From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"I think it was Sir Harold Wilson, who once said 'a week is a long time in politics', but I am certain it was Nye Williams, who said 'the last two weeks have been a nightmare for the Black and Ambers. Successive defeats at the hands of Llanelli, Moseley and Ebbw Vale have certainly dented our confidence, but Sir Winston Churchill once said 'cometh the hour, cometh the man' and skipper David Burcher, vice captain Colin Smart and coaches John Ryan and Syd Jeffries are certain that that time has arrived. Like everyone else at Rodney Parade, they are well aware of the disappointments suffered this season, but are determined with the rest of the players, to put the team back on the winning trail. Injuries have not helped our cause and it is hoped that the following will soon be fit and available for selection, Jeff Cranton, Alan Billinghurst, Rhys Morgan, Jeff Watkins and Bryan Lease."
"Supporters and members are requested to please note that the game versus Cardiff postponed through both clubs cup commitments last season, will now be played at Rodney Parade, on St. Davids Day, Wednesday 1st March, 1978. Following our game versus Llanelli, the Football Committee received a number of complaints from members with reserved seats in the grand stand, who were unable to sit in their seat due to it being occupied by someone else. Please note:"
"MEMBERS WITH RESERVED SEATS IN THE GRAND-STAND HAVE THEIR NAME ATTACHED TO THE SEAT AND HAVE UNTIL 10 MINUTES BEFORE KICK-OFF TO TAKE UP THE SEAT. THEY PAY AN EXTRA ?1 FOR THIS PRIVILEGE AND THE COMMITTEE REQUEST EVERYONE USING THE STAND TO PLEASE HELP BY NOT SITTING IN A RESERVED SEAT UNLESS YOU ARE THE AUTHORISED PERSON."
"The Football Committee apologise that this afternoons kick-off has been brought forward to 2.30 p.m., but in their wisdom they want to ensure that what promises to be an exciting game is not cut short by a power failure."
"Next Saturday we commence our 'defence' of the W.R.U. Challenge Cup with a home tie versus Llanharan. With Schweppes now sponsoring this event, it will have more publicity than ever. Let's hope our 'defence' of the trophy will prove better than that which we put up against Llanelli and Moseley."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"Today marks the resumption of fixtures between two clubs who first met in February 1882. On that occasion it was in the South Wales Challenge Cup and the Black and Ambers were victorious by 2 goals 3 tries to Nil. During the 1880's the clubs met on no less than 9 occasions, with Newport winning every game without conceding a point. The last time the two clubs met was on the 30th November, 1901, when G, LI. Lloyd led Newport to victory at Rodney Parade, by 11pts. to Nil."
"A great deal of water has run under Newport Bridge since those days and both clubs have contributed a great deal to rugby football. During the last decade Pontypridd have been one of the most attractive sides in the game and their consistency has enabled them to achieve many notable feats. Only two seasons ago they once again won the Club Championship and doubled up by winning the Welsh Merit Table. This season they are once again leading both tables and are confident that they will win at least one title."
"British Lion Tommy David, this seasons captain, has returned after a spell with the Scarlets. One of the characters in the game, he realises that there is still a long way to go before the end of the season, but is confident that he has the players around him to survive the rocky road ahead. Full back Ian Walsh is a player of outstanding ability and all the critics are predicting that either he or our own Chris Webber will not only play for the Welsh 'B' team, but eventually follow the great J.P.R. into the Welsh team. On the wings, Brian Juliff, who had a very short stay at Rodney Parade, Adrian Barwood or Karl Swain pose a threat to any defence, while centres Alan Thomas and new recruit from Neath, John Poole, ensure that they are well fed. At outside half, 'Ponty' have the choice of Stuart Lewis, now fully recovered from his foot injury or Jeff Hazzard who is no stranger to Rodney Parade. Jeff played 34 games in a Black and Amber jersey and scored 169 points. He was our full back during our Centenary Season and also toured America with the club. As Bruce Forsyth would say 'Nice to See You Jeff'. Gwent supporters will remember scrum half Robert Morgan from his days with the other 'Ponty' located up the Eastern Valley."
"Up front, Tommy has the support of Mike Alexander, Bill Evans, Howard Evans, Mike Shellard, Colin Seldon, G. George and R. Lott to mention only a few. No, I have not forgotten Bob Penberthy!!! I am certain that everyone at Rodney Parade this afternoon would like to pay tribute to Bob on his magnificent appearance record for Pontypridd and also on his contribution to rugby football. As a gentleman of the game, his selection for the Barbarians was a just tribute."
"Welcome Pontypridd, let's hope the game is equal to the occasion."