From the match programme:-
"Tonight sees the visit of Newport for a Whitbread Merit Table game and we extend a warm welcome to the Park to their players, committee and supporters."
"Newport have acquired some useful players during the summer, including Wales 'B' full back, Paul Rees, who has re-joined the Rodney Parade outfit after a four year absence. Another player to join them is Lyndon Faulkner who spent five seasons with Pontypool, making 188 appearances and scoring 46 tries."
"As well as their much feared pack, Newport are developing an exciting looking back division. Right wing, Marc Batten is another Wales 'B' player and left wing, Jason White toured Italy with the Wales 'B' team last summer. Paul Daniels and Jonathon Callard have formed an effective centre partnership as have Paul Turner and Nigel Callard at half back."
"With loose head prop, John Rawlins injured, Frank Hillman is the probable choice alongside skipper Mike Watkins, leading Newport for the third successive season and Rhys Morgan. In the second row the Black and Ambers are blessed with four players. These are Robert Young, Andrew Perry, John Widdicombe and David Waters, who made his 400th appearance for Newport when he played against Penarth."
"In the back row, Roger Powell will be pressing for honours again this season. With the departure of Richie Collins to South Wales Police, Glen George and Andy Pocock will be fighting it out for the other wing forward position alongside Wayne Rendall at No. 8."
"Newport are still unbeaten at this stage of the season and the strength of their squad must give rise to optimism for a successful season."
"Graham Howden"