From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"Although our great rivals achieved victory last Saturday, Geoff Evans, and his team deserve the highest praise for the way they mde the Blue and Blacks fight, with an injury ravaged team. It was heart warming the hear Newport supporters leaving the ground, loud in praise of the courage, determination and character of the players. Many came to the dressing room to express their praise, and this was greatly appreciated by the skipper and his team who were obviously disappointed that the game had been lost. It is pleasing to see our injury list has began to get a little shorter, and with a little luck during the next few weeks the selectors may have a full compliment of players to select from."
"Due to the large calls of the first team, the United fielded a very unfamiliar team against a strong Cardiff Athletic team last Saturday, in defence of their unbeaten record. Although they surrendered their record, they made the Athletic fight every inch of the way, and like the first team demonstrated that there is great pride and character in the present Black and Amber playing staff. When everyone is fit, the rugby world are once again going to realise that Newport are a formidable force."
"Congratulations must be extended to David Barry, on his selction as substitute for the Wales 'B' team to play Argentina at Stradey Park, Llanelli on Tuesday next 17th October. With his inclusion in the County Squad, and already two games for the County, he must be well pleased with his move down the Newport-Cardiff Road. Off the field of play, congratulations must be extended to wing Keith Jefferson, who got married last Saturday. Everyone at Rodney Parade, wish him and his wife every success in the future."
"Following today's game the Newport Rugby Supporters Club intend to make a presentation to Keith Poole, to mark his outstanding contribution on the field of play to the Newport Club. The presentation will take place in the Main Bar Of the Clubshouse so why not come along and make the occasion a memorable one for Keith."
"Last Thursday evening was certainty a memorable one for Football Hon. Secretary R. T. 'Nick' Carter. All those members and supporters who attended the very enjoyable evening will be aware that 'Nick' was presented with the 'Castella Special Award' for his services to Newport Rugby Football Club. It is an honour well deserved and was received with prolonged applause. Mr Fred Croster, W.D.& H.O. Wills who sponsored the evening, the Panel and everyone else who made the evening such a success deserve our thanks."
"Campbell Black, our 1st XV Match Secretary, has been out of circulation during the last few weeks, due to illness. Fortunately through the medium of television he has been able to see the team play. Everyone at Rodney Parade send him their best wishes for a speedy recovery to full health and let's hope he will soon be back In harness."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoon we are delighted to welcome our friends from Blackheath, one of the founder clubs of the Rugby Football Union, in 1871. Affectionately known throughout the rugby world as The Club, our rivalry dates back to 1879, when on the 20th November, they inflicted the first defeat ever suffered by the Newport Club. It was a shattering experience to a club who had commenced their history with four invincible seasons. The fixture has continued since that date, the longest English v Welsh club fixture, and next season's game will obviously mean a great deal to both clubs."
"This season 'The Club' have made an inconsistant start although their 15 - 15 draw with London rivals 'Wasps' last Saturday, must give them encouragement for this afternoons game. Full back Ian Williamson, has once again been showing fine form, while the addition of wing three-quarters Alan Mort, from Richmond will add strength to their attack. Alan, who played in a Black & Amber jersey early in his career would love to be on the winning side this afternoon. Up front 'the Red and Blacks' are certain to cause many problems with their big pack in which John Stokoe, Andy Trotter, Roland Mill and Tom James can be expected to shine."
" 'The Club' will be well aware that victories at Rodney Parade are very difficult to come by. In actual fact they have not won here since the 1st April, 1933, when Raymond Ralphs team were defeated by 5pts to Nil. Last season the clubs met at 'The Rectory', as only one fixture a season is now played, with Newport winning a hard fought game by 12pts to 7pts. As it is impossible to repeat the feat of the 1904-05 Blackheath team who achieved the double over Newport, the only time it was achieved by 'The Club', it is certain that today's team wouid like to succeed, where so many famous 'Red and Black' players failed."
"It is certain that the ghosts of the past, Tottie Carpmael, Brigadier Glyn Hughes (two famous Barbarians) J. E. (Birdie) Partridge and R. T. Skrimshire, two famous Black & Amber men who also captained Blackheath will be looking down and smiling this afternoon. During the last 99 years many friendships were forged and many great games played."
"Welcome Blackheath, may today's game be worthy of two clubs who have remained friends through greatly changing times."