From the match programme:
"CLUB NOTES"
"Following our disappointing defeat at the hands of Ebbw Vale it was nice to see the 1st team returning to winning form versus Glamorgan Wanderers at Ely. The game was a personal triumph for Gareth Evans, whose hat trick of tries puts him out in front as the teams leading try scorer. Skipper David Burcher who received a serious ankle injury during the Ebbw Vale game can be seen around Rodney Parade these days like 'Long John Silver'. It is not certain when he will be fit again but everyone wishes him a speedy return to the team."
"Congratulations must again be extended to Jeff Squire, on retaining his place in the Welsh team, and to Gareth Evans and Brynmor Williams on their selection as replacements. It is certain that all three will be anxiously awaiting the announcement of the Welsh Touring Party for the Australian tour this Wednesday. But I have it on good authority, that if they fail to make it 'Down Under' there may be a place for them on our Canadian Tour. While on the subject of honours, everyone at Rodney Parade was delighted with the contribution the Newport players made to the Welsh Schools victory over the South of Scotland Schools. Captain Stuart Barnes kicked a conversion while Andrew Torjesen scored a try, a penalty and a conversion. Stuart, Andrew, Alphonso Marino and Paul Morris have all retained their places for the return game in Scotland, but scrum half Nigel Collard, has been relegated to a substitute. We wish them all well, and trust that Nigel will be back for the show piece game at the National Stadium versus Italy."
"Newport Youth team, who were unlucky to lose last Saturday to Blaina Youth, who are in this seasons final of the Welsh Youth Cup, are themselves involved in 'pot hunting' at Machen on Wednesday 22nd March, 1978, when they play Bedwas Youth in the final of the Nathan Rocyn Jones Cup, K.O. 6.00 p.m. Why not try and make an effort to be there and lend vocal support?"
"Members and supporters are reminded that tickets for the Newport v Barbarians game on Easter Tuesday, will be on sale at the Club Office immediately following tonights game. Tickets for the Schweppes W.R.U. Challenge Cup Semi-Final versus Aberavon at Cardiff on Saturday 1st April, will be on sale at the Skittle Alley at the same time. Make sure of your tickets tonight and avoid disappointment!!"
"Unfortunately due to lack of support, the proposed Supporters Trip to Canada to follow the team during their Canadian Tour, had to be cancelled. Although I believe the team will get vocal support from some supporters who are making their own arrangements. With the tour in mind please make a note of the advert on the next page. Newport Youth team are also going on tour, they will be in Devon on the 28th, 29th and 30th April."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"Defeat at the Talbot Athletic Ground by Bridgend a week last Saturday cost tonight's visitors to Rodney Parade, the top of the table spot in the Anglo-Welsh Merit Table. During the last few seasons 'the Wizards' have had the 'bridesmaids' tag to contend with, having been runners-up in the W.R.U. Challenge Cup on two occasions as well as getting close to carrying off the Clubs Championship. Formed in 1876, Aberavon are convinced that this season they will carry off one of the big prizes, the cup, the championship or one of the Merit Tables. Any Newport supporter who saw them destroy Newport at Aberavon on the 10th December 1977, by 17pts to 4pts, will find it difficult to argue."
"Skipper Clive Shell and coach Phil Morgan are gearing their team for the final weeks of the season. They realise that there is still a long way to go before it is certain that one of the 'big prizes' will land at the Talbot Athletic Ground. 'The Wizards' have a fine alround side, with plenty of power and fire up front and plenty of speed and skill behind. Up front Welsh lock Alan Martin, who is the teams leading points scorer thanks to his accurate boot, is joined in the power house by ex-international Billy Mainwaring, who seems to have discovered the drug for eternal youth. Billy has been a magnificent servant to the Aberavon Club both on and off the field, and just in case this is his last appearance at Rodney Parade, I am certain that all Rodney Parade fans would like to say, Well done!!"
"In the front row, Welsh Substitute prop John Richardson must be keeping his fingers crossed for Australia, although this will in no way deter his all out effort for the Red and Blacks. While hooker Billy James certainly seems to be following in the footsteps of Morton Howells, is there any higher praise? The back row of Ogwen Alexander, Phil Clarke and Richie Davies have proved with their high standard of play that they are one of the best units in the country."
"Skipper Clive Shell and his British Lion partner John Sevan provide the experience and guidance at half-back. Both these highly talented players must be considered unlucky not to have gained more Welsh caps. Playing for any other country they would have had a cupboard full, but thats the price they have paid for being Welsh. Roy Burnett knows the feeling well!! The three quarter line has pace in the form of wings Jeff Griffiths and Les Keene, while Keri Coslett and the highly promising Neil Hutching in the centre, provide the skill. To back them up from the full back position is Greg Rees."
"Welcome Aberavon, may this evening's game be an appetizer for our Cup semi?final meeting on "All Fools Day", and a repeat of our enthralling encounter here last season."