"CLUB NOTES"
"Everyone at Rodney Parade was delighted that David Burcher and Jeff Squire retained their positions in the Welsh team. Our heartiest congratulations are extended to them, and as these notes have to be at the printers prior to the game, we trust they acquitted themselves well in Paris and helped Wales achieve another victory. Congratulations to Gareth Evans on his selection as a replacement once again. Who knows, when you read these notes he may be another international to add to the clubs list."
"Last Saturday was certainly a 'Black' day for the first team. Unable to maintain the outstanding form displayed versus Llanelli (I wonder how many read the letter of praise regarding this game printed in last Saturdays Football Echo) they once again fell to the Gnoll bogy. Victories are always difficult to obtain there, especially if you are wearing Black & Amber jersies. The defeat did not affect our position at the top of all the respective tables and John Ryan, David Burcher and Colin Smart are confident that the team will quickly get back on the winning trail."
"Our representatives at the B.B.C. Studios last Sunday had little influence on the W.R.U. Cup draw, although they could be both seen twitching the nose in true 'Samantha' fashion. The date has now been confirmed for our quarter final tie versus Newbridge and will take place at the Welfare Ground on Saturday 26th February, 1977, the day we should have been visiting Abertillery Park. This will be an ALL TICKET GAME, although information re. the allocation of the tickets is not yet available. Although we have achieved the double over Newbridge this season and defeated them by 15pts to 3pts at Rodney Parade in the 3rd Round last season, our journey up the Western Valley is going to mean a very hard game as we endeavour to reach the semi-finals for the first time. Every member and supporter is urged to make the effort to get to the game and let their voices be heard. The noise at the Llanelli game was outstanding and certainly added to the atmosphere. The players certainly appreciate it out on the field."
"The newly formed Supporters Club intend running buses to all away games, including Newbridge, for the rest of this season. Anyone interested in travelling to these matches are requested to hand their names in at the score box following every home game."
"Remember our game versus Swansea next week, is on Tuesday evening not Monday!!"
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This evening we welcome Bridgend, one of the most exciting teams in Welsh rugby to Rodney Parade. Although their form has been a little inconsistent this season, they are still committed to playing a 15 man game as they have during the last decade. Matches between our two clubs have always been of the highest quality including last seasons, when the Black and Ambers achieved the 'double', winning 24pts to 15 pts at the Brewery Field and 22 pts to 12 pts at Rodney Parade."
"Like ourselves, Bridgend had two representatives in the Welsh team in Paris last Saturday, J. P. R. Williams and Steve Fenwick. We are confident that they will have enhanced their already high reputations and it will be interesting to see if Steve maintained his outstanding scoring record at International level. J. P. R. has certainly fitted into the side well and is proving a tremendous asset both in attack and defence."
"Last Saturday Bridgend moved into the last 8 in the W.R.U. Cup competition by defeating Pontypridd by 12 pts to 8 pts in a pulsating game that not only thrilled those present, but the millions who watched it on B.B.C. Wales and Rugby Special on Sunday afternoon. It was a hard earned victory, Pontypridd had not lost at home for 18 months, but like ourselves they were unlucky in the draw. Durbar Lawrie is not endowed with mystic powers either, and have to travel to the Talbot Athletic Ground to play Aberavon."
"Lyndon Thomas is in his second term of office as captain of Bridgend and playing in many positions with outstanding success. His usual position is alongside Steve Fenwick in the centre, while he has deputised for J.P.R. and Ian Lewis at outside half. Behind the scrum he has a fast and elusive unit at his command, with wings Viv Jenkins and Ffrancon Owen ready to capitalise on the work of the centres. Ian Lewis has now fully recovered from injury and is accumulating points like a computer. Up front John Lloyds appearances are now very limited although that other 'evergreen' Derick Brain is still turning out top class performances. Phil Kallonas who joined the club from Cardiff has added line-out skill to the pack while Gareth Jones, Gareth Williams and David Llewellyn are still fine back row forwards."
"Founded in 1878, Bridgend are well on their way to their Centenary Season, they first played Newport in 1879, and since then the record reads Played 47, Newport 27, Bridgend 15 and 5 being drawn."
"Welcome Bridgend, long may our happy association continue."