"WELCOME TO THE PARADE"
"This evening we extend a very warm Rodney Parade welcome to our near neighbours from the Western Valley of Gwent. Cross Keys under the Chairmanship of ex Newport lock John Herrerra in his second season in the Chair, and their newly appointed Team Manager Michael J. Watkins, who needs no introduction to the Rodney Parade faithful. MJW's contribution to the history of Newport R.F.C. has been duly recorded and no doubt he will have informed the players wearing the familiar Black and White hooped jerseys, that the Black and Ambers recorded the double last season, winning here by 23pts to 13pts while the final whistle sounded at Pandy Park with the score board showing 41pts to 3 pts."
"Since the 1945-46 season to-night's teams have met on 61 occasions, with Newport winning 51 games, Cross Keys 7 games and 3 games being drawn. The last occasion "The Keys" achieved victory was here at Rodney Parade on the 30th January 1980, when the Black and Ambers led by former Cross Keys favourite Gareth L. Evans, were defeated by 16pts to 3 pts, while their other two victories at Rodney Parade in the period covered was in the 1973-74 season when Geoff Evans' team conceded "the Double" 6pts to 10pts at Rodney Parade and 4pts to 7pts at Pandy Park, and on the 17th April 1965 when David Watkins side lost by 14pts to 11 pts. There is no doubt that these statistics will be the spur needed for tonight's visitors to endeavour to achieve victory and maintain the improvement they have shown this season."
"The current Cross Keys Squad contains a number of players who have previously worn the Black and Amber jersey, including Mark Tweedy, Phil Blight, Tony Coombs, Alun Williams, Paul Williams, and Terry Rogers. These together with such players as Ian Gough, Paul Staddon, Stuart Howard, Jason Way, Chris Booker, Barry Peebles, Gareth Johnston and Nick Parkes. Flanker Parkes will be anxious to cross the Newport line this evening as it would give him the Club try scoring record for a forward, a feat he currently shares with Derek Church. The movement of players "up the valley" is a complete change from the past as the Pandy Park faithful will quickly point out. Remember Bryn Williams, Haydn Thomas, John Lane, John Herrerra, Jack Hancock, Brian Price, John Uzzell, Stuart Watkins and Gareth Evans to mention only a few, they will tell you on Cross Keys Corner or in "the Monkey"."
"The intense rivalry between our two Clubs has failed to destroy the friendships developed on and off the field for many decades and irrespective of the result of to-night's game there is no doubt that rugby football will be the winner and friendships will be maintained. Welcome, Cross Keys."
"Our last home game saw the Black and Ambers exit from this seasons Cup competition, and although the game and result will quickly be forgotten, the day will live in the memory of tight head prop forward Rhys Morgan for ever. His disappointment in the defeat was overcome by his achieving a new individual appearance record for the 1st XV, and the large crowd who packed the Rodney Hall for his presentation showed the great esteem this loyal and dedicated Black and Amber is held in here at Rodney Parade. The Football Committee are delighted that he has agreed to accept the captaincy of the Newport 1st XV for the remainder of the season. Good Luck Rhys, let's hope the remainder of the season will see you, the Coaches and Selectors, get the team back on the winning tracks and lay down the foundations for next season."
"Next Friday evening the Black and Amber Former Players Association are holding a Re-Union here at Rodney Parade on the eve of the Wales V Scotland game. Chairman Ken Jones, Secretary Jim Blackbarrow and the Committee extend a welcome to all those players who have worn the Black and Amber jersey in the past, and I have it on good authority that all those Black and White's who have played in our famous jerseys are welcome to attend."
"Fixture Secretary Bob Atkins has been busy in re-arranging fixtures and you are requested to note that Newport will entertain Maesteg here at Rodney Parade on Saturday 27th February, 1988, kick-off 3pm."