"CLUB NOTES"
"It is very pleasing to see Newport once again playing a part in the representative field, and special congratulations must be paid to Allan Evans and Lyn Jones on their appearance for the Welsh 'B' team who achieved victory over the French 'B' at the National Stadium, while Colin Smart acquitted himself well in the first Regional English trial."
"Last week saw the very successful launching of the late Jack Davis' book 'One Hundred Years of Newport Rugby'. Everyone present was delighted with the demand for the book and within an hour 200 books had been sold. A very detailed book, copies are well worth the cost of ?2.50 and can be obtained from the club. During the evening Mrs. Connie Davis, widow of the author, was presented with a silver tray and six silver goblets by the Football committee as a token of their appreciation."
"Pontardulais wiil visit Rodney Parade on Saturday, 28th December, in the second round of the W.R.U. Cup, and it is certain that a fast and exciting game will take place as both teams battle for further cup glory. Make a note in your diaries and come along and lend your support."
"This afternoon the T.V. cameras are once again present at Rodney Parade and we are certain that the game they will witness will be worthy of both clubs. We always seem to reserve our best performances for the cameras, let's hope it continues this afternoon."
"Since our last home game victory has been achieved at Old Deer Park, while creditable draws have been obtained at Stradey and the Memorial Ground, Bristol. We have now gone nine games without defeat and coach John Ryan must be well satisfied."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"Today we welcome one of this season's outstanding teams. After failing to win the W.R.U. Challenge Cup in last season's final versus Llanelli, 'the Wizards' have certainly set the 'Port Talbot beacons' alight this season with their fine all-round play. Coach Phil Morgan and skipper Morton Howells have produced a team that has led the Club Championship (until last Saturday) and the Merit Table since the start of the season. Those fine half backs Clive Shell and John Bevan provide the inspiration for the team and it will be interesting to compare them with our own Clive Jenkins and Allan Evans. In the three-quarter line 'Poacher' Condon has been scoring tries from impossible situations, but it is certain that they will miss the experience of Ian Hall who received such a serious injury while playing for Wales versus the 'All Blacks'. It is good to hear that he is on the mend and hoping to play once again. A lesser man than Ian might well have retired, we wish him well and a speedy recovery."
"No back line can function without the ball and the 'Red and Blacks' certainly have the right players to supply it in skipper Howells, locks Billy Mainwaring and Alan Martin and dynamic flanker Ogwen Alexander. The club last won the Club Championship in 1960-61 when the names of Cliff Ashton, John Collins, Tony O'Connor, Len Cunningham and David Thomas were household names; it's been a long time and 'the Wizards'are determined to put the record straight. But I am certain they realise that the challenge from Gwent, in the form of Newport, Pontypool and Ebbw Vale is very formidable (whisper it quietly, but they lost their unbeaten record at Cross Keys!). Formed in 1876, Aberavon will shortly be celebrating their Centenary and it is certain that they will be keen to add further honours to those already obtained. Their most capped player is the famous E. M. Jenkins who won 21 caps between 1927 and 1932, while international lock Alan Martin holds the points scoring record with 285 points, scored during last season."
"Welcome 'the Wizards' we look forward to you weaving your own brand of magic this afternoon."