From the match programme:
"CLUB NOTES"
"The selection of Brynmor Williams for the Barbarians team to play New Zealand at the National Stadium Cardiff, next Saturday, has certainly helped lift the clouds of depression that have returned to Rodney Parade during the last two weeks. Everyone is confident that he will take this opportunity of showing the Big 5 that he is the best inside half in Wales, and force himself into the team for the Home International series. Good luck Brynmor, everyone at Rodney Parade wishes you every success next Saturday. This obviously applies to the rest of the Barbarians team especially Neil Mulchings and Alan Martin of todays visitors."
"Defeats at the hands of London Welsh and Bristol on successive weeks have given the Skipper, Coach Sid Jeffries and the Selection Committee a great deal to think about. Injuries to key players are still causing a great many headaches and it is hoped that Phil Waters, Neil Brown, Brynmor Williams, Steve ODonoghue and the Skipper will all be back in action this afternoon. With our 2nd Round Schweppes W.R.U. Challenge Cup Match versus Abercarn to be played on Saturday 23rd December, K.O. 2.15 p.m., it is vital that we return to the winning path and show everyone that we are capable of being a fine side."
"While the first team have been suffering from depression the United have continued their winning ways with fine victories over Cross Keys United, London Welsh Druids and a 16?16 draw with Bristol United. Unfortunately in the game versus London Welsh Druids vice captain Gareth Evans who was making his comback after an eight week lay off through a fractured wrist, re-fractured the wrist and will be out until the New Year. This is a tragedy not only for the Club, but for Gareth himself, for it is certain that Monmouthshire, Wales and the Barbarians would have been looking to him to add flair and pace to their teams."
"Members are reminded that a Social Evening will take place in the Rodney Hall on Thursday 14th December 1978, when the Mammoth Xmas Draw will take place. If you have not purchased your tickets yet there is still time. First Prize is ?100, 2nd ?50, 3rd ?25, with Numerous other prizes. Members who have not returned their tickets are requested to do so as quickly as possible."
"It was great to see Rodney Parade packed for the Monmouthshire v. All Blacks game and it is certain to be the same in 1980, when they return. Only this time to play Newport. Thanks must be expressed to the Newport Male Voice Choir for the excellent evening provided for the packed club prior to the game. It was certainly a memorable evening for everyone present including many New Zealanders."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoon we extend a very warm Rodney Parade welcome to Aberavon. Like ourselves, they are proving very inconsistant this season and have also suffered greatly from injuries to vital players. Last Saturday they were heavily defeated by London Welsh at Old Deer Park, where we had suffered a one point defeat the previous week."
"When the Wizards are able to field their first choice team they are one of the strongest sides in the country and with the cup session now with us it is certain that they will be looking for a return of their injured. Congratulations must be extended to Neil Hutchings and Alan Martin on their selection for the Barbarians versus the All Blacks, next Saturday. Neil, who has created a very good impression with his centre play during the last two seasons must see this as a golden opportunity of pressing his full cap claims. He is already a B international having played against Argentina and France B. Alan has achieved all the major honours in the game, but having suffered defeat against the All Blacks, for Wales and West Wales, it is certain he will be looking to being on the winning side this time."
"Behind the scrum the Wizards can field a back division capable of breaking down the strongest defence with Kevin Coslett as partner to Neil Hutchings in the centre, where they are flanked by Les Keene and sprinter Jeff Griffiths, who made his Wales B debut last Saturday. The arrival of another B international in the person of outside half Bernard Thomas, from Llanelli, has given captain Clive Shell a partner who is very experienced in the game. Up front, John Richardson, who made his international debut during the Australian tour, props alongside Biliy James, who was called into the Wales B squad last week. While Ogwen Alexandra is still making life difficult for opposing half backs."
"Last season honours ended even between our two clubs, the Wizards winning at the Talbot Athletic Ground by 17pts to 4pts, and the Black and Ambers at Rodney Parade by 17pts to 9pts. Of course, everyone from Aberavon will remember our cup semi-final victory over them in monsoon conditions at Cardiff by lOpts to Nil. Alas, Gareth Evans, is still on the injured list, so will be unable to add to those two memorable tries he scored."
"Welcome Aberavon, it is certain that todays game will enhance the friendship that exists between our two clubs both on and off the field."