In 1968 a Memorial Sevens was organised in memory of Bill Everson and another club stalwart, Vince Griffiths. The programme included the following by Western Mail journalist J. B. G. Thomas:-
"Vince and Bill"
"AN APPRECIATION"
"By J. B. G. Thomas"
"The names of Vincent Griffiths and Bill Everson can never be parted from the short list of great names hallowed at Rodney Parade. By their service and devotion they have become as much a part of the Newport Club's history as the very buildings and stands which have housed so many excited supporters. Thus it is fitting on this special day to write a tribute to two players and officials who maintained the highest ideals of the game throughout their lives."
"Their passing was a sad loss to the club and it is not easy to fill such gaps even from the list of worthy helpers who now tend the affairs of the club. It is still a pleasure to visit Rodney Parade and to know that it is still being run in the way that Vince and Bill would have liked. The warm hospitality remains as the fortunes of the teams change on the field of play with success and failure being tasted."
"They were passionately devoted to the cause of amateurism in the game and developed under the guidance of one of the game's outstanding administrators, Horace Lyne. He was, for so many years, Mr. Rugby in Wales. An original member of the International Board who held almost every office in the game and at Rodney Parade; he set the pattern for the rather stern devotion to amateurism, which has never been ignored."
"Another outstanding figure who guided them in their early days was Tommy Vile and so they had much to follow, much to emulate, and they did it well. Both played with distinction for the club for many years, and both played in the scarlet jersey of Wales. Vince became a British Lion in 1924 and played with enthusiasm in several positions, in the warm land of South Africa."
"Bill was a brave full-back who shirked nothing on the field of play, and suffered many an injury for his daring in diving at the feet of oncoming forwards. He got one cap in 1926, but was reserve on numerous occasions, and his contribution to the game should not be measured in the number of caps earned but in loyalty, especially to his club. He loved the black and amber colours and guarded what they stand for with an intense devotion."
"As secretary of the club he was remarkably efficient and only his family can really say how many hours he devoted to the administration, and suffered in the cause but they, too, are equally devoted and the Eversons were, and still are, a large part of the club."
"Vince was a bachelor, and was "married" to the rugby game. He served for many years as a member of the Welsh Rugby Union, and never was there a better selector, for his approach was ideal. He was a good listener and he suffered fools gladly rather than reveal the secrets of the committee room. He accepted criticism as he accepted praise and treated journalists with a kindly tolerance."
"He believed that everyone was entitled to an opinion on the game, but would rush to the defence of any player or official under unfair "fire". Vince, like Bill, was a good friend and it was a pleasure for me to talk rugby to him. He enjoyed discussing technicalities and new trends in the game, and he was always delighted to see Wales win and win well, whether or not a Newport man was a member of the side."
"Yet within the club he was one hundred per cent for it and then some, but it was his sense of fairness that appealed to his friends. I can see them now, Vince and Bill, for Vince would welcome you by opening his large cigarette box and offering a smoke. How many thousands of cigarettes did he give away?. Bill would offer a programme and say, "Don't forget a cup of tea, afterwards!" "
"They were true men of Rodney Parade. Great men in the game. R.I.P."
