From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"To-night sees the first official game under our new floodlight system, and we trust that being in the 'spot-light' will help the team overcome their recent bad patch, and once again recapture their winning ways. 'Lady Luck' has certainly been missing during recent weeks as the length of our injury list grows. It has been rumoured that A.T.V. are thinking of re-screening 'Emergency Ward 10', and using the Rodney Parade dressing room as their studio. The up to date list of injured players reads, Chris Webber, pulled muscle, hopes to be fit this weak. Jeff Cranton, broken ankle, out for at least another six weeks, Gareth Evans, injured wrist, may be fit this week. David Burcher gashed knee, may be fit for the Cardiff game. Neil Brown, ankle injury, hopes to be fit for Saturday. Colin Smart, ankle injury, hopes to be fit for this week. Rhys Morgan, back injury, will be out for a few weeks. Tony Mogridge, knee injury, may be fit this week. David Waters, knee injury, may be fit this week. Bryan Lease, ankle injury, hopes to play this week. Jeff McCabe, thigh muscle injury, out for another week. Over to you 'Dr. Kildare'."
"The players under captain Geoff Evans and coaches Sid Jeffrey and Adrian Hearne, have shown a great deal of character during their visits 'West' to Swansea and Llanelli. They are confident that when a full foal of players are available for selection the Black
and Ambers will once again be a major force to contend with. A victory to-night over our Gwent rivals from the Western Valley, never easy to achieve, would give the team a great boost to their confidence, and put them in the right frame of mind to take on
those Black and Blue B--- next Saturday."
"While the 1st team have been having problems, the United under captain Jim Dale, have been delighting everyone with their free flowing rugby and fine victories. Wing three-quarters and centres certainly get plenty of opportunities to score tries with the United as John Churchill, Phil Ward, Fred Headon and Keith Jefferson will confirm. Next Saturday they entertain the formidable Cardiff Athletic at Rodney Parade, so if you are unable to get to Cardiff, to support the 1st team, make the effort to lend your voice to the United."
"Youth team coach Alan Evans, is delighted with the progress of his young youth team and they are certainly achieving some outstanding results while playing fine flowing rugby. It is certain that when 'Lady Luck' smiles on the 1st team the air of depression now over Rodney Parade wil be lifted."
"The Football Committee, would like to inform all Members, that the allocation of Stand Tickets to the Newport Club for the Monmouthshire v All Blacks game is 250. This game is a Welsh Rugby Union Game and the distribution of tickets is in the hands of the Monmouthshire County. All our members will be circulated with an Application Form, and a Ballot will take place for the 250 Tickets. Please make a note of the Castella Night of Sport, advertised in this programme."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This evening we are pleased to welcome our first visitors from Gwent in the persons of Abertillery. A week ago the 'Green and Whites' showed that they are capable of causing major upsets in Welsh rugby when they defeated the Scarlets at Abertillery Park by 12pts to 9pts. Unfortunately, like ourselves, the air in West Wales did not agree with them last Saturday, and they suffered a heavy defeat by 50pts to 6pts, to Swansea at St. Helens."
"Last season Newport achieved 'the double' over Abertillery, winning by 19pts to 6pts (their first victory at the Park for 9 years) and 67pts to Nil at Rodney Parade. The overall record between the two clubs now reads Played 93, Newport winning 63, Abertillery 21, and 9 being Drawn. The 'Green and Whites' have only won on 6 occasions at Rodney Parade, the last being in 1967. So coach 'Richie' Tillings has every incentive to motivate his players to-night to achieve another upset in Welsh rugby."
"The loss of lock forward Robert Norster to Cardiff, during the summer, although obviously a great disappointment has in no way blunted the power of the Abertillery forwards. The front row of Dawson Jones, Mike Cairns and John Dixon, are an outstanding trio, and are as much to be feared as those other 'V of Gwent' from the Eastern Valley. All three must be strong contenders for the Gwent team to play the 'All Blacks' and also the Wales 'B' team to play Argentina, next month. John Dixon,has already played for the County this season also Mike Cairns as well as playing for the Welsh and Gloucestershire Residents XVs. They are supported up front by Alan Higgins, Stuart Griffin, Paul Clark, M. Lloyd, Steve Lane and P. Clarke. Behind the scrum the club have been delighted with the acquisition of two talented halfbacks in the persons of goal kicking outside half Les Williams, from Nantyglo, and scrum half Andy Grey, from Pontypool. These two can be relied upon to bring out the best of a back division that is a blend of youth and experience in the persons of Robert Evans, David Rees, John Derrick, Bob Dawkins, Steve Hardacre and G. Cole."
"Formed in 1895-96, Abertillery have contributed a great deal to Monmouthshire and Welsh rugby. The present committee and players are determined that this will continue, it is certain that a victory at Rodney Parade will help their cause and once again prove the strength of rugby in the Monmouthshire valleys."
"Welcome Abertillery, may to-nights game be free of injuries, and a credit to Monmouthshire rugby."