From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"Although conditions were far from ideal last Monday, our hard earned victory of Aberavon, not only put the team in good spirit for the Easter programme, but achieved a certain pyschological action for our cup semi-final versus the same opponents on 'All Fools Day' at Cardiff Arms Park. We all realise that each game has to be treated on merit, but it is certain that the knowledge that we won the last encounter will lean heavily in our favour on the 1st April."
"During the next four days the selectors will be busy sorting through the players before announcing the team to do battle in the semi-final. It is their intention to give all players who are in contention for a place, the opportunity to show their skills during the next three matches. Injuries have certainly caused many problems recently and it must be a very long time since it was possible to select a team from a full complement of players. Chris Webber is back in action at Llanharan today, as is Jim Dale, Steve Jones and David Waters. The only two players who look as if they will be unfit for the semi-final are, skipper David Burcher, who has now dispensed with his 'Long John Silver' outfit and could be back soon, and prop Rhys Morgan. Let's hope that when the 'Big 6' sit down on Tuesday evening to select their cup side they are not troubled with a long injury list."
"Last Saturday saw Newport, through Jeff Squire and Gareth Evans, add another piece of history into Welsh rugby. Their contribution to the 'Grand Slam' victory over France was tremendous and everyone at Rodney Parade are very proud of them. The occasion and victory must have brought great personal satisfaction to them both, for different reasons. Jeff, because it silenced all his many critics, he's too slow, he can't win the ball at the back of the line, he can't tackle!!, and is now a permanent fixture in the Welsh team. All this following a highly successful tour of N.Z. For Gareth, it not only gave him his first full cap, sorry you were not in the programme Gareth!!, but enabled him to sample the atmosphere out in the middle at Arms Park. I am certain that although he played 3 Tests in N.Z. for the Lions last summer, last Saturday will always remain his greatest rugby memory. Brynmor was once again a replacement but didn't get on the field, never mind the 'Master' can't go on for ever."
"Don't forget to get your Stand Tickets for the Barbarian game, which is an All Pay Game and the Aberavon Cup Semi-Final, following todays game. The Chairman, Committee and players wish you all 'A Very Happy Easter'."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoon we open our Easter holiday programme by extending a warm welcome to Moseley, present leaders of the Anglo-Welsh Merit Table. The Red and Blacks (visions of Aberavon) have suffered a few set-backs during recent months following a magnificent opening to the season when they won their first eighteen games. Rugby supporters throughout the country watched their T.V. sets spell-bound as a British Lions XV took their unbeaten record in the Sam Doble Memorial Match. The game showed rugby football at its best and was a fitting tribute to one of the nicest and most modest players ever to have played the game. Everyone at Moseley deserve heartiest congratulations, for organising the game."
"Their shock exit from the John Player Cup at the hands of Bristol has made them determined to retain the Anglo-Welsh Merit Table title they won so narrowly from us last season, and also the Midland Merit Table organised by the Rugby Football Union. This determination will also be evident this afternoon as they strive to achieve their first ever 'double' over the Black and Ambers, having crushed us at 'The Reddings' on the 6th November, 1977, by 28 pts. to Nil. A 'Rugby Special' they will remember for a long time. But I am certain that they need no reminding that only two Moseley sides have ever won at Rodney Parade, 1889-90 and 1974-75."
"Fixtures between our two clubs commenced at Rodney Parade in 1888-89 season. Since then the clubs have met on 36 occasions Newport winning 26, Moseley winning 7 and 3 being drawn. Tradition is very much in favour of the Black and Ambers, but this will only add to the Red and Blacks determination."
"This seasons team contains a number of personalities, centre three-quarter Barrie Corless, has been an ever present in this seasons England team. He forms a formidable midfield partnership with co-centre Malcolm Swain, who through his play this season has been a regular member of the Welsh Squad and a 'B' international, and outside half Martin Cooper who played for England last season, only to be replaced this season by Alan Old and then John Morton. A player who played an outstanding part in North Midlands winning this season's County Championship was outside half Les Cusworth. His dual with Martin Cooper for the outside berth has been a topic for discussion throughout the season. Up front Barry Ayre must be very disappointed at not making the England team, especially when former Moseley skipper Nigel Horton was dropped. No. 8 Nick Jeavens, is another player who was very much under the microscope by the selectors."
"Welcome Moseley, may you continue to contribute a great deal to English rugby both on and off the field, and this afternoons game be a credit to both clubs."