From the match programme:-
“Cardiff v. Newport”
“Welcome to our ancient rivals for the 304th official game between these two famous clubs, who have been locked in fierce competition since 1876. Tonight’s match has the added piquancy of seeing whether or not Newport can master this final hurdle in order to achieve the feat of winning the four matches in one season for the first time in its history.”
“For those who are interested in the records of the past, the club statistician Mr. Danny Davies, has been engaged in some research on matches between the two clubs and advises that Cardiff has succeeded in winning four matches in a season on four occasions during its history.”
The details are as follows :-
For Against
Season Goals Tries Drop Pen Pts. Goals Tries Drop Pen. Pts.
1897/8 6 9 1 - 61 - 3 - 1 12
1905/6 5 7 3 1 61 1 4 - - 17
1947/8 6 8 2 2 68 1 - - 1 8
1951/2 2 5 - 3 34 1 2 - 2 17
Captains
1897/8 Selwyn Biggs
1905/6 P. F. Bush
1947/8 Haydn Tanner
1951/2 Dr. Jack Matthews
“In supplying these details Mr. Davies points out that they relate to the 303 official games played, and of these Cardiff have won 136, Newport 114 and 53 have been drawn. However, details of matches played in the past will not mean much to the two teams involved in tonight’s game. It is a question of Greek meeting Greek and neither will wish to bend the knee very easily. The determination to achieve victory this evening will undoubtedly be intensified by the nicely poised situation of the three fixtures already played between the clubs this season. Sometimes when the will to win is so intense there is a danger that the quality of play may be in inverse ratio to the spirit of endeavour.”
“This was not borne out in last Saturday’s international when the Triple Crown was at stake, but then there was no chance for tension to build up as the result was beyond dispute shortly after half-time. A third of that Welsh team will be appearing this evening and it is appropriate to congratulate all five players namely Gareth Edwards, Keith Jarrett, Barry John, Stuart Watkins and Maurice Richards on their performances in that game. The feat of the latter in scoring four tries in an international was quite extraordinary, but it would be churlish to single out individuals as it was essentially a team victory.”
“Tonight these five players appear on opposite sides and will undoubtedly be hoping to reproduce last Saturday’s form for their own clubs. Over the years there have been some very fine games played between the two clubs and also there have been some very dull ones. Whatever happens this evening it will be anything else but dull and our guests will appreciate the partisan sentiments expressed in the wish that we hope they enjoy their visit but we shall not be disappointed if they depart empty-handed.”
“B.M.”