The Western Mail of 5th March 1879 reported a "practice" match:-
"NEWPORT FIRST SIXTEEN v. THE REST. – The above match was played on the Club Ground, on Saturday last, in lovely weather and in the presence of a couple of hundred spectators, the fair sex, as usual, being well represented. The onlookers appeared to take a very great interest in the match, well knowing that it was the last practice the team would have previous to the final "tie" for the cup, which is fixed to take place at Cardiff next Saturday, February 8. The ball was kicked off at 3.35, and suffice it to say both teams played up hard and well; at times the passing of the Sixteen was very good. Ultimately the Sixteen won by one goal and two posters to nil, the goal and posters were kicked by Moggridge. The tries were secured by Jenkins, Spittle, and Harding. The following is a list of the players:- First Sixteen: C. F. Thompson, back; A. J. Moggridge, and F. Phillips, three-quarter-backs; G. Rosser, half-back; T. Spittle and C. H. Newman, quarter-backs; W. Ponsford, E. Jenkins, R. H. Loane, H. S. Lyne, D. L. Evans, G. F. Harding, Boddington, A. Goss. A. F. Goss, and W. Phillips (captain). The Rest: T. Ponsford (captain), J. M. Wood, W. Wood, Weyner, Harding (Caerleon), H. Harding, Morgan (Caerleon), W. E. Edwards (Caerleon) Golledge (Caerleon), W. H. Edwards, S. Jones, J. Jordan, C. Jordan, B. Newman, Stephens, Rabett, Raynham, E. Evans, A. C. Phillips, H. Gould, R. Gould, Hockaday, Yorath, and two others."