History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"This afternoon, it is with great pleasure, that we welcome, Newport R.F.C. to Waterton Cross."

"This is the second occassion for Newport to visit this ground, the previous being when both sides, were playing in the now Second Division of the leagues. The last time the Clubs met was at Rodney Parade, with Newport winning and gaining promotion to the then Premier Division. Newport have started this season's campaign in fine fashion with a convincing victory over Maesteg and scoring 37 points in the process."

"Recently elected to their management committee is the former Welsh Rugby Union and League star David Watkins, however they have lost the services of outside-half Paul Turner, who has taken up a player/coach position with the English Club side Sale."

"The South Wales Police R.F.C. have started the season off with mixed fortunes after a fine performance at Ebbw Vale in mid-week and a good win, the side slumped badly with a disappointing display last week at Bridgend. It was disappointing, in as much, that everyone who witnessed the game, knows the side can perform much better, and we all hope that coaches Gerald Williams and Steve Sutton can "pick" the players up and have them perform to the best of their ability."

"This season the Club is to be captained by prop-forward Mark Pugh who has taken over from Colin Hillman who captained the Club for the last two seasons, and we all wish to congratulate Colin on the fine job he did, with the Club gaining promotion last season, and narrowly missing out the previous year."

"There are a number of new arrivals at the Club, wingers Jamie Payne has joined us from Cardiff Harlequins and Chris Higgs from Swansea. Outside-half Richard Marshall from Rhiwbina, Cardiff, second-row Steve Simmons from Glamorgan Wanderers, Lee Davies from Bridgend and Andrew Price from Amman Utd. We wish them all the very best of luck and success, on and off the field."

"Let us finally welcome our Match Sponsor Steve Fuller of S. J. Fuller (Autobodies) and also G. J. Walters (Solicitors) for donating the Match Ball, we hope you all enjoy the day."