"CLUB NOTES"
"Everyone at Rodney Parade trusts that all members and supporters enjoyed their Christmas Festivities and that the Christmas Spirit will be in evidence on the field this afternoon. We are confident that the quality of rugby provided during this holiday week-end will enhance your enjoyment."
"Disappointment was again evident at Rodney Parade with the announcement of the teams for the final English trial. Skipper Colin Smart must be wondering what he has to do to earn recognition. Each time he has been watched by the selectors in a Newport jersey he has turned in a fine performance, while his county appearances for Kent has also been successful."
"Following our cup victory over Burry Port 'Lady Luck' has once again smiled upon us with a home tie in the 3rd round v. Newbridge or Maesteg. We have already obtained the double over Newbridge this season, while we do not play Maesteg on our fixture list. But as reported in this column in an earlier programme, the team are not worried who they play on Rodney Parade."
"This afternoons game commences the build up for the Australian game on the 7th January, 1976. The selectors have made sure that they have had a good look at all the players and everyone is in with a chance of playing. Competition is very keen and it is certain that the final fifteen when it is selected will once again prove to the rugby world, Newport's ability against overseas opposition."
"The 'Special Tie' to commemorate this game has certainly proved an outstanding success and if you did not receive one as a Christmas present, why not treat yourself to one? Remember, Dance Tickets priced 60p are now on sale for the Celebration Dance to be held in the Rodney Hall following the Australian game. Don't be disappointed, get yours NOW!!!"
"The United would like to thank all those people who made their Christmas Draw and Disco such a success."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoon we are delighted to welcome St. Luke's College, Exeter, to Rodney Parade. The last occasion this 'Acadamy of Learning' played here was in our championship season of 1968-69. The result on that occasion was a victory for the Black & Ambers by 26 pts. to 13 pts."
"Formed in 1860, the College who play at Magdalen Road, Exeter, have contributed a great deal to rugby football. Their greatest period was probably during the 50's and 60's when the International teams of England and Wales contained many former St. Luke's pupils. During this period Wales had the benefit of such players as Keith Maddocks, Glyn John, Gordon Welis, Bryn Meredith and Brian Sparks, to mention only a few. Obviously, Devon County benefited from this influx of talent as the County Championship record shows."
"Two players who had a great bearing on Devon winning the County Championship in 1956 were St. Luke's students Benny Jones (Pontypool) and David Rees (Neath). They were outstanding half backs and the 'toast' of the county."
"Since those halcyon days, the standard of play at the College has suffered through the lack of experienced talent entering each year. But this has not detered Martin Underwood, a former English International, for he was determined that the rugby the team produced was the winning kind."
"Newport have a great deal to thank St. Luke's for, as the following names prove, Bryn Meredith, Brian Price, Bob Hodson, Nev Johnson, John Uzzell, Terry Pope, John Morris, Steve Willis, Gerry Fuller, David Burcher, Jeff Squire and Neil Brown."
"Welcome St. Luke's, we trust you will enjoy your visit and return home with many happy memories."