From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"Last Saturday's defeat at Sudbury, by the Wasps, has certainly brought the clouds of depression back over Rodney Parade, Skipper Geoff Evans, vice captain Gareth Evans, coaches Sid Jeffries, Adrian Hearne and the selection committee realise that it is vital that a settled side is decided upon, and confidence restored before the cup matches commence. The injury situation which has been one of the largest obstacles since the season commenced, is now beginning to ease. Colin Smart, Steve O'Donoghue and David Waters, returned to 1st team duty at Sudbury, while Rhys Morgan played for the United v. Taffs Wells. The only players who will be missing a little longer, are Gareth Evans, who still has his wrist in plaster, Jeff Cranton, who has had the plaster removed from his ankle but will take a few weeks to get fit, Keith James, who has nearly recovered from his cartilage operation and Alun Billinghurst who's ankle is still very sore."
" 'Lady Luck' has once again been kind to us in the Schwepps W.R.U. Challenge Cup. Our home tie against near neighbours Newport H.S.O.B. should provide the right kind of introduction to this seasons competition. The first team should not be complacent to the fact that the United took the 'Old Boys' unbeaten record last Thursday here at Rodney Parade, by 19pts to Nil. The cup is a great leveler and the prospect of another home tie in the next round should provide the inspiration for Geoff Evans, and his team. While on the subject of cup rugby, the Youth team deserve our congratulations for reaching the final of the Rocyn Jones cup. Last Saturday they annihilated Risca by 52pts to Nil in the semifinal. Perhaps they can give the first team the lead to reach their third W.R.U. Cup Final in succession."
"Members who were successful in the ballot for Grand Stand tickets for the Monmouthshire v. All Blacks at Rodney Parade on the 29th November, will be notified by post. The ballot took place following the Clubs Annual General Meeting last Monday night."
"Tickets are still available for the Cabaret Night at the Club Double Diamond, Caerphilli, a week next Friday. Why not get in the mood for the Wales v. New Zealand game, by getting your tickets NOW!! from Campbell Black."
"Everyone at Rodney Parade would like to offer their congratulations to Paul Ringer, on his selection to play for Wales v. New Zealand, this is his first cap and as a 'Man of Gwent' we wish him well. Our commiserations to Brynrnor Williams, on failing to clinch the scrum half spot but we are confident with more football under his belt he will soon be No. 1."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This evening we are pleased to welcome Phil Gardner and his Ebbw Vale team, to Rodney Parade. Last season, 'the Men of Steel', achieved the double over Newport, winning by 3pts to Nil at Eugene Cross Park, and the return at Rodney Parade by 6pts to 4pts. It is certain that Phil and his team will be anxious to win the first leg of this seasons double tonight."
"During the close season the Red, Green and Whites, were the subject of a fair amount of publicity due to Steve Lewis leaving for Bath to further his hopes of an England cap, and Michael Van-der-Loos, transferring to Cardiff. He has since returned to the Valley club but is unfortunately injured at the moment. These happenings had no effect on the rest of the team who have opened the season by playing a fine brand of attacking rugby."
"Former British Lion Arthur Lewis, with the aid of Denzil Williams, another British Lion, and Mike Grindle, form the coaching staff. They have all contributed greatly to Ebbw Vale's illustrious history on the field of play and are putting back into the game many hours coaching young players, Ebbw Vale, are quite rightly proud of the work they are doing, and such talented youngsters as Russell Cole, Ian Gosling, David Hussey Alan Rainbow and Neil Osbourne, will benefit greatly from the vast experience. On the field of play such stalwarts as Gary Lawrence, Neil Collins and Ian Evans, recently returned from Pontypool, ensure that 'the youngsters' are well looked after. Arthur Lewis is also coach to the Monmouthshire County side, who will play the All Blacks, here at Rodney Parade, on Wednesday 29th November. He has seven of his club team in the County Squad, and it is certain that the Red, Green and Whites, will be well represented when the final team is announced."
"Up front 'the Men of Steel' have always been a formidable force and this season is proving no different. The veteran policeman Gareth Howls together with Phil Gardner and ex Welsh International Clive Burgess, provide the experience, while Robert Holmes, Elwyn Jones, David Fryer and Paul Ringer, who had a great game for Wales 'B' versus Argentina, provide the youth. Our congratulations to Paul Ringer, on his selection for the Welsh Squad for the game versus New Zealand."
"Welcome Ebbw Vale, your visits are always exciting, may tonight produce a game worth remembering."