From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"Pride of place this evening must go to Stuart Barnes, Alphonso Marino, Nigel Callard, Paul Morris and Andrew Tarjesen, the five Newport schoolboys who have been selected to represent Wales at under 15 level versus the South of Scotland at Bridgend on the 11th March. Stuart Barnes has been honoured with the captaincy of the team that also includes two players from the Pontypool District. Newport Committee men Hedley Rowland and John Llewellyn, together with players David Burcher, David Ford, Colin Smart, Richard Barrell and Jeff Squire who have a great deal to do with schoolboy rugby in the town must be delighted with the representation, which is the largest in the history of the schools' association. This season is their 75th anniversary."
"Our defeat by the 'old enemy' last Wednesday, not only ended our run of success against them but cost us dearly in the way of injuries. Wing three-quarters Keith Jefferson, who has been among the scorers regularly since his arrival from Cross Keys, dislocated a shoulder so severely that there is a chance that he may be out for the rest of the season. Prop Rhys Morgan suffered a recurrence of the rib injury that made him miss many matches prior to Christmas following the Pontypool game. Lock Jeff Watkins who made a welcome return to the side following his back injury versus Mosely on the 5th November, suffered a calf muscle injury that could keep him sidelined once again. With every effort now being channelled towards the cup semi-final versus Aberavon it is hoped the position will quickly change."
"Members and supporters are reminded that the game versus the Barbarians on Easter Tuesday Is 'All Pay'. Stand Tickets Numbered and Reserved, Priced £1.00 are now on sale from the Club Office. Members with reserved seats in the stand have up until 14 days before the game to claim their seat. Please make every effort to get your tickets early and avoid disappointment on the day."
"One person who will remember St. David's Day 1978 with mixed feelings is full back Gareth McCarthy. He made his 1st XV debut versus 'the other great club' in world rugby, gave an impressive performance, but ended up on the losing side. Rugby is full of ups and downs, and it is certain that he will be able to cope with both in the future."
"Supporters who are thinking of following the Black and Ambers in Canada, this May, are reminded that the closing date for submitting names is Friday 10th March, 1978. If you are interested please contact the appropriate people, as the club does not want anyone to be disappointed."
"WELCOME TO RODNFY PARADE"
"The last ten days have certainly been dismal for tonights visitors to Rodney Parade, Ebbw Vale. Knocked out of the Schweppes W.R.U. Challenge in their quarter final tie, by Cardiff, after leading 10 pts. to 4 pts. at half time, they then suffered an 11 pts. to 4 pts. defeat at the hands of the 'All Blacks' at the Gnoll to halt their challenge for the Whitbread Welsh Merit Table. But skipper Gareth Howls, a member of the Welsh Squad, is certain with the aid of former British Lion and Welsh captain Arthur Lewis the present coach, to motivate his team with the prospect of 'the double' over the Black and Ambers. Early in the season 'the Vale' achieved a hard earned victory at Eugene Cross Park by a Steve Lewis penalty to nil."
"The 'Men of Steel' are always very welcome at Rodney Parade, for their brand of exciting attacking rugby. Like any well oiled machine the Red, Green and Whites are strong in all departments. Three players have been battling all season for the full back spot. Mostyn Richards who's timely intrusions into the three-quarter line can cause havoc to the best organised defences, Peter Griffiths a fine all-round footballer and Gary Lawrence, who won honours in the outside half position. The three-quarter line has the 'evergreen' (I refuse to call him a veteran) Arthur Lewis as it's king pin, with Alan Tovey, Howard Dwyer, Ian Gosling, Ian Evans, Russell Cole, Neil Collins, Chris Edwards and Robert Fowler battling for positions. Alan Rainbow, Mike Edwards, Nigel Osborne and England trialist Steve Lewis contest the half back positions."
"Up front the skipper has at his command Colin Williams, Len Sims, Robert Holmes, Gerwyn Williams, Elwyn Jones, Michel Van-der-Loos, Phil Garder, David Fryer, Clive Burgess and Paul Ringer. Clive Burgess the unlucky man of Welsh Rugby last season, has suffered greatly from injuries this season, and although he is a member of the Welsh Squad, he has been unable to gain a place in the Welsh Team, as he did for all the internationals last season."
"Last week 'Gwent County' announced the appointment of Arthur Lewis as their new coach. He will be responsible in preparing the team for their game versus the touring New Zealand 'All Blacks' which will be played at Rodney Parade. Everyone in the county wishes him every success and hopes the team containing both Ebbw Vale and Newport players will achieve victory."
"Welcome Ebbw Vale, may tonights game be the equal of many outstanding games between the two clubs."