"CLUB NOTES"
"My crystal ball must have been working well prior to the Bridgend game, for everyone at Rodney Parade were delighted when Gareth Evans stepped onto the field to gain his international cap versus France. It was tremendous to have three Black and Amber men in the same Welsh team again and we wish them all every success for the future."
"The weather has certainly been unkind during recent weeks and all those people who turned up last week must have been delighted with the way Rodney Parade stood up to the elements. Many other clubs in Wales have had to postpone or cancel games due to the weather, but thanks to Head Groundsman John Hughes and his staff, this has not happened at Rodney Parade. Congratulations John, keep up the good work and ensure that we can maintain our quest for honours."
"Last Mondays hard earned victory of Bridgend has certainly opened up our lead in the respective Merit Tables. With only two more games to play in the Anglo Welsh table, Aberavon away and London Welsh home, our chances look good. But before we start counting our chickens we shoud remember that victories are never easy to come by at the Talbot Athletic Ground and one defeat could ruin our title hopes. In the Whitbread table we have including tonight's game, four home games and three away games to play, not including the away games versus Cross Keys and Abertillery that still have to be discussed. The pressure is certainly on us now, but Coach John Ryan and skipper David Burcher are confident that the team are now mature enough to withstand pressure and maintain the position they have held for most of the season."
"Everyone at Rodney Parade were sorry to hear of the illness Mrs. 'Micky' Francis has been suffering during the last few weeks. She has done a great deal of voluntary work for many years and we all hope she will soon be fully recovered The same must be said of Mr. Jack Strickland, who has been missing from the Rodney Parade scene during the last few months. Get well soon Jack, Fred Cox is missing you."
"Please take note on the following page of the ticket distribution for our W.R.U. Cup game versus Newbridge. Members and supporters who wish to travel to this game or any of our away games this season are requested to hand their names in at the score box immediately following every home game."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This evening we welcome Swansea to Rodney Parade. Due to cup commitments a new date for the fixture had to be found and the Newport Football Committee are pleased that the 'All Whites' were able to fit tonight's game into their very heavy fixture list. Games between our two clubs first commenced in 1877, so we are now celebrating a centenary of rivalry. Let's hope that tonight's game will revive memories of many of the sterling encounters of the last 100 years."
"Swansea have not been having the best of fortune this season under skipper Trevor Evans. A great deal of this can be attributed to injuries. Firstly, international full back Roger Blyth, who has served the club so magnificentiy, was injured during a close season tour and is still recovering, Barry Clegg, Wales 'B' and Geoff Wheel who form a powerful lock pair have been unavailable while the skipper himself had to leave the field while playing for Wales versus Ireland with a damaged shoulder that is still causing trouble. We wish them all a speedy return to the game to help their club recover some lost prestige."
"A number of young players have taken their opportunity of establishing themselves in the side during the season and the future under coach Stan Addicott looks very bright. Outside half David Richards would have played for Wales last season bar for injury, while this season he has once again played for the Barbarians."
"The versatile Allen Meredith an exile from Neath, has turned in some outstanding performances both at inside half and full back. The experience of former internationals Phil Llewellyn, Mark Keyworth and Scottish wing Lewis Dick, will ensure that they develop along the right lines."
"During the last decade many friendships have been forged in the heat of battle, with the pride of East v West always at stake. Tonight we trust that the game will be worthy of two great clubs and are confident that not only the players will enjoy the occasion but such old friends as David Price, Viv Davies, Len and Norman Blyth, Dickie Dobbs and Gordon Morris to mention only a few, will also. Welcome Swansea long may you continue to visit Rodney Parade."