From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"It is pleasing to report that the clubs tour to British Columbia, Canada, was a great success both on and off the field. The team returned with an unbeaten record and delighted the thousands who saw them play. Having toured South Africa, America, Italy and Canada, within the last five years, there is a great deal of speculation as to which country the Black and Ambers will next visit. The tours sub-committee are in conclave at the moment, but it is rumoured that 'Nick' Carter forgot the matches to light the fire, so no smoke, white or black, has yet appeared."
"During the close season, John Thomas, who had been first team trainer for the last six years, retired from his post due to pressure of work. He contributed a great deal during his stay and the players were fully confident in having a qualified man looking after them. The club are lucky in having obtained such a fine replacement in the person of Keith Harse, who has had experience at Cardiff, as well as being associated with the Barbarians and the Welsh Schools teams. We are confident that his stay at Rodney Parade, will be a long and memorable one the players all know him and have made him feel at home. He will receive valuable help in the dressing room from Stan Knight, as did John Thomas."
"At the Club's Annual Dinner, Fred Cox announced his retirement from active service with the Rugby Section following a life time of service. Jack Strickland was appointed his successor as baggage man having served his apprenticeship. Unfortunately Jack has not been in the best of health recently, and is not fit enough to take up his duties. So Fred has once again stepped into the breach, and everyone at Rodney Parade wishes Jack a speedy return to health. It is certain a few good Black & Amber victories will improve him quickly. Do your best boys!!"
"Members and supporters are requested to make a note of the change of our home game with Abertillery. This game will now take place at Rodney Parade, on Wednesday 4th October and not the 11th October, as listed in the fixture list. A Newport XV will play the Newport Junior Union XV here at Rodney Parade on Wednesday 27th September, while the United XV will play Croesyceliog under floodlight at Cwmbran Stadium on the 14th February, 1979."
"It was with deep regret that everyone at Rodney Parade, learnt of the death of Reg Haines our Score Board operator. He was a great Black and Amber fan and will be greatly missed. The club are indeed fortunate that his son who has been helping his father during recent years, will be available to carry on."
"Having played Coventry last Saturday, Bath to-night and Bristol next Saturday, supporters must be glad that we are members of the Rugby Football Union as well as the W.R.U. We certainly can't be accused of bias, and it must be the first time in the Clubs History that they haven't played a Welsh team in their first three fixtures."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This evenings visitors have already sampled the Gwent air this season, having played Pontypool at the Park, last Saturday. There is no truth in the rumour that John Roberts has had the team staying at the Gateway, to avoid travel fatigue."
"Newly elected captain, centre Mike Beese, is confident that the team will be more consistant than they were last year. Having won three England caps in 1972, he is determined to lead by example and ensure that new recruit wing three quarters David Wyatt from Bradford sees plenty of the ball. England outside half John Morton who showed his talent with limited opportunities last season, will be determined to hold on to the No. 10 shirt, so can be depended upon to set his line moving, kick expertly, and also need close watching when going on his own. If you add 'Mr Versatility' top points scorer John Davies to these three, it is easy to see why opposing defences have to be on top form versus Bath. With such a talented back division the Bath pack realise it is up to them to provide the right kind of ball for them to operate with. The West Country are famous for producing hard forwards and Bath have had their share, John Mac, G. Kendal-Carpenter, Alec Lewis, Laurie Rimmer and David Gay being a few."
"Our two clubs have met on 38 occasions with Newport winning 29, Bath 7 and 2 being drawn. Last season the Black and Ambers won at Rodney Parade by 19 Pts. to 6 Pts., while the Blue White and Blacks won the return by 15Pts to 9 Pts. All Baths' victories have been achieved at home and they are still waiting to gain that illusive first victory at Rodney Parade. To-nights team have the opportunity of putting themselves in the record books so it is certain that they will be geared for the maximum effort. Victory would certainly make their season and the journey back over 'the Bridge' would be a memorable one."
"Games between our two clubs have always been full of incident and good open rugby. With kind conditions, to-nights game has all the ingredients to follow the same tradition. Lets hope it is a credit to both clubs and also the game of rugby football."
"Formed in 1865, it is certain that to-nights visitors will continue to serve West Country and English rugby with great distinction. Victory to-night will help their cause a great deal. Welcome Bath long may you continue to cross 'the Bridge' and thrill the Rodney Parade crowds."