"CLUB NOTES"
"Since our last home game versus Swansea on the 15th February, 1977, there has been some good and bad news for Rodney Parade fans."
"First the good. Skipper David Burcher retained his place in the Welsh team for the game versus England and performed with great credit. His break for JPR's try had the hallmark of class stamped on it and should ensure that his name is to the fore front for selection for the British Lions, Congratulations David, may you retain your place for the Triple Crown game in Murrayfieid, next Saturday. Gareth Evans retained his place as replacement for this game, but unlike France, he did not get a chance to get on the field. For the first time since the W.R.U. inaugerated their Challenge Cup competition, the Black and Ambers have reached the semi-final. Victory by 13 pts. to 10 pts. in the quarter final versus Newbridge was well deserved, although a few hearts were beating rather quickly near the final whistle. During this game lock Jeff Watkins became only the ninth player in Newport history to play over 300 1st team games. It is a wonderful record for a player in the power house and one that Jeff is justifiably proud of. Congratulations Jeff may you continue to wear the Black and Amber jersey for a long time to come. Now the bad, Jeff Squire lost his No. 8 position in the Welsh team, although he was one of the replacements against England. He had the unenviable task of replacing Mervyn Davies in the Welsh team and therefore came under the microscope with critics and supporters alike. It is certain that the experience he has obtained will serve him well in the future and next season will see him using all his many skills to regain the No. 8 berth. Good luck Jeff, everybody at Rodney Parade is behind you."
"Defeats at Gloucester and Ebbw Vale have certainly caused a cloud to form over Rodney Parade during the last week. We have lost our position at the head of the Club Championship although we still lead the Whitbread and Anglo Welsh Merit Tables."
"Coach John Ryan is certain that the last two results will be quickly forgotten during the next few weeks as the team regain their winning ways. Saturday March 26th will certainly be a date to remember for all Black and Amber fans. Get your voices oiled and make your way to Cardiff Arms Park to help the team overcome the 'Men of Steel' and secure a place in the final. Cup games are different, so forget about last Monday and let your voices ring."
"This afternoon sees Chris Webber get his second 1st team game, Brian Juliff make his home debut and Roger Powell make his 1st team debut. They are three highly talented players and should have long careers at Rodney Parade. We wish them luck."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoon we welcome Glamorgan Wanderers for their second visit to Rodney Parade. They are enjoying a creditable season, the highlight of which was the defeat of Swansea in the W.R.U. Challenge Cup. The 'All Whites' won a great deal of possession during the game but Trevor Evans and his team came up against a defence like the Berlin Wall and returned to St. Helens to await next seasons competition. Following this memorable victory 'the Wanderers' then came up against 'the Pool' and were eventually defeated by the boot of Robin Williams."
"During the past week it has been reported that outside half Julian O'Brien, who in the 1974-75 season scored a record 192 points for the club, is joining Cardiff. This will be a set back for the Wanderers, but during their history they have lost many outstanding players to other clubs and always recovered. History is bound to repeat itself. Ex-Wanderer Terry O'Gorman is still part of the Newport scene, while scrum half Alan Davies has returned to Ely following a short stay at Rodney Parade."
"When both clubs met last season here at Rodney Parade the Black and Ambers won by 17 pts. to 3 pts.\Newport's points came from tries by Leighton Davies (playing at outside half}, Bryan Lease and Jeff Squire, a conversion by Glyn Bram and a drop goal by Leighton Davies. The Wanderers obtained their points from a penalty goal, so they are still waiting to score their first victory and first try at Rodney Parade."
"Tasker Watkins V.C. President of the Club, must be delighted with the progress made both on and off the field during recent years. The club are great supporters of the Whttbread Welsh Merit Table and it is certain that John Perry will be urging them on to success against the leaders this afternoon."
"Welcome Glamorgan Wanderers, we are confident that your visit will be a happy one and that the game will be full of everything good in rugby football."