"CLUB NEWS"

"THE WELSH SCENE by Willis Huntley"

"Gwent clubs in the 1st Division of the Heineken League will not be sorry to see the end of the first half of the 1994-95 season. All four are striving desperately to move clear of the relegation zone and at the moment the outlook is not particularly bright for some of them."

"Still, nothing can be taken for granted in Welsh rugby and 1995 may yet be a prosperous year for two or more. After all, not all their talented players have been enticed away to other areas! From Gwent's point of view it is encouraging to see Ebbw Vale, so long in the doldrums, making a strong challenge for the 2nd Division championship - and promotion. Cross Keys, however, have so far had an "up and down" campaign."

"The New Year will present all the four 1st Division clubs with stiff hurdles to clear. Newbridge have to face rampant Pontypridd, though they will have ground advantage against ace-kicker Neil Jenkins' team. In fact, the three other Gwent clubs will also be playing at home on 7 January. Newport, whose fortunes are linked with the availability of Canadian star, Gareth Rees, entertain Bridgend, another team whose eyes are fixed on the Championship, Pontypool face Llanelli, who are playing rather indiffently these days, and Abertillery will be visited by Treorchy, who recruited heavily from all quarters during the Summer."

"On the international front the Welsh selctors will be hoping that the run of accidents which left Ieuan Evans and Mike Rayer with broken legs has come to an end. Yet, even without them, Wales acquitted themselves reasonably well against South Africa, though they were unable to score a try."

"Gwent policeman, Derwyn Jones, made a tremendous difference in the line-out and in the last match of their tour the South Africans had cause to wonder why Robert Jones, the much capped scrum half, didn't play for Wales against them!. Perhaps he will be recalled to the Welsh team for the Five-Nations match with France next month - a match which should give an early indication of the Welsh team's championship and World Cup propects!"

"THIS EVENING'S VISITORS"

"NEWPORT RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB"

"Welcome Newport - players, committee and supporters alike - to The Welfare. Sorry there is no Father Christmas, but, no doubt, the result of this evening's match to the winning side will be as good as a win on the National Lottery."

"You couldn't describe this encounter as a battle of the giants, but there will be no lack of interest. As 1995 rapidly approaches RELEGATION begins to haunt the festive mind at the two Clubs and once again the match assumes the importance of a 4-pointer."

"At the moment, Newport are the strongest side in the Heineken League Division One holding up the other 11 teams! And, oh dear, last week's exit from the SWALEC Cup is best forgotten. For a club that has so many trophies and international caps to display it is sad and disappointing that fortunes are not kinder. Newbridge RFC are only two points better in the League, but Newport have a game in hand. What a state of affairs for Gwent rugby, before we even look at Abertillery and Pontypool. However, not to despair Santa is coming down the chimney on the 25th with a sackful of rugby skills!"