"CLUB NOTES"
"It is hoped that when you read these notes, the names of at least four or more Black and Amber players will have been announced by 'the Big 5' in their teams for the Welsh Rugby Unions Trial to be played at the National Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday, 21st January, 1978. No. 8 Jeff Squire, has shown outstanding form this season following his successful Lions Tour. It will be of great interest to everyone at Rodney Parade, to see where the selectors name him, flanker, where he gained his Test place in New Zealand or No. 8, where he played against Ireland and France, last season. Inside half Brynmor Williams, who has set the Usk alight since his arrival at Rodney Parade, will certainly make Gareth Edwards work hard to keep his place in the Welsh Team. Anything less than his best form could well see Brynmor gain his first cap. Skipper David Burcher and co-centre Gareth Evans, are regaining the confidence that made them such a formidable force last season and are determined not to sacrifice their positions without a fight. Let's wish all our Lions good luck in their quest for further honours. Looking into my 'crystal ball' Black and Amber supporters could also be cheering full back Chris Webber, prop Jim Dale and locks David Waters and Tony Mogridge, at the trial. They all must have impressed the selectors who have visited 'the Parade' during recent weeks."
"Last Saturday, five Newport schoolboys enhanced their growing reputations when playing for East Wales versus West Wales at Bridgend, in the schools under 15 age group trial. Stuart Barnes, Alphonso Marino, Nigel Callard, Paul Morris and Andrew Torjesen, deserve every congratulation and it is certain that Newport committee men Hedley Rowland and John Llewellyn, will give them every encouragement and guidance as they chase the coveted cap. Newport schools have always produced a number of Internationals and it looks as if this record will be maintained this season. As long as the conveyor belt of talent keeps coming from the schools, Newport are confident that they can maintain their position in the Rugby World."
"Cup fever once again grips South Wales this afternoon, and it will be interesting to see the eight teams who eventually reach the quarter finals of this seasons Schweppes W.R.U. Challenge Cup. As holders, we are determined to keep the trophy in the Everson Room, although Abercynon are bound to have other ideas. Provided we maintain our recent form, Chairman Nye Willaims should be at the T.V. Studios tomorrow afternoon for the quarter-finals draw. Let's hope 'Lady Luck' looks after us today and tomorrow. Gwent are certain of at least one representative, the winners of the Bedwas v Cross Keys tie, will they be joined by Ebbw Vale, Newbridge, Pontypool and ourselves, only time will tell!!"
"While the first team have been producing exciting rugby during recent weeks, the United have also proved with sparkling victories over Caldicot by 37 points to Nil and Cleve by 32 points to 7 points, that the quality of talent available at Rodney Parade is very high."
"Supporters are reminded that next Wednesday 18th January, we travel to St. Helens Swansea, in search of the double over the 'All Whites'. Why not make a special effort to be present and add vocal support to the players, kick-off is 7.p.m."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoon we are delighted to welcome Abercynon to Rodney Parade, in the 3rd round of the Schweppes W.R.U. Challenge Cup. Their success in reaching this stage of the competition has created a great deal of interest, and they are certain of at least a thousand voices to urge them on this afternoon. The 'Special Train' carrying 750 supporters, is due to arrive at Newport Station at 1.40 p.m., so if Red & Black has engulfed you on the way to the ground, you know where they came from. Such is the interest generated in Abercynon, the local Welsh League Football Club have postponed their fixture for today to enable them to be present at 'the Parade' to lend vocal support. While the Abercynon Male Voice Choir will also be present in full to sing 'Songs of Praise' to their heroes. Cup fever has certainly hit unfashionable clubs during the last few seasons (Newport have every reason to remember Tumble) but none more so than Abercynon, and they are confident of creating a sensation this afternoon."
"Founded in 1899, Abercynon have contributed a great deal to rugby in the Mid. District of Glamorgan. During the 1970's the club have achieved their 'finest hours' winning the Glamorgan County Silver Ball Competition in 1972-73, 1976-77, the Mid District Championship in 1975-76, 1976-77 and the Glamorgan County Truman Cup in 1976-77 (to win this trophy the team scored 82 tries in 10 games, which epitomises the brand of rugby the club play)."
"This seasons team under captain Hylton Bowen, who incidently played for Swansea against the last South African touring team, have continued the success story. They arrive for what many consider 'the greatest match in the clubs history', unbeaten! Their record reads P 24, Won 23, Drawn 1 (Llandaff 12-12), Points For 546, Points Against 136. Full back John Pritchard is the leading points scorer with his prolific goal kicking, while wing three quarters Geoff Sparkes, heads the try scoring list. Both these players will have to be closely watched, as will centre Meurig Jones, who three seasons ago scored all the teams points in their defeat of Maesteg by 18 points to 17 points. But it is certain that these three players would be the first to admit that Abercynon's success is due to fifteen players playing for 'the Club' and for each other."
"To reach this stage of the competition the team have defeated Builth Wells (38-6), Mountain Ash (19-12), Bynen (24-3) and Abertillery at Abertillery Park on Saturday 17th December by 14 points to 12 points. The big question is, will their success continue this afternoon? Only time will tell!!"
"Rugby in Abercynon has never been stronger, for as well as the 1st XV, the club have a very successful 2nd XV captained by former Welsh Trialist and Pontypridd captain Byron Broadstock, and last Saturday fielded a 3rd XV who defeated Gilfach Goch 2nd XV by 22 points to Nil. Welcome Abercynon, everyone at Rodney Parade congratulates you on your success and hopes that it will continue in the future, with the exception of this afternoon, of course!!"
The game itself:-
Brave Abercynon made Newport fight every inch of the way in this cup-tie. Newport dominated the line-outs through Waters and Mogridge, but the fiery Abercynon eight did superbly in the scrums and were able to kill a large slice of loose possession which Newport desperately needed. Behind the scrum Newport had a number of chances, but Abercynon, undefeated in 24 matches, were in superb defensive form, and fine tackling kept Newport at bay. Newport played the game relatively tight, often relying on up-and-unders from Brynmor Williams to gain them ground but they did score some fine tries, firstly by Gareth Evans from quick ball from a maul directly from a Williams Garryowen. The second try came from a superb break from the base of a scrum by Williams putting Rogers over late in the game.
Abercynon showed tremendous cup-fighting spirit and were spurred on by their large band of supporters but in the end it was not enough against their more experienced opponents.