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The following was to appear in the match programme for Newport v Blackheath, cancelled in February 1947, but subsequently appeared in the match programme for Newport v Gloucester 22nd March 1947 in the series 'A Peep in my Diary':-
"No. 16. - A. W. BOUCHER"
"(The former Newport Captain and Welsh International Forward)."
"I have been asekd to write "A Peep in My Diary" on the occassion of the Blackheath match. This is a tall order for games played over half a century ago, and I never kept a football diary."
I can recall the Blackheath team coming to Newport on February 17th, 1883, when the only ground we had was the one now inside the track, with a wire rope around it. Newport had been very successful, and keen interest was aroused by the visit. In those days it was usual for players to go on the field and kick the ball about before the game started. I recall Dr. Leonard Stokes, the Blackheath skipper and a big man, coming on with the Newport skipper. Stokes was carrying a new ball, which he usually drop kicked and it went half the length of the field - a huge kick which made we boys exclaim "Oh!" (I was nearly 13 years old, hence the "Oh!"). It was a great game, and our chaps learnt a lot, although the result was only two tries to one against us."
"The other memory I recall of Dr. Stokes was in season 1898-9. Most of our old players had retired, and I was asked to continue for another season. Whilst in 1891-2 - T. C. Graham's unbeaten year - we called on only 19 players, during 1898-9 season we played 39 different lads. But they were great lads and included C. Ll. Lloyd, J. Hodges, R. T. Skrimshire, Geo. Boots, "The Bird," John Dunn, etc. We went to Blackheath on October 29th and won by 11 points to nil. I thought Blackheath fancied their chance, but as we came up the Pavilion steps after the game Dr. Stokes received us with the welcome, "Well done, boys, I don't think we shall ever beat you again." He was a great sportsman and player. The Rectory Field was usually in fine condition, and we always felt we could scamper along there faster than on most grounds."
"During the years that I played for Newport and Wales my grateful thanks were always due to that grand sportsman and friend, T. C. Graham, whose kind help and guidance made all my efforts for the old club so enjoyable. He was a great skipper and beloved by us all."
"This article was to have appeared in the cancelled Blackheath programme of Feb. 22nd."