From the match programme:-
"Club Notes
" "One swallow does not make a summer", but all Black and Amber supporters must have been delighted with the teams display against Penarth last Tuesday. Following the trials and tribulations of last season it was like old times at Rodney Parade to see the whole team prepared to run and move the ball from all quarters of the field. Some of the ten tries scored were really spectacular and showed a great deal of individual and team flair. The only black spot was the goal kicking, and a great deal of practice is going to be necessary before the consistancy required for the harder games ahead is achieved. Debutants Julian Rpbinson, John Manders and David Llewellyn certainly impressed, as did Alun Watkins who was making his home debut. The display certainly gave all those present the hope that there is some light at the end of that dark tunnel we were in last season."
"Having used the Aberaeron and Cardiff H.S.O.B. Sevens tournaments to iron out tactics etc., our 'Young Seven' under the leadership of Geoff Evans gave a fine display in the Snelling Sevens held at the National Stadium last Saturday. Although obviously disappointed that they did not bring the trophy home, they proved once again that the Newport Club have speed, flair and ability on their playing staff. All seven - Geoff Evans, Roger Powell, David Waters, Clive Rogers, Stuart Barnes, Robert Ackerman and John Churchill - deserve our congratulations for their performance. Although elated by the teams performance, all Newport supporters were disappointed that the Bill Everson trophy for the 'Man of the Tournament' went to J.P.R. and not to Stuart Barnes, who had an outstanding tournament. No priase can be higher than to say he rekindled visions of David Watkins in the eyes of many Black and Amber supporters."
"Congratulations must be expressed to Gareth Evans on his selection for the Welsh Squad that has been selected for the game versus the Overseas XV. Having overcome the serious injuries he sustained during the last few seasons we look forward to him being given the opportunity of displaying his skills in a Welsh jersey, either on the wing or in the centre."
"Members and supporters are requested to note the advert in this programme re tickets for our game versus New Zealand on Tuesday 28th October. The price of tickets is determined by the Welsh Rugby Union and not the Newport Football Committee, who have no say in the matter."
"A Special New Zealand Evening will be held in the Rodney Hall on the Monday prior to the game, 27th October, when the Newport Male Voice Choir and the Rogerstone Silver Band will provide musical entertainment. Special Guests for the evening will be Wilson Whineray and Brian Price and his 1963 team. Make a note in your diaries now!!"
"Welcome to Rodney Parade"
"This afternoon we extended a warm Rodney Parade welcome to our friends from the Midlands, Coventry. Our two clubs first met on 17th November 1890, with Newport under the captaincy of T.C. Graham winning by 1 goal and 2 tries to nil. Since that early beginning the two clubs have met on 38 occasions, with Newport winning 30, Coventry winning 6 and 2 games being drawn. Of their six victories, Coventry have only achieved one at Rodney Parade, when on 18th January 1958 Leighton Jenkins' team were defeated by 8 pts. to 3 pts."
"On their last visit here they were defeated by 14 pts. to 8 pts., with the Newport points coming from tries by Ken Davies, David Barry and Richard Barrell, with Chris Webber making one conversion. Last season we visited Coventry for our opening game and lost an exciting encounter by 19 pts. to 12 pts., with the Newport scorers being Ken Davies, Phil Ward and Mark McJennett who scored tries."
"Formed in 1873-74, Coventry have contributed a great deal to Midland and English rugby. Their most capped player is David Duckham, who started his international career as a centre in partnership with John Spencer, but then reverted to the wing where he gave many outstanding performances with his speed and flair. Another great Coventry exponent of wing three-quarter play was the dazzling Peter Jackson. His weaving side-stepping runs delighted rugby followers all over the world. Others who have worn the Navy and White hooped jersey emblazened with the Red Rose with pride during recent years are Keith Fairbrother, Fran Cotton (everyone at Rodney Parade hopes that he makes a full recovery from the illness he suffered on the Lions tour), Alan Cowman, Peter Preece, Geoff Evans, Tim Dalton and Peter Rossborough."
"During their history, Coventry have been one, if not the top team in the Midlands area, and although they - like ourselves - have struggled during recent years, are determined to remain a power in the game. Always looked upon for strong forward play and fast powerful backs, it is certain that they will provide rugby of the highest quality this afternoon."
"Welcome Coventry, we trust your journey down the M5 was worthwhile and that many old friendships nave been renewed and many new ones made as you strive to emulate that memorable day in January 1958."