"CLUB NOTES"
"This afternoon we are delighted to once again welcome our 'Lucky Mascots' the B.B.C. Wales cameras to Rodney Parade. During the last few years, the games they have covered from our ground have been a credit to both teams competing, and also rugby in general. Let's hope to-days game continues in the same manner, a repeat of last Saturdays thriller, would be satisfactory all round."
"Last season the Football Committee requested that no one should sit inside the fences during matches. It is a very dangerous practice and could cause a very serious accident to either players or spectators."
"WOULD EVERYONE PLEASE HELP ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS BY KEEPING TO THE CORRECT SIDE OF THE FENCE. REMEMBER!! SPECTATORS ARE PROHIBITED FROM THE FIELD OF PLAY THANK YOU."
"Following to-days game, Mr. R. T. (Bob) Evans, Chairman of the Football Committee, will make a presentation to Mr. John Thomas in the Everson Room, in appreciation of his work as trainer to the first team during the last six years. John had to retire at the end of last season due to pressure of work, but maintained Newports high reputation for trainers during his stay."
"Everyone at Rodney Parade was shocked at the death of Ben Edwards. A firm favourite with the fans during his playing career, he first played for Newport in 1946-47. During his first few seasons his goal kicking prowess went undiscovered but by the end of his stay at Rodney Parade he had made 115 1st team appearances scoring 377pts (3T, 106C, 52P). He played for Wales v Ireland, the same day as Cliff Morgan made his debut and kicked a prodigous 50yd penalty to draw the game. Following his retirement from the game, he continued to serve Captain Crawshays and Cheltenham Rugby Club in an administrative capacity. His large smiling frame will be greatly missed by all his many friends, but his memory will always be with them. For all those Black & Amber supporters who can get there, a Memorial Service is being held at Shurdinton Church, at 2.30 p.m. on Friday 22nd September."
"Next Tuesday we once again travel up the valleys of Gwent. This time it is the Western Valley, to play Newbridge, while on Saturday 23rd September, we play Swansea at St. Helens, K.O. 3.00 p.m. Please make every effort to attend both these games and encourage the team to play the brand of rugby you want to see."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This season Neath are captained by their highly talented outside half Peter Davies. He, together with coaches Martyn Davies and Mike Thomas, are determined that the 'All Blacks' will once again be a force in Welsh Rugby. Following their inconsistent form of last season, his team have achieved two victories from their first three games, Cimla at home, and Abertillery away. Last Saturday they were just beaten 13pts to 12pts at the Gnoll, by Cardiff. One player who impressed during the game, was lock Robert Hughes and it is certain that a great deal more will be heard of him this season. Vice Captain Wilson Lauder, certainly has the experience to help his development enormously, even if he is a Scottish International."
"With scrum half Huw Morgan, having to undergo an operation for a shoulder injury, Neath officials were anxious as to who would take over the position. Fortunately Ness Flowers, seems to have settled in very quickly and dispelled any fears. Both half backs have the ability to set their three-quarters in motion, and with such players as British Lion Elgan Rees, David Cole, Bleddyn Taylor and Robert Mogford, to support them, it is certain they will score many fine tries."
"Up front, one can expect the 'All Blacks' with the two previously named players, plus David Lewis, Ray James, Phil Langford, Mike Messenger, Gareth Jones and Peter Jones just to mention a few to once again provide the right kind of ball. The Gnoll regulars, through the likes of Rees Stephens, Roy John, Courtney Meredith, Ron Waldron, Brian Sparks, Brian Thomas, Walter Williams and Glyn Shaw, have always looked to their forwards, and it is certain that they will be looking through the microscope at the present squad."
"Last season each team won their respective home fixture, Neath at the Gnoll by 24pts to 10pts and Newport at Rodney Parade, by 18pts to Nil {The night Keith Poole set up the Club Individual Appearance Record). Our two clubs first met in 1878-79, and since then the 144 games have been played, with Newport winning 79, Neath 51 and 12 being Drawn. The last time they won at Rodney Parade was during the 1972-73 season, but it is certain that they would be delighted to return 'West' with a victory this afternoon."
"This season marks the 'Centenary' of fixtures between our two clubs. Many great games have taken place between many great players, while many lasting friendships have also been formed. Let's hope this afternoons game will be worthy of celebrating such an occassion and a credit to both teams. Welcome Neath."