From the match programme:-
"WELCOME TO THE PARADE"
"THIS AFTERNOON the excitement of Cup rugby returns to Rodney Parade with the visit of Western Valley neighbours, Blaina, in the 2nd Round of the 1986-87 Schweppes W.R.U. Challenge Cup Competition. Our visitors achieved a pulsating victory over Gwent rivals Talywain in the 1st Round, while the Black and Ambers were dispensing with the challenge of Laugharnc. Blaina would obviously have liked this game to be taking place at Central Park, while 'MJW' and his team will welcome the opportunity of playing "at home" having played five consecutive games away."
"Our visitors are continuing to display the same skills that brought them the Monmouthshire Union Premier Division Championship last season. They are a well balanced side who have excited spectators throughout the county with their running style of play. It is rumoured that they let "The United" win here at Rodney Parade a few weeks ago, as they did not want to let the Black and Amber spies know their plans -today is the game that really matters!!"
"Blaina have made an enormous contribution to rugby football, not only in Gwent, but throughout Wales and the rest of the rugby playing world. Many famous players commenced their careers in the Club colours, including Billy Gore, David Wash, David Watkins, who provided so much enjoyment here at Rodney Parade during the 1960s, and current Wales lock Robert Norster. Off the field, Blaina has also made its contribution to the game, and one man in particular - David Jones - will be remembered for his great service to the Welsh Rugby Union as a District Representative and as a "Big Five" member during the 1950s and '60s. Today, the Club once again provides the W.R.U. with a District Representative in the person of John Powell who, as Vice Chairman of the Competition Sub-Committee, will be hoping that his Club can cause an upset here at Rodney Parade this afternoon."
"Welcome, Blaina - we are confident that this afternoon's game will contain all the best in rugby football, the excitement that can only be generated by "The Cup" and the best team going forward into the 3rd Round Draw that will be made live on BBC Wales Rugby Special tomorrow afternoon."
" "Welcome Home" will be the most popular phrase this afternoon as 'MJW' and his team return to Rodney Parade for the first time since Saturday, 8th November, when they defeated Aberavon 27-22. Last Saturday the Black and Ambers completed "the double" over Aberavon with a 15-9 victory (their first at the Talbot Athletic Ground for 15 years) which, following their 18-3 victory at the Memorial Ground Bristol the previous week (their first on that ground for 10 years) has gone some way in wiping out the memories of the disaster that struck at Stradey Park in front of the TV cameras. The Captain and Coaches are still trying to account for that display, but are confident that the team are now fully aware that complacency must never be allowed to develop in the fierce competitive arena of Welsh rugby, and will fulfil their potential for the remainder of the season."
"Paul Turner enters today's game as the leading points scorer in Wales with 189 points from 21 games, so with a possible two games, including today's, everyone at Rodney Parade wishes him a Christmas Present of 11 points, so that he can enter 1987 well on course to beat Laurie Daniels' long-standing individual points record. (If you don't know how many points Laurie scored, why not purchase a Club Diary from the Club Office, priced 50p - makes a good present!!)"
"During recent weeks while the 1st XV have been away, the United, under captain Keith James, have been delighting the Rodney Parade faithfuls with some outstanding victories while playing superb attacking rugby. A number of players have subsequently been elevated to the 1st XV and this afternoon centre Chris Manley makes his 1st XV home debut since returning to Rodney Parade, following a few years at the Welfare Ground, Newbridge. His recent games have shown how his pace adds to the team's attacking prowess and we look forward to seeing more in the future."
"Two weeks ago the Players held a magnificent Christmas Lunch in the Rodney Hall with over 200 people attending. Everyone had a marvellous time and the profits, which go into the Players' Tour Fund, gave great satisfaction to Keith James, Roger Powell, Jim McCready, Campbell Black and all the Players who worked tremendously hard. Well done boys - it certainly brought the Christmas Spirit to Rodney Parade early."
"THE CHAIRMAN, CAPTAIN, COMMITTEE AND PLAYERS WISH ALL MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS"
The match itself:-
Newport comfortably beat a plucky Blaina side whose spirited display upset their superior opponents. It was not until the last quarter that Newport really got going and previously they had created chances but had failed to exploit them to the full, mainly because they were loathe to display a sufficient measure of imagination. Blaina restricted Newport to just a 9 v 0 half time lead, a pushover try from Nigel Callard and a Paul Turner penalty goal. In the second half Blaina began to run out of steam and a further push over try for Callard put Newport into a commanding position they were never to relinquish.