From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"Congratulations must be extended to Club Captain David Burcher on his selection to captain the Combined Clubs team versus Japan at Swansea this afternoon. He has been showing outstanding form this season and must be well in the minds of the 'Big 5'. Gareth Evans and Jeff Squire have also been selected for the game and deserve our congratulations. It is an opportunity for them to put their names to the forefront for positions in the National Squad. Jeff Squire has quickly recovered from his facial injury and will be starting his quest to gain the No, 8 position in the Welsh team following the premature retirement of the great Mervyn Davies."
"Mr. Jim Richards Catering Manager at the Bethlehem Steel Works, America, has donated a sum of money to enable 12 Senior Citizens to be furnished with a Ground Season ticket for 1976-77. The Committee have decided that these tickets will be balloted for from the Senior Citizens who have already purchased season tickets. The ballot will be made next week and the lucky recipients will be reimbursed with their money."
"Interest is now generating in the Welsh Merit Table now sponsored by Whitbread. Our victory last Wednesday in a disappointing game versus Abertillery has maintained our second position. Next week will see the first publication of the Anglo-Welsh Merit Table, as we have won our four games in this table so far we are bound to be one of the leaders."
"The Football Committee are delighted that the Club will once again be making an Overseas Tour in the near future. This time it is British Columbia and Alberta in May 1978. Full details will be available later."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"Today's visitors first appeared on Newport's fixture list in 1879, when on the 20th November of that year, the Red and Blacks, visited Rodney Parade, and returned to London victorious by 4 goals, 8 tries to Nil. The Black and Ambers were shocked by the result, their invincibility had been shattered, while Blackheath showed that they were in the forefront of the game. The longest English v Welsh club fixture in history was born. Both clubs are justifiably proud of this record and are looking forward to celebrating their centenary in three years in the appropriate manner."
"Since those early days, Blackheath or 'the Club' as they are affectionately known in the rugby circles, have found victories over the Black and Ambers hard to come by. Although they have been successful at their own Rectory Ground on a few occasions, their last victory here at Rodney Parade dates back to 1933, when on the 1st April, they defeated Raymond Ralphs Newport team by 5 pts to Nil. Many famous England Internationals have tried in 'the Clubs' colours to change this record including Tony Morton, Simon Clarke and Tony Jordan. With the clubs now only meeting once a season, it is impossible for Blackheath to equal the feat of their 1904-05 side, who are the only team to achieve the double over Newport since the fixtures started."
"This season 'the Club' have made a promising start as they try to recapture their former glories. Many new faces have been blended in with the experienced players and it is certain that they will be trying to break the Rodney Parade bogy. Let's hope that this afternoons game will prove a credit to both clubs."
"Welcome Blackheath, may our friendly relations continue, but remember victories over Newport are never easily achieved."
"Last season in the game at the Rectory Ground, Newport were victors by 43 pts to 11 pts."