"CLUB NOTES..."
"It is with pleasure that we welcome Newport to Ebbw Vale. We must couple this welcome with thanks to the Newport Club for so readily agreeing to bring the game forward by one day in order that supporters of both clubs will not have the problem of rushing from the Pontypool Park on Weds. It will be strange to have a Newport side at Ebbw Vale without R.T. (Nick) Carter as their Secretary. Nick gave up the reins at the end of last season after umpteen years. He was, and still is, a great servant of the Newport Club. Such men are the backbone of Welsh rugby. The new Secretary is Doug Ackerman. He needs no introduction for he played at wing forward for both clubs. A player of distinction, Doug lived in Ebbw Vale for some years and his son Robert, who had a cap last year, was born here. For a change, it is pleasant to pay tribute to the administrators of this great game who devote so much of their time and energy to their club."
"Last Saturday Newport went_down at home to Llanelli by 10pts to 9 pts after leading at half-time by 9 pts to 6 pts. A controversial final try was awarded by the 'stand-in' referee. A couple of former Vale players, Paul Rees and David Fryer were in the Newport side and it will be pleasant to renew acquaintance with them in the club house after the game is over. The Newport pack seem to be settling down to a powerful combination under the coaching of Charlie Faulkner and our eight will have to be on top form to combat the threat."
"We really should have won the game against Aberavon last Saturday if all the chances were taken. The inability to give a final pass correctly when there was an overlap cost at least two if not three tries. The correct giving and taking of passes is a fundamental requirement of any rugby player whatever grade of rugby is played. This feature has been endemic in our play for the past two or three seasons and must be eradicated by clinics at training sessions. The tackling on Saturday was well below par and this also must be worked on. A very pleasing feature of our play was the way that the half-backs Kim Norbett and Jeff Stephenson have quickly reached an understanding. It's gratifying for the forwards to find the ball in front of them far more often than in some seasons past. Jeff is also now starting to control the game more than hitherto."