History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"The Nottingham Club, with impressive facilities at Ireland Avenue, Beeston, is among the top flight of English clubs. Last season Gloucester needed to win at Nottingham to clinch the Division One title on the last afternoon of League action. Although it seemed as if most of Gloucesters population was in the Midlands, an inspired Nottingham side won by 12pts to 3pts. Earlier, on March 31st, Harlequins had been beaten (away) by 27pts to 22pts and Bath also had to suffer a rare defeat, on March 10th, by 12pts to 9pts. In the Pilkington Cup (5th Round) Nottingham were beaten by Gloucester 26pts to 16pts. Captained by C.A. Gray the team won 25 of the 37 games played, scoring 848pts to their opponents 606pts. Simon Hodgkinson, the England full-back, was top -scorer with 228pts."

"In the pre-season activity by the English clubs, Nottingham lost their most-capped player, Brian Moore (23 caps), to Harlequins and promising flanker Neil Back, who came on as a replacement for the Barbarians against England, to Leicester. Dusty Hare won his first caps from Nottingham before joining the Tigers, and Chris Oti, the England wing, also learned his rugby with the club before departing for the metropolis. Happily Gary Rees is still with the Midlanders and his presence has been of great benefit to some outstanding talent in the Nottingham pack where skipper Gray, the Scottish lock, has been an inspiration."

"Although todays visitors were playing rugby as long ago as 1877, fixtures between our clubs have only recently started. The first fixture was played in season 1985/6 at Beeston, with Newport winning a splendid game by 24pts to 16pts. The following season, at Rodney Parade, there was another excellent match with the home side victorious by 14pts to 4pts. In season 1987/8 the game due to be played in the Midlands was unfortunately cancelled, because Newport had to play Cardiff in a postponed Schweppes Cup match. A weakened side put up great resistance at Newport on December 31st, 1988 before losing 21pts to 36pts, but last season Nottingham exacted sweet revenge by overwhelming the Usksiders by 39pts to 9pts. We extend a warm welcome to the Nottingham team, committee and suppor?ters. May they enjoy the game, the after-match hospitality and have a safe journey home. And take the sting out of the Wasps in the League game next Saturday!"

"Campbell Black has a few vacancies for the 200 Club which starts on November 9th. Annual subscription ? ?12."

"A BIG THANK YOU . .."

"To Eagle Star Life and Pensions who have sponsored Shell Suits for the Newport squad. Mr. Rhydian Williams and Mr. David Tyler presented Secretary Campbell Black with the cheque before the Barbarian game."

"A WELCOME TO TODAYS REFEREE -MONSIEUR JOEL DUME (France). . ."

"A Monsieur Joel Dume nous souhaitons la bienvenue a Rodney Parade, terrain de Newport R.F.C. Nous esperons que vous avez fait un bon voyage et que le match sera vif et agreable pour tous les participants. Nous vous offrons notre hospitalite ou les hommes de rugby peuvent recontrer des anciens camarades et fair la connaisance de nouveaux amis."

"Bon match Monsieur Dume. Prenez un cognac ou deux pour vous chauffer! Bien sur nous vous remercions et nous vous souhaitons un bon voyage de retour en France."