History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"Today we welcome Newport to the Brewery Field for this latest round of games in the Heineken League."

"Newport come to us today after 3 good wins in their last 3 outings including a good win over Cardiff."

"And with David Rees, Mark Yendle and the evergreen David (Muddy) Waters back to assist captain Richard Goodey, the Club have the experience to fight their way up the table."

"For Bridgend, today we congratulate Club Captain Robert Howley for making his 100th appearance for the Club, well done Rob. After good wins over Abercarn 58-14 and Llanharan 18-13, several players are starting to show their talent and skill, with Jason Ball adding the experience to Gareth Jones and Gareth Thomas's raw talent the back Division is looking very exciting. Up front, David Rees, Anthony Jones and Lee Manning, are playing well with Simon Thomas and Andrew Williams settling into the side."

"The playing record to date is as follows: played 6, won 5, lost 1, points for 169, points against 129, with 23 tries scored and 16 tries conceded."

"Some Facts and Reflections"

"from W.A.D. Lawrie"

"Newport arrive at the Brewery Field today well pleased with last week's 20-13 home win against "Old Enemy" - Cardiff, albeit in a so-called "friendly" game. During the close season they lost no fewer than 13 players, including Neath (4), Treorchy (3), Llanelli, Rumney (3), Newbridge and Swansea. This has been largely offset by the arrival at Rodney Parade of MATTHEW KEHOE (Cardiff C.O.E.), DAVID ROBERTS and ANDY GRIFFITHS (Newbridge), DAVID REES (Cross Keys), ANDREW PICKERING (Aberavon), MARK WORKMAN (Machen), BYRON HAYWARD (Abertillery), and RICHARD REES (Tumble). Canadian outside-half GARETH REES is not likely to be available before Christmas due to work commitments at home."

"To date their overall record reads: played 5, won 3, lost 2, points for 80 (BYRON HAYWARD (38), MARK YENDLE (14), DAVID REES (13)), points against 65. Heineken League: played 3, won 1, lost 2, points for 43, points against 52. In spite of his "official" retirement, and because of the perilous shortage of second row forwards, DAVID WATERS is still rendering yeoman service and is expected to play his 684th Club match today - a remarkable record. DAVID, with ALAN CARTER, are the two internationals in the squad, and the Club Captain is RICHARD GOODEY (Wales 'B' and Barbarians). New recruit RICHARD TURNER, a summer arrival from Coventry, was the No.9 against both Newbridge and Abertillery, and hopes to be in today's line-up, as MARK RODERICK has joined KEVIN MOSELEY on the injured list."

"Any visit by Newport invariably recalls the one they made on 3rd January 1966 when they broke a 2 and a half seasons ground record which had extended from 26th April 1963 - 70 successive home games without defeat. The Club lost only one of 82 successive home games. Tries by STUART WATKINS and KEITH POOLE 6-0, ended the unprecedented record."

"MEET NEWPORT'S NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE"

"We hope to have the opportunity of meeting Mr. KEITH MINTON who recently took over as the first Chief Executive in the Newport Athletic Club's 119 year history. 49 years old, and Newport born, he is a former Air Commodore in the administrative branch of the R.A.F., who is now living in Caerleon. The St. Julians High School Educated Officer has a wealth of experience in sports administration, being a former Chairman of the R.A.F. Football Association, for which he currently holds the position of President. He is also a Vice-President of the Football Association. He will be responsible for the management and running of the Newport Athletic Club which includes all sections, though it will exclude the playing side of the rugby."

"He says, "I have come here with every intention of working hard, of trying to generate enthusiasm and the whole idea of building on what is here already". "

"On a personal note he says, "I have got family in Bridgend so I am looking forward to the trip to the Brewery Field on the 24th September." The family to which he refers includes his Aunt - our own, and also Newport-born Mrs. Mary Bowen (nee Minton), whose husband Don was a very active member of our Committee until he died in 1979. Since then Mary has been ever-present at the Brewery Field assisting the secretarial section, and "mothering" all visiting journalists and media personnel with up-dated programme information and a supply of toffee Cymros - unequalled in the business - ask Barry John! She also learned to run the popular Sevens Tournaments almost single-handed, but today will probably be supplying lunch to Keith Minton and company. It should be a very happy occasion."