with the club following the depression of the previous years. Under the captaincy of lock forward Gareth Morgan and coaches Leighton Williams and Ernie Price the following record was achieved. Played 45, Won 24, Drawn 1, Lost 20, For 796, Against 623"
"Last Saturday the team suffered a serious set back when they were eliminated from the Rugby Union Knock-Out Tournament by London rivals Blackheath, but still fielding nine teams each Saturday they are determined to continue along their road to recovery and once again produce players of the quality of Pat Sykss, Bob Stirling, Ted Woodward, Peter Yarranton, Gordon Bendon, Richard Sharp, John Herbert, Bob Syrrett and Andy Hurst alt of whom wore the white jersey of England with distinction."
"Two 'great' Wasp men who never achieved International honours are Nevil Crompton and Dan Wills but their contribution to the club has been immense and they are fine examples of the true spirit of the Wasps Club. May this afternoon's game be worthy of two fine clubs with the quality of rugby being of the highest order, and it is hoped that whoever is victorious has enough money in this period of great inflation to feed the 'Golden Wasp'."
"REFLECTIONS OF NEWPORT By Peter G.Yarranton"
"England, Barbarians, Royal Air Force, Middlesex and Wasps Member of the Rugby Football Union Committee"
"Newport always were a generous club off the field, mind you they needed to be, I've never ever been on the winning side at Rodney Parade! I came near it once with the Barbarians when we were 14 points up at half time, but that was that, we were lucky to hold on for a draw. Now they've given me the consolation prize, 500 words on "Reflections of Newport". How can I even set about trying to condense something that has been part of my life and indeed the lives of so many Wasps. None more so than Neville Compton and Don Wills whose combined memories have helped me produce this article. As I sit here now surrounded by records and programmes, press cuttings and letters they all suddenly combine to produce a complete rugby story, thoughts vivid and crystal clear flash through my mind and I'm going to just write about Newport as I know it."
"I'd never been to Newport before when I first stepped off the train with Wasps - instruction ringing in my ears - "a hard side", "watch Burnett" "try to stop the ball reaching Ken Jones - watch the touch judge - go for 'Letty' Jones in the air - watch Burnett, Edwards, Ford, Lane" - well that's what always happened. Try as I may I often did watch Ken Jones, a speed and grace seldom if ever equalled - never bettered. I actually caught Roy Burnett once, he sold me two dummies, ran round in a circle, then cut back inside and ran straight into me, I've never been more grateful, him never more surprised."
"Then there was the flag, we beat you in 1949 for the first time and your flag disappeared. As a young new Wasp, I remember the polite, if pointed exchange of letters between the two secretaries, "We are sorry, it suddenly turned up in our kit bag being the same colour as our jerseys and all that." "We quite understand the genuine mistake and are grateful for its return, even though we are still puzzled as to how it fell off the grandstand flag¬pole!" Beautiful stuff that, just what makes rugby football. It was as a direct result of that incident that the two clubs now play for a beautiful gold Wasp on a black plinth, a gift of the late Bert Toye, a famous Wasp and former Sheriff of the City of London. It's probably better known at Newport than Sudbury but it has stayed in London more than once, and frankly, we hope it will return there this time too."
"No reflection of Newport would be complete without mention of small boys and the ladies! Nowhere else does a visiting player, young or old, receive star treatment as he does signing countless autographs at Newport. You pretend you do it all the time, everyone knows you don't really, but it makes you feel like a giant! And those cheerful ladies who eternally serve the food - thank you so much, although Heaven help you if you've not got a ticket! Another pleasant pre-match pastime if you've never done it before, try and talk your way into the ground in your car!! One final memory - I often wondered whether all those heads peering over the top of the press box really had bodies!!"
"These then are some meanderings of a Wasp who, together with all others in his club admires, respects, even loves, and that's not too strong a word, Newport R.F.C. Born 100 years ago epitomizing all that is the very best in rugby football, we salute and congratulate you and our warmest good wishes as you enter your second century. May your standards remain as high as the regard all Wasps have for your great club."