From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"It is hoped that members and supporters will have the opportunity this afternoon of seeing a curtain raiser between a team selected from London Schools and the Newport Schools, in this the 75th year of Welsh Schools Rugby. Obviously, ground conditions will determine if the game takes place but all being well, we should see some stars of the future."
"In this historic season it is appropriate that the Newport Schools, who were one of the founder members of the Welsh Schools Rugby Union, (the Black and Ambers always lead the way) have supplied five internationals, Stuart Barnes, who is also the captain, Alphonso Marino, Nigel Collard, Paul Morris and Andrew Torjesen. While on the administrative side, it must not be overlooked that the Black and Ambers contribution comes from J. H. Owen, who is Hon. Secretary to the Under 15's and Alun Griffiths who is Chairman to the Under 11 's."
"During their history, the Newport Schools Rugby Union have produced well over 100 schools internationals. Many who have gone on to win honours at Secondary Schools, Youth, Welsh 'B', Senior and British Lions level. Everyone connected with the Union, will quickly tell you that last seasons British Lions team who toured New Zealand, contained four players who started their careers with them. Our own David Burcher and Gareth Evans, and Pontypool's Bobby Windsor and 'Charlie' (it has now been confirmed his age is 37!!) Faulkner."
"Over the years the Newport Club have benefited greatly from the local Schools Union and it is interesting to note that all the following players who have played 1st team rugby this season commenced with the Newport Schools Union, Jeff Cranton, David Burcher, Steve Willis, Gareth Evans, David Rogers, Alun Evans, Roy Cridland, David Ford, Jim Dale, Rhys Morgan, Tony Mogridge, David Waters and Richard Taylor. Quite a formidable list. Congratulations on your 75th Anniversary from everyone at Rodney Parade, long may you continue to produce Black and Amber men of the future from your Under 11, Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 teams."
"Don't forget your tickets for tomorrows Barbarian game which is 'All Pay', and the cup semi-final versus Aberavon. Also, please make a note of the two functions being run during the next few weeks for the Players Tour Fund to Canada."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoon we extend a warm Rodney Parade welcome to London Welsh with the hope that the game will be a high scoring free running game as those of the past few seasons have been. Newport first played 'the Exiles' on Boxing Day 1885, when they achieved victory at Rodney Parade by 2 goals 1 try to 3 tries. Since then the two clubs have met on 111 occasions with Newport winning 76 London Welsh winning 29 and 6 being drawn. The 'Exiles' have achieved 'the double' on 5 occasions 1937-38, 1967-68, 1969-70, 1970-71 and 1972-73, but there is no chance they will add to this list this season as the Black and Ambers were victors at Old Deer Park in November, by 20 points to 10 points."
"Everyone at Old Deer Park was disappointed by their defeat at the hands of Liverpool, in this seasons John Player Cup. As they were hoping to at least reach the semifinal, where it is now known they would have had to play their friendly rivals from down the road, Harlequins."
"Formed in 1885, London Welsh have made a magnificent contribution to rugby football in England and Wales, both on and off the field. On the field, their present team is bound to get compared with the great 'Exiles' teams of the late 60's and early 70's, when their brand of rugby enthralled the rugby world and set a pattern for everyone to copy. But unfortunately great players don't grow on trees and great teams are not developed overnight. So everyone must be patient as off the field men such as John Dawes, Roger Michelson, Geoff Evans, Billy Hullin and Mike Roberts build for the future. On the field, John Taylor is still showing the skill that made him one of the games leading flankers even if 'old father tyme' has affected his speed. He is ably supported in the back row by Wales 'B' player John Mansfield and Steve Warlow. At half back, the club are fortunate to have English international Neil Bennett, who is accumulating points with his goal kicking and British Lion Alun Lewis, now fully recovered from his illness. These two ensure that a three quarter line of Welsh international centres Keith Hughes and Jim Shanklin. British Lion wing Clive Rees and Welsh Squad member Rhodri Ellis Jones, are supplied with the ball."
"When 'the Exiles' travel across the border into Wales, they are well aware that the opposition pull out all the stops to send them home to Old Deer Park defeated. But they are confident win or lose, that all those rugby supporters who see them over the Easter holiday period will remember their fluent brand of rugby."
"Welcome London Welsh, may todays game be worthy of those one hundred and eleven encounters of the past."