"WELCOME TO THE PARADE"
"TODAY'S visitors to Rodney Parade achieved a hat trick of victories over the Black and Ambers last season, including that memorable Schweppes W.R.U. Challenge Cup 3rd round victory at St. Helens by 12 pts to 9 pts. During the last decade Swansea have been one of the foremost clubs in the country, and have certainly recaptured many of former 'All White' glories."
"This season's team, under the captaincy of Wales and British Lions centre David Richards, have, with the exception of a slight hiccup versus Moseley, quickly settled down into playing their 15-man style rugby. Their team contains some of the most exciting players in Welsh rugby, including the Captain, Roger Blyth, Mark Wyatt, Tony Swift, Kevin Hopkins, Arthur Emyr, Malcolm Dacey, Huw Davies, Huw Rees and Gareth Jenkins behind the scrum, while up front the retirement of Geoff Wheel has not weakened the power of their pack, with such players as Clive Williams, Jeff Herdman, Gareth John, Barry Clegg, Trevor Chessman, Mark Davies, Mike Ruddock and Gareth Roberts to select from. Last Saturday the 'All Whites' comprehensively defeated Bristol at St. Helens to put them in good spirits for today's visit."
"The first fixture between our two clubs played here at Rodney Parade took place on 18th March, 1876, and since then the overall record reads: Played 245 games, Newport winning 115 games, Swansea 91 games and 39 games being drawn. Newport's last victory was achieved here at The Parade on Saturday, 26th September, 1981, by 18 pts to 14 pts, thanks to a try by John Churchill and 3 penalties, a drop goal and conversion by Mike Goldsworthy."
"Welcome, Swansea - the East v West connection has stood the test of time, with both clubs having their periods of domination. Let's hope that this afternoon we see a game worthy of the past and everything that is good in Welsh club rugby."
"CLUB NOTES"
"THIS AFTERNOON we extend a very warm welcome to the Ladies of Magor and Chicago Rugby Clubs who are present to watch what promises to be a fine game of rugby. The Magor Club are playing hosts to their American guests and next week entertain another American Ladies' team, this time from San Diego. We also welcome the cameras of BBC Wales 'Sports Line Up' and their commentators David Parry Jones and Phil Bennett. David is an old friend here at Rodney Parade, while Phil, who delighted us with his skill on the field of play, is embarking on a new career - we wish him well."
"The frustrations of the opening weeks of the season have seen the 1st XV lose three matches in a week, although we scored 22 pts at the Memorial Ground, 20 pts at The Gnoll and 16 pts at The Parade versus Pontypridd. The Selection Committee have made numerous changes, especially behind the scrum, and it is hoped that they will soon be able to field a settled side to capitalise on the excellent ball supplied by the forwards."
"The postponement of last Wednesday's game versus Bath was a great disappointment, especially to referee Geraint Davies who had travelled all the way from Southport to officiate, and all those members and supporters who were unaware of the postponement and arrived at Rodney Parade. Let's hope the weather will not cause any other postponements or cancellations for the remainder of the season."
"Congratulations to Jim McCreedy and his United team on their fine win at Bath on Wednesday. They have made a good start to the season and are certainly going to have a big influence on the 1st XV as the season progresses."