"Programme Notes by W. A. D. LAWRIE"

"This afternoon we extend a very warm welcome to our good friends from Rodney Parade - NEWPORT, currently in 5th position in the First Division of the Heineken National League - played 5, won 3, lost 2 - 19 tries and 6 points. At this stage we find ourselves in a lowly 8th position - played 5, won 1, drawn 1, lost 3 - 12 tries and 3 points, so there is an awful lot to play for in the next couple of weeks. After the 2 games in Holland in August, the overall record reads - played 7, won 2, lost 4, drawn 1; points for 121, against 138. Today's other 1st Division Games: Pontypridd v Maesteg, Neath v Aberavon, Llanelli v Cardiff, Pontypool v Swansea, S. W. Police v Newbridge. In the 1991/92 season, Newport played 42 matches; won 22, lost 16 and drew 5 - points for 796, against 593. ALUN HARRIES was top scorer with 202 points from 17 tries, 28 conversions and 26 penalty goals. KEITH ORRELL was second top try-scorer with 12 touch-downs. PAUL TURNER - now playing and coaching in the North of England, broke the Newport Club's points record, ending the season with 994 points - the previous record being 958 points by NORMAN MORGAN."

"Skipper GLENN GEORGE has played over 270 games for the Club, and holds the record for the most seasons captain of the Club, vice-captain ROGER BIDGOOD has captained the side several times this season in Glenn's absence through injury. He is a strong advocate for wide, open style rugby."

"There has been a resurgence of interest in all aspects of Club activity, both on and off the field of play, since the appointment of new Team Manager - Mr. DAVID WATKINS, after having been in 'exile' for 25 years in the Rugby League code. Space does not permit a full account of David's Union, R. L. Sporting career which was highly distinguished in both codes. His Wales 'cap' appearances were E.S.I.F. 1963; N.Z. 1963; E.S.I.F.SA. 1964; E.S.I.F. 1965, 1966; I.F.E. 1967."

"It is generally accepted that 1992/93 will be used as a 'building period', as the present squad, especially the forwards, will have to be bolstered with new blood. The Club is carrying a heavy injured list at the moment, and the aim is to consolidate last season's position in the Heineken League, and hoping to be better equipped for 1992/93."

"Among the long-serving players, DAVID WATERS ended last season with 630 appearances for the Newport 1st XV. For the second year he played in all Division 1 games."

"Promising young players include JONATHAN WESTWOOD - full-back in the present Wales squad; and scrum-half DAVID LLEWELLYN, who unfortunately had a middle finger severed whilst in New Zealand in the close season which has caused him to be side-lined until the last week or two."

"MARK DAVIES toured Australia with Wales in June 1991, played for the Wales U-21 against Scotland, and toured Italy in June 1992 with the Welsh Students. KEVIN MOSELEY played for Wales in their 3 World Cup games. ROGER BIDGOOD gained his first cap for Wales against Scotland, and JONATHAN WESTWOOD played for Wales U-21 against Scotland."

"I am indebted to Club Secretary - Mr. CAMPBELL BLACK for his ready assistance in providing programme information, and hope that he, his fellow-officials, players and supporters will enjoy their visit to the Brewery Field today."

"For BRIDGEND, there are five changes, one positional, from the team which drew 12-all with Pontypridd on Saturday last."

"Wing PHILLIP WINTLE (Wales Schools and Wales U-19 and making his League debut) a member of the well-known Kenfig Hill sporting family comes in for the injured Glen Webbe; GARETH THOMAS replaces Paul Jones at right wing. In the pack prop DAVID REES comes in for Leighton Gerrard; SIMON JENKINS for the suspended Jeff Jenkins and JULIAN DERRICK who made his League debut as a replacement for Geraint Thomas on Saturday last, retains the open-side flanker position. NIGEL SPENDER again moves from the lock position to No. 8."

"STATEMENT BY CLUB CHAIRMAN - HUW CEREDIC ON TEAM MANAGEMENT SACKINGS"

"The General Committee considered the role of the team management within the Club and were of the opinion this no longer meets the demands of the Club. The Committee have therefore decided to dispense with the existing team management and coaching set-up. The Club will in due course appoint a new Club Coach and a changed rugby structure, which it is hoped will benefit the Club for the future. The Club wishes to pay tribute to the loyalty and hard work given by former team manager John Lloyd and former coaches Ian Stephens and Geoff Davies."