From the match programme:-
"WELCOME TO THE PARADE"
"This afternoon we extend a very warm welcome to "the Wizards", from Aberavon, who are making their second visit to Gwent this week. "The Wizards" will be looking for a far better result this afternoon, after their heavy defeat at Pontypool Park last Monday evening. Skipper Ray Giles, who has been a major inspiration throughout the season will be anxious to ensure that his team put the memories of last Monday behind them and regain the form that had given them ten successive victories, including that memorable cup quarter final victory over Llanelli at Stradey Park. Ray has a talented team to lead including outside half Mike Lewis, who proved such a points accumalator here at Rodney Parade, last season, as his 264 points in 26 games proves, before his defection to Italy. Welcome back Mike, let's hope you have forgotten how the wind currents affect goal kickers here at Rodney Parade. Other backs who will need a great deal of looking after are Gary Matthews, David Owen, Richard Diplock and Martin Thomas. Up front "The Wizards" are well served by hooker Billy James, an ever present in the Wales team this season, locks Ian Brown and Jeff Jenkins, and back row forwards Tim Fauvell, Paul Yardley, and David Moore."
"Earlier this season, the Talbot Athletic Ground continued to prove a "hoodoo" for the Black and Ambers with the home team winning a hard faught game by 12pts to 7pts, Newports points coming from a Jason White try and a Dan Kirby penalty."
"Next Saturday our two Clubs meet in the semi-final of the Schweppes W.R.U. Challenge Cup at Cardiff Arms Park, and although many people consider this afternoons game as a "dress rehearsal" for the 'Big One', there is no doubt that the Coaches and Selectors of both clubs will be keeping a great deal 'under wraps' so neither set of supporters should read too much into this afternoon's result."
"Welcome Aberavon, friendships between our two clubs have always been strange and we are confident they will always remain so immerterial of to-days result and the result of next Saturdays Semi-Final."
"Congratulations to 'MJW' and his team on their fine victory over Swansea last Saturday to ensure our place in the Cup Semi-Final. The final score failed to portray a true reflection of the Black and Ambers dominance on the game and one of the main causes for that was the lack of matches during recent weeks due to the "Big Freeze". Coaches Tony Faulkner and Roy Duggan combated the conditions in many ways, and their smiles of satisfaction as they puffed on their cigars in the Clubhouse late on Saturday evening was a sight to behold. Everyone at Rodney Parade hopes those cigars will be firing this evening and again in Cardiff next Saturday evening. All those Black and Amber supporters who journeyed to Penarth on Wednesday evening must have been thrilled by the quality of rugby the team produced in the first twenty minutes of the game. In "Media Terms" it was expansive, fast and full of flair, unfortunately the effects of the Swansea game began to show as the game progressed, otherwise there is no doubt that the 33-9 victory would have been much greater. Let's hope the injuries suffered by Nigel Callard, Paul Daniel and Richie Collins will not keep them side lined,also the two injuries suffered by Andrew Perry against Swansea."
"David Waters will be anxious during the next few weeks to see if he is selected for the Wales touring party who will be visiting Fiji and Tonga this summer, after his first season of international rugby. Everyone here at the Parade hopes he will gain selection and add another honour to his name. With the 'B' team to tour Italy this summer to be all un-capped players the Black and Ambers will be hoping for representation and Jason White, Andrew Perry, Richie Collins and Roger Powell have been mentioned in the media."
"Stand tickets for next Saturdays Semi-final are on sale at Rodney Parade this afternoon, so why not get yours now and ensure "you are there" to cheer on 'MJW' and his team as they strive to ensure that Newport will be one team battling for the Schweppes W.R.U. Challenge Cup at the National Stadium on Saturday 27th April."