"CLUB NOTES"
"Two fathers with very strong Newport ties must have had mixed feelings regarding last weeks Wales v England Under 19 International played at the National Stadium, Cardiff. Newport Committee man Ian Ford, holder of the clubs individual appearance record with 482 1st team games, must have been delighted with the performance of his son Justin in the power house for England. He ruled supreme in the line-outs and was one of the main reasons why the English pack dominated the game. Justin has already played a number of games over the last few seasons for the Newport Youth team and could well follow in his fathers footsteps into the 1st team, if his development continues. As his father wore the scarlet jersey of Wales he may have a difficult choice to make in a few years time. But he should remember that a number of players represented one country at schoolboy level, but represented another country at senior level. Two who immediately come to mind are Derick Morgan (England) and Wilson Lauder (Scotland), they both represented Wales at schoolboy level."
"While Justin and his team mates applied relentless pressure on the Welsh defence, it was Robert Avery, son of 'Boyd' Avery, of Newport Saracens fame, wearing the No. 15 jersey, who did everything within his power to keep the score respectable. He is a player with a great deal of talent and should make a determined challenge for the No. 15 jersey in the Newport team in the not too distant future. Like Justin he has already played for the Youth XV, where his brother is a regular player. Perhaps the selection committee will take the opportunity of playing both these youngsters for the United before the end of the season. The continued progress of the Black & Ambers is in the hands of young players like these, congratulations Justin and Robert."
"Arrangements are now complete for the clubs ten day Italian tour. The party will leave in two sections, the first consisting of 10 players and Chairman Robert Atkins and coach John Ryan will travel to Rome for an International Sevens Tournament. They will then travel to Venice to meet up with the second section consisting of 12 players and Match Secretary 'Nye' Williams. A game versus 'I Doji' which is a team selected from all the clubs in the Venice area will be played before the whole party journeys to Milan where the opposition will be provided by the Zebrahs (the Italian Barbarians). It promises to be an exciting tour for everyone and the games will be hard, but everyone at Rodney Parade are confident that the party will uphold the prestige of the Newport Club on foreign soil."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"Last week 'the Exiles' suffered a major disappointment with their defeat by Gosforth in the semi-final of the John Player Cup. Having defeated Moseley at the Reddings, in the quarter finals, hopes were running high for a place in the Final to be played at H.Q. on the 16th April. But Gosforth the holders, are determined under England skipper Roger Uttley, that they are not going to surrender the trophy without a fight."
"Skipper Jim Shanklin realises that when London Welsh travel into Wales the opposition try that much harder to send them back to Old Deer Park defeated. But he must be confident that provided they are able to bring a full complement of players with them, 'the Exiles' will delight all those who see them play over the Easter holiday period with their own brand of fluid rugby. Ex-Newport player Gerry Fuller will be keen to impress at Rodney Parade if selected. He has quickly gained the No. 15 shirt for the Welsh, and according to reports has been turning in some fine performances. Welcome home Gerry, everyone at Rodney Parade wishes you well for the future. Alongside the skipper in the centre is another International in the person of Keith Hughes. They form a formidable pair and will take a great deal of close marking. Outside them they have in British Lion Ciive Rees and Rhodri Ellis-Jones two wings who not only have pace but are very elusive. Although they might not have the class of the very fine 'Exiles' teams of the late 60's they can still delight crowds where ever they play."
"Two players who have received a great deal of publicity since joining London Welsh are half backs Neil Bennett and Alun Lewis. It was rumoured that Home Secretary Merlin Rees was called in to handle the immigration matter when English International Bennett applied to join the club. While his short stay in North Wales ensured that his lungs were full of Welsh air when he arrived at Old Deer Park. Cambridge Blue Alun Lewis, was tipped by many critics to tour with the British Lions this summer. He is a very talented player and it will be interesting to see his duel this afternoon with our own Alun Billinghurst, who not only followed him into Caerphilly school team, but into the Welsh Secondary Schools team."
"In front of these players John Taylor is still showing outstanding form, ably supported by fellow Lion Mike Roberts, the promising Welsh 'B' International Chris Howcroft and back row players Steve Warlow and John Mansfield. The Wasp who lost his 'sting' Brian Adams lends a great deal of weight and experience in the front row."
"Welcome London Welsh, long may you continue to visit Rodney Parade. For the record, Newport won this seasons encounter at Old Deer Park by 20pts to 10pts."