"Club Notes"
"During the close season a great deal of behind-the-scenes activity has taken place at Rodney Parade, and in a major "Cabinet" re-shuffle four new members have been appointed to the Football Committee in the persons of Ian Barnard, David Ford, David Rogers and Paul Watts. All four are former players of the Club and in view of the fact that they have only finished playing recently will be aware of the demands and pressures on present day players."
"To make way for these new members, three long serving Committee Men - Mel Dawes, Jim Hawkins and Alf Panting - have been made Honorary Life Members of Newport R.F.C. The trio have made enormous contributions both to Newport R.F.C. and Newport Athletic Club for over forty years and deserve the grateful thanks of all those who have enjoyed watching Newport play during that period. It is hoped that they will continue to be present at Rodney Parade in their new capacities for many, many years."
"New Chairman Bryn Williams, taking up the Office for the third time, is well aware of the task that lies ahead to re-establish Newport in Welsh Rugby, following the disasters of last season. He is far too experienced in rugby football to expect miracles overnight, but is confident that with the support and loyalty of his Committee, Captain Geoff Evans, the players, supporters and members, the Black and Ambers will rise like a phoenix from the ashes."
"Since his appointment for a record equalling fifth year of captaincy, Geoff Evans realises that the season ahead is probably the most important in the history of the Club. He will be hoping for better luck, both for himself and his team regarding injuries, that tore the team apart during the disasters of last season. In close co-operation with coaches Adrian Hearn and Alan Thomas he has ensured that the pre-season training has gone well with all last season's players ensuring that they will be striving to retain their places. With the All Blacks visiting Rodney Parade on 28th October, as part of the W.R.U.'s Centenary, the pressure will be on the team from today's game. With the youngest-ever Selection Committee to represent the Newport Club in operation, everyone at Rodney Parade wishes them well as they endeavour to re-establish Newport. It win not be easy, and we must be patient."
"Due to the ever-increasing costs, the Football Committee regret having to increase the cost of Match Programmes to 15p. It is hoped you will find the programmes value for money and continue to buy them."
"Welcome to Rodney Parade"
"This evening we extend a very warm welcome to our friends from "Donkey Island" to open the 1980-81 season. Founded in 1879, Penarth celebrated their Centenary in fine style last season with the highlight being their outstanding victory over the Barbarians on Good Friday. The young team, under the inspired leadership of ex Welsh prop forward Mike Knill, showed a great deal of promise for the future and everyone at the Athletic Ground are hoping that this season will see the Club become a force once again."
"Newport first played Penarth on 5th February 1887, when Bob Gould's team entertained them in the Cup and were victors by 5 Goals 7 Tries to Nil. Since then, the Clubs have met on 151 occasions, with Newport winning 128 games, Penarth 15 games and 9 games being drawn. Of their 15 victories, Penarth have only been successful in winning at Rodney Parade on 6 occasions - the last time, which incidentally was also their last victory over the Black and Ambers - was 7th September 1957, when a certain pugnacious scrum half by the name of Bernard (Slogger) Templeman, dropped the goals to defeat Leighton Jenkins' team by 12 pts. to 9 pts. Penarth have only ever achieved "the double" over Newport on two occasions - in 1889-90, when T.C. Graham led Newport, and in 1932-33 when A.R. Ralph was in charge. During the 1968-69 season under the captaincy of Brian Price, Newport recorded a record double by winning 54 pts. to 11 pts. at home, and by 50 pts. to 6 pts. at Penarth, they scored 10 Tries in each game with Keith Jarrett kicking 9 and 7 conversions respectively, as well as scoring 2 tries and kicking 3 penalty goals. Last season Newport won the only game played between the two Clubs by 17 pts. to 11 pts."
"During their history, the Penarth Club have contributed a great deal to Welsh Rugby, including six internationals in the persons of R.M. Garrett, J.C.M. Dyke, L.M. Dyke, M. Rosser, Jack Bassett - with 15 caps the Club's most capped player - and G. Hughes. While it was fitting at the Welsh Brewers Dinner at the end of last season for Kevin Bush, a class full back of the 1950's and considered by many to have taken over the mantle of "Mr. Penarth" from the late Pat Thome since his retirement from the game, to receive a presentation for his services to the Club. Congratulations Kevin, may you continue to serve the Club that means so much to you."
"Welcome Penarth, you first opened Newport's season in 1946-47 and it is nice to see old customs revived. We are confident that today's game will mark the opening of another season in fine style."