History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"A Pontypool versus Newport clash has always, historically, had a certain edge to it. No doubt, today's encounter will have even more of an edge with both teams anxious to pick up what could be two very important and vital league points. Games between our two clubs never needed league points in seasons past to make them important and they would not need them now if the Heineken League did not exist. Not only have players in either clubs' squads played for both teams but the forwards' coaches for each team both have connections with each town. Both Bobby Windsor and Steve Jones have played for Pontypool with distinction, with Steve also having played for Newport whilst Bobby was born a touch kick away from Rodney Parade."

"Last season's results both went to the visiting team, Newport winning 35-21 here at The Park on September 25 and Pontypool picking up two most valuable and possibly unexpected points with a 14-5 victory at Rodney Parade on January 8. The only pity about today's encounter is that it is being played at the wrong end of the table, when there is enough talent in both teams for it to be at least a mid-table clash. Today's game also means that one Gwent club will take league points off another Gwent club. Despite this, the Newport team, led by former Pontypool captain Richard Goodey, its committee and supporters are very welcome visitors to Pontypool Park this afternoon. No matter how important the game is today let's hope that both sets of players keep their heads and no one is sent for an early shower. This, unfortunately, has been an unwelcome feature all too prevelant in recent seasons in these games."

"To take the points this afternoon, Pontypool will be looking for a much improved performance than of recent weeks. We all know that the team are capable of much better things and able to play with pride and passion. They proved that they are capable of better things with their displays against Pontypridd, Neath, Swansea, Llanelli and Treorchy."

"One player definitely missing from the Pontypool line-up this afternoon is centre Mark Taylor. Mark, of course, is taking the traditional rest in preparation for his first cap in Saturday's Wales versus South Africa international. Our congratulations, Mark, on your selection, as well as that for the World Cup squad. After the way things have gone for him this past few weeks, all that remains now for Mark is for him to score the winning try or pull off a match-winning tackle in next week's international. What an ending that would be for such a meteoric rise to the top flight!"

"Pontypool's next home game is the friendly against Bath on Wednesday next, November 23, when the kick-off will be 7.00pm. After this there are away games against Bridgend in the Heineken League on Saturday December 3 (kick-off 2.30pm) followed by a friendly at Berry Hill on Tuesday, December 6, kick-off 700pm. A reminder here to Pontypool supporters that the Neath game scheduled for Saturday, December 24 will now be played on Monday December 26, kick-off 2.30pm."

"Pontypool Athletic, meanwhile, continue their run of success with a resounding 32-nil victory at Berry Hill last Saturday."