The Western Mail of 9th December 1878 reported:-
"GLOUCESTER v. NEWPORT"
"This match was played on the Newport ground, on Saturday, in the presence of a large number of spectators. The ground was heavy, but in other respects the day was all that could be desired. Newport having won the toss, elected to play with the wind, which was rather strong; and the captain of the Gloucester team kicked off at 3.20. For some time the contest was evenly maintained; but Gloucester was gradually worked back into its 25, and compelled to touch down in self-defence. The ball was well returned to the middle of the ground, where some very heavy scrummaging took place, both sides playing in capital form. The Gloucester team, being the heaviest, had slightly the best of it, until Rosser, getting the ball from one of the Newport half-backs, made a splendid run, and was only collared as he put it over the goal line, where he touched down. He was pushed into a touch in goal, and the result was that Newport claimed the try. The Gloucester team objected to it, and Newport yielded the point. From this there was hard play all round until half-time was called. When the game was re-started by the Newport captain, with the wind in his face, the hardest of the struggle had to come. All his team worked hard and well together, and for 20 minutes Gloucester was not allowed to pass the half-way flag. From a loose scrummage Bodington obtained the ball, and passed it to Jenkins, who ran in and touched down close to the goal post. Gloucester again disputed, and Newport again yielded. From now to the call of ?No side,? Newport penned the Gloucester men in the 25, with the exception that when the game ended the ball was exactly opposite the middle flag. It was a drawn game in favour of Newport. The match was the hardest the Newport has had to play this season, and the pleasantest by far. Good feeling prevailed all round, and both sides did their best. We were not able to get a list of the Gloucester team, but the Newport consisted of the following:- C. F. Thompson, back; C. Phillips and A. J. Moggridge, three-quarter backs; G. Rosser, half back; C. H. Newman and T. H. Spittle, quarter backs; W. Phillips (captain), H. Lyne, E. Jenkins, A. F. Goss, A. Goss, W. Ponsford, H. Harding, J. Bodington, A. C. Phillips, forwards; R. Mullock, umpire. The Newport will play the Cheltenham at Cheltenham next Saturday."