"WELCOME TO THE PARADE"
"This afternoon we continue the Festive Season here at Rodney Parade by extending a very seasonal welcome to our friends from the Rugby Academy of Wales, South Glamorgan Institute. The Roll of Rugby Honours achieved by past students is one of the most impressive of any 'College of Knowledge' outside Oxbridge. Roy Bish, who was present here at Rodney Parade with three members of the Italian Rugby Federation for our game versus Aberavon, commenced a conveyor belt of talent during his period at The Institute and the high standard has been maintained by his successor Leighton Davies, who is well remembered by Black and Amber supporters for his all-action play as an open-side flanker for Bridgend."
"This season The Institute have disappointed by their own high standard and are certainly missing the guiding talents of one of the most exciting rugby players in Wales, Geraint John, who has been unavailable through injury all this season. Everyone here at Rodney Parade wishes him well and hopes that it will not be too long before he is back playing. In his place at outside half, The Institute have been fortunate in having Hugh Morris, who as well as being an accomplished rugby player is a very talented cricketer, who has already scored a century in county cricket for Glamorgan and, according to many of the game's leading critics, could well go on to become a Test player."
"South Glamorgan will have been very disappointed to have been eliminated by Rumney in the 2nd Round of the Schweppes W.R.U. Challenge Cup, for last season they reached the 3rd Round before losing here at The Parade by 34pts to 13pts and, as they had lost during the Festive Season by 39pts to 30pts, they conceded the double. The previous season, the students lost here by 53pts to 13pts but will quickly inform the Black and Amber faithfuls that on New Year's Day 1980, they won here by 20pts to 6pts, Three 'Old Boys' have been in action for Newport this season: Phil Steele, Marc Batten our leading try scorer, and Shaun McWilliams. Phil has been unlucky with injuries and must be doubtful for today's game, but it is possible that Marc and Shaun will be trying to bring about the downfall of their former team-mates."
"Welcome, South Glamorgan Institute - we are confident that today's game will be full of exciting running rugby in keeping with the 'Festive Spirit'."
"The crystal ball used by the Editor prior to the Barbarians v Australian game at Cardiff Arms Park must have been delighted by the selection of our captain Michael J. Watkins to make his Barbarian debut in a game that displayed fine attacking rugby by both sides. His selection to play at Leicester tomorrow means that he will not be leading his team this afternoon, but everyone at Rodney Parade is confident that his display in the Aussies' farewell game, together with his displays for Newport, will ensure that he retains his position and the captaincy for Wales in Paris during January 1985."
"The 'Festive Spirit' arrived early at Rodney Parade when the Players held their Christmas Lunch in the Rodney Hall. Nearly 200 Players, Members and Supporters enjoyed a first-class occasion and special thanks must be paid to Campbell Black, Jim McCreedy and Keith James for their organisation."
"Last Friday the touring TEA UTAE Schools Side from New Zealand played our Youth XV here at Rodney Parade, and then entertained Members and Supporters in the Rodney Hall with traditional Maori singing and dancing. We hope they enjoyed their visit and return home with special memories of the Everson Room containing memorabilia of the only defeat suffered by Wilson Whineray's touring All Blacks in 1963."
"The Chairman, Committee and Players hope you enjoyed your Christmas and that today's game will have added to your 'Festive Spirit'."