From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"Last week was certainly a black one as far as Newport Rugby Club were concerned. Our neighbours from the 'Eastern Valley' destroyed our hopes of maintaining our ground record for another year, with one of the finest forward displays seen at Rodney Parade for many years. While Gloucester once again proved that Kingsholme, is not one of Newports luckiest grounds. These two defeats within four days have certainly halted our climb up the respective tables. If the defeats of the first team were not enough to contend with, last Saturday saw a United team containing three current British Lions defeated by Gloucester United, while Newport Schools lost their unbeaten record and suffered elimination from the Dewar Shield by 12 pts to 11 pts at the hands of Pontypndd Schools. The Youth team who defeated Caldicot by 12 pts to 11 pts were the only team to keep the Black and Amber flag flying."
"Tonight we commence a series of three home games and it is certain that the players will give everything to achieve a hat trick of victories and restore the faith of members and supporters. We also welcome our first Lion in the person of Gareth Evans to return to the first team. He would have been joined by club captain David Burcher and Geoff Squire, but unfortunately they are both recovering from 'flu' and are not quite 100% fit. Let's hope they recover quickly and will return at the week-end versus the Wasps. They brought great honour to the club and fully deserved their rest, but with batteries re-charged can help restore confidence in the team."
"Members and supporters are asked to please note that the Ebbw Vale game listed to take place at Ebbw Vale on Wednesday 26th October, 1977, will now be played on Wednesday 9th November, as the Newport Committee have released Ebbw Vale on the 26th in order that they can entertain Wellington from New Zealand. A further fixture change is being negotiated with Gloucester, who are due to visit Rodney Parade on Christmas Eve. This game will possibly be played on either the Wednesday or Friday the 21st or 23rd December. As soon as a definite arrangement has been agreed an official announcement will be made."
"Spectators are once again reminded that they must remain on the correct side of the fences at all time. This is to ensure the safety of everyone, and we look forward lo your co-operation in the future in the same way as you showed at the Pontypool game."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"At the commencement of this season tonights visitors, Newbridge, appointed two new coaches to take over from long serving David Harries. Both former Newbridge players, they realised that it was going to take a great deal of hard work to re establish Newbridge, in the eyes of Welsh rugby. But Keith Westwood and Alan Williams set about their tasks with the same enthusiasm they had both shown as players. Keith who had achieved considerable success as coach to Abercarn, put the team through a vigorous pre season build up, while Alan, who only finished playing last season, put his vast experience to work. They achieved a working relationship with re-elected captain Howard Evans, and the team made an impressive start to the season, being narrowly defeated at Ebbw Vale but achieving victories over Bridgend and Pontypool. Unfortunately, they were unable to build on this start and like ourselves have not had a good time recently. Last Saturday they drew at home 3-3 to Birmingham, while the week previously they had been defeated by Blackwood."
"Tony Browning has been playing full back this season with a fair amount of success. His ability to run the ball from deep positions has made him an important man in their attacking plans, while his goal kicking has obtained many points. The three quarter line are sound and competent without being brilliant, while the skipper and his inside half Terry 'Fred' Evans provide stability and guidance. Up front the forwards have turned in some powerful performances with Jim McCreedy, Jim Stokes, Phil Jones, Tony Holway and Eric Phillips being the powerhouse and Malcolm Lewis, Clive Davies and the 'evergreen' Dennis Hughes, what a magnificient servant to the Newbridge club, being a back row of great experience."
"Club Chairman and England selector W. G. D. Morgan has a hard working and loyal committee under him, who realise that the road ahead is a hard one. But they are determined to give the players every encouragement to put Newbridge back into the position they held in Welsh rugby during the sixties. The unfortunate accident that cost them their club house has not helped their cause in any way and it is pleasing to learn that plans are now well ahead for a new development."
"Although the Black and Ambers were victors of a fierce game at the Welfare Ground by 10 pts to 4 pts on the 20th September, and 'the Bridge' have not won at Rodney Parade since the 3rd November, 1973, one thing can be certain, who ever wins tonights game will have had to work hard for victory."
"Welcome Newbridge, we know we are in for a hard game."