"WELCOME TO THE PARADE"
"This evening we extend a very warm Rodney Parade welcome to our friends from the Western Valley of Gwent, Abertillery, fresh from their Schweppes W.R.U. Challenge Cup victory over Abercrave. Our visitors withstood the weather in West Wales, and every Black and Amber supporter will need no reminding of how that played such a vital role in our defeat in the same competition at Penclawdd,as well as soaking up a last ditch effort by the home side to win by lOpts to 6pts."
"The Green and Whites are captained for the second year in succession by hooker Leigh Jones and are continuing to prove one of the most improved and difficult sides to defeat in Welsh rugby. The skipper has the kind of inspirational qualities that bring out the best in his team and proves to be the kind of motivating force his fellow forwards respond to. One forward who created such a fine impression last season is New Zealander Ross Thompson, and no doubt the skipper and everyone else at Abertillery Park are delighted that he has returned this season to add his strength and skill to a back row that also contains the powerful Robert Preece. Coaches Martin Brickell and Richie Tillings are greatly experienced past players who contibuted greatly to the Club, during their long careers. They are anxious to see our visitors continue their improvement and well aware that the three requirements of success in modern day rugby is a good pack, good half backs and a top class goal kicker, Abertillery have a formidable pack, Rupert Moon and Roddy Crane are an excellent half back partnership, while Roddy holds the individual points records for three different Clubs and is always capable of obtaining 300pts in a season."
"Last season Newport lost at Abertillery Park by 19pts to 15pts while winning the return here at Rodney Parade in a high scoring game by 34pts to 22pts. The Whitbread Merit Table published in this programme shows our visitors in 10th position and they are very keen to improve on their final position from last season when they finished 6th. Welcome Abertillery, we hope the weather will have improved for your visit and that we will have a game of rugby worthy of two Clubs who have been rivals but friends for many, many years."
"The clouds of depression still hang over Rodney Parade and the two defeats suffered last week at Stradey Park and Kingsholme saw the Black and Ambers struggle to achieve any style or pattern of play. Illness and the "Injury Bug" still remains a great problem, last week Glen George had to miss the visit to Gloucester, fortunately he has now recovered and is selected for this evening, while Jason White has German Measels and as well as missing last Saturdays game is still confined to bed and will miss the next few matches. Young Tudor Thomas has certainly had a baptism of fire in the scrum half position and everyone at Rodney Parade wishes him well on his home debut this evening. The same applies at the other end of the age scale with the vastly experienced Gerald Lewis making his home debut in the hooking position having been injured while making his Club debut at the Gnoll a few weeks ago. As well as two debutant players the Black and Ambers welcome back this evening tight head Simon Jenkins who left last season having failed to gain a regular 1st XV place."
"Congratulation must be extended to lock David Waters who increases his total of appearances for the Barbarians when he plays for the illustrious Club in their fixture at the Memorial Ground, Bristol this evening as part of the home Clubs Centenary Celebrations."
"The collection taking at the recent Newport V Cardiff game on behalf of the Mayor of Newport Christmas Toy Appeal Fund, resulted in £123.30 being collected and the Mayor and the Appeal Fund Committee wish to express their sincere thanks to everyone who contributed."
"Members and Supporters are requested to note that due to the Final Welsh Trial to be played at Cardiff on Saturday 9th January, 1988, Newport will visit St Helens, Swansea on Wednesday 13th January 1988, to play their fixture versus the All Whites."