From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"Last Saturday the first team certainly showed those supporters, and there were many of them, present at Coventry that they are determined to carry on this season where they left off last season at the National Stadium. Trailing by 13 pts. to 3 pts., it looked as if our first visit for many years was going to fail to impress the large crowd present. But Colin Smart rallied his team and during the second half the Black and Ambers applied continual pressure on the Coventry line. Following the mid-week victory over Penarth this win showed that we are going to be a difficult side to beat. The depth of talent available at Rodney Parade this season was emphasised last Saturday with the United gaining a good win over Llanharan and the Youth team decisively defeating Penarth. Congratulations to all three teams may it stay that way for the rest of the season."
"It was pleasing to see so many Newport supporters at Coventry on Saturday. You certainly made your presence felt and gave the team every encouragement. The players appreciate vocal support and look forward to it for the rest of the season. Remember, next Saturdays game at the Memorial Ground, Bristol, will kick-off at 7 p.m. to avoid clashing with the televising of the Barbarians v British Lions game. Special buses will be run providing enough names are obtained so make sure of your place by handing your name in at the score-box at the end of this evenings game."
"Honours have arrived early at Rodney Parade this season and we hope they keep on coming. Alun Billinghurst and Ian Barnard have been selected to play for the Welsh Presidents XV in a special game to mark the centenary of Blaenavon. We hope the game is a memorable one for a club that provided Newport with two outstanding players in the persons of Ken Jones and Keith Poole. Jeff Watkins and Richard Barrell are in Cornwall with the Crawshay team and follow in the footsteps of many Black and Amber men. The tour is a great experience for young and old players alike and still serves as a valuable breeding ground. Former Newport player Doug Ackerman works tremendously hard on behalf of Crawshays, and I am certain that supporters who remember his all out efforts in a Black and Amber jersey will be delighted to learn that he has a very talented son who played for the Youth team last Saturday. The day cannot be far away when another Ackerman will delight rugby followers at Rodney Parade."
"Congratulations, must be expressed to David Rogers and his wife Jill on the birth of their daughter. They are delighted with their new arrival and are certain that she will be spoilt by their two sons."
"Chris Webber leaves on tour with the Welsh Academicals tomorrow, and on his return re-enters Cardiff College of Education. This could limit his appearances in a Black and Amber jersey, but supporters need not worry, the selectors will be keeping a firm grip on this very talented player."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"Bath commenced their season in fine style last Saturday by defeating our Gwent neighbours Pontypool by 27 pts. to 9 pts., in an Anglo-Welsh Merit Table game. This victory will have obviously given them a great deal of confidence for tonights visit to a ground where they have never achieved victory. Our two clubs have met on 36 occasions, with Newport winning 28, Bath 6, and 2 being drawn. Last season the Black & Ambers achieved the double, by winning 22-3 at home, and 32-7 at Bath."
"Formed in 1865, Bath have made a great contribution to English and West Country rugby. They have supplied many outstanding players to the international scene, including, R. A. (Bob) Gerrard, John Mac G. Kendal-Carpenter, Alec Lewis, Laurie Rimmer, Geoff Trancombe, Peter Glover, David Gay and Mike Beese. Many of the games critics, consider that present outside half John Horton should have been added to this list during the last few seasons. He is a very talented player whose tactical kicking and illusive breaks have made him the 'king pin' of the Bath attacking machine. The Newport breakaway unit and outside half must keep a close watch on him this evening as he starts another campaign in search of that illusive cap."
"Welshman John Davies, the clubs record points scorer, who is 'Mr. Versatility' as far as the Bath back division is concerned, showed versus Pontypool, that he is bang in form with the boot by scoring 19 pts., five penalties and two conversions. Let's hope this is a warning to the Black and Ambers not to break the laws of the game. Centres Mike Beese and Andy Smith took their scoring chances well against the 'Pool' to register five tries. Both are strong and powerful and help to form a three quarter line that has a great deal of potential. Secretary Jack Simpkins, Match Official John Roberts and all the other Bath Committee men, will be hoping that the pack can provide enough good ball, for them to operate and achieve that illusive first victory at Rodney Parade."
"Welcome Bath, you are our first visitors from across 'the bridge' this season, we are confident the game will contain everything good in rugby football. Long may you continue to visit us and cement the friendships that have stood the test of time."