"WELCOME TO THE PARADE"
"This evening we extend a very warm Rodney Parade welcome to our friends from The Gnoll, Neath. Unfortunately, their captain Jonathan Davies will not be present to display his exciting talents due to a hamstring injury which has forced him to withdraw from tomorrow's showpiece game at the National Stadium, when he was due to play for The British Lions. Jonathan is the most exciting rugby player in the country at the moment and it is hoped that he will soon recover from his injury and get fully fit for Wales' tour to the South Seas. His international and club team-mate, full back Paul Thorburn, is also missing this evening due to tomorrow's game and there is no doubt this will be a relief to the Black and Ambers following his 'siege gun' goal kicking exploits for the International team this season. Although the All Blacks have fallen by the wayside since their exit from the W.R.U. Cup Competition, there is no doubt that Team Manager Brian Thomas will be looking for a special effort this evening as they chase "the double" over Newport, having won the early season encounter by 22pts to 9pts."
"Congratulations are extended to Mike Richards, Stuart Evans and Huw Richards, who will be making the tour to the South Seas with their captain."
"Welcome, Neath - we are confident that tonight's game, our last home fixture prior to the Schweppes W.R.U. Cup Final versus Cardiff, will be the ideal test for our team with Elgan Rees and his fellow backs testing our defence to the full, while any pack containing Lyn Jones will certainly prove formidable opponents."
"CLUB NOTES"
"Congratulations are extended to Michael Torjeson and his Youth team on their victory over Abercarn Youth in the Final of the South Mon District Rocyn Jones Cup at Risca last Thursday by 18pts to 3pts. The try scored by flanker Darren Price was certainly worth the entrance money. Two Youth players, Mark Jones and Andrew Jewitt, have been selected for the Wales U18 XV, and we offer them our congratulations and are confident they will uphold the name of Newport with skill and determination."
"Everyone at Rodney Parade was unhappy with the absence of David Waters from the South Seas Touring Party announced by the Welsh Rugby Union. Having witnessed his fine performances at No.8 during recent weeks the Rodney Parade faithfuls are confident that he would have been the ideal choice to cover the lock and No. 8 positions."
"With the count-down to the Cup Final now nearing single figures, every Black and Amber supporter will be hoping that the "Injury Bug" stays away from Rodney Parade and that our "Big Five" will have a full complement of players to select from. Remember, this is our last home game before the "Big Day" so let the players hear you this evening, and ensure that you are present at the National Stadium on Saturday, 26th April, as the Black and Ambers endeavour to bring the coveted trophy to Rodney Parade. All Best Wishes, Boys."