"CLUB NOTES"
"A great deal has been said and written over the introduction of a League system into Welsh rugby. The Newport Club hold the opinion that they want to be able to choose their own opponents and not be directed as to who they can or cannot play. Many people use the argument that competitive rugby in the form of leagues will improve the overall standard of rugby, as it has done in Scotland. But for anyone who has played in Welsh Club rugby they are well aware how competitive the game is now."
"This season Newport are included in the newly formed Anglo/Welsh Merit Table as are todays visitors. So this means that they now have competitive rugby in the shape of Welsh Merit Table, Anglo/Welsh Merit Table and W.R.U. Cup games, without any change to their fixture list. Other than the Cup games, all that is being done is a value being placed on the result of the game. Both tables are being compiled on a percentage basis. The competitive element is very much in evidence without taking away the right of the club committee to choose their own opponents."
"A very nice Newport sweater is now available (all black with a coloured motif) from Mr. Campbell Black or Gilesports. With the winter months ahead why not get in fashion and wear your colours in a practical manner."
"During the summer months, the end of an era occurred when Ron Tovey and 'Nanny' Saysell finished as members of the Football Committee. Both men had contributed a great deal to Newport Rugby Club in many ways and helped maintain the Black and Amber tradition in the best possible manner. They deserve the warmest thanks from everyone at Rodney Parade and it is hoped that their familiar faces will continue to be seen supporting the team for many years to come."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoons visitors are affectionately known as the 'Welsh All Blacks' due to their all black strip, with the Maltese Cross standing out on their jersey. They are the oldest first class club in Wales and were one of the founder members of the Welsh Rugby Union. Their contribution on and off the field towards the development of the game has been immense. As one would expect from a team known as 'the All Blacks' a great deal of fame has come from the magnificent forwards they have produced. During the modern era one can think of Rees Stephens, Roy John, Courtney Meredith, Ron Waldron, Brian Thomas, Brian Sparks, Glyn Shaw, Walter Williams and the unforgetable Dai Morris. Present coach Grahame Hodgson, who served his club and country immaculately from the full back position, has concentrated on producing a team who can play fifteen man rugby. With players like Wynne Davies, Alan Rose, John Poole, Peter Davies and Martyn Davies in the back division he has the material to capitalise on the ball the forwards, with Scottish International Wilson Lauder to the fore, provides."
"Newport first played Neath in the 1878-79 semi-final of the South Wales Cup, winning by 2 G and 4 Tries to Nil. The two clubs also met in the 1884-85 Cup Final with the Black and Ambers again winning by a try to Nil. Club fixtures commenced in 1884-85 and since then the teams have met on 140 occasions with Newport winning 77,, Neath 51 and 12 being drawn. Since the 2nd World War the record reads Newport 30 Neath 25 Drawn 7. Like all other visitors to Rodney Parade, Neath have found victories here hard to come by, they have only achieved 8, four in the old days and 4 since the last war (1946-47, 1964-65, 1966-67, 1972-73). After winning 10-9 at the Gnoll last season, they were defeated here by 36 pts. to 10."
"We welcome 'the Old Man' knowing that victory will not be achieved easily if at all, but certain that we will see a game containing everything good in rugby football."