On 14th March 1892 The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post reported in the FOOTBALL-RUGBY column that "Newport beat Exeter, at Exeter, by six goals (one drop) and five tries to nil."

The Exeter Flying Post of the 12th March 1892 carried a full report as follows:-

"EXETER v. NEWPORT."

"[BY CARRIER PIGEONS]"

"Probably on no occasion this season has there been such a desire on the part of the officials of the Exeter Club to improve their position than at the present, and with this feeling an improved fifteen was pitted against the famous Newport, who up to now have an unbroken record. At Newport in the latter part of January last Exeter were defeated by forty-five points to nil. The visitors have earned reputation as scientific exponents of the game, and it was not for a moment entertained the city could beat the Welshmen in their present position, but every effort was made by the executive to get a good team on the field to prevent another ignominious defeat. Mr. J. B. Dewhirst, of Plymouth, was the referee. The weather was beautifully fine, and there was a good attendance of spectators. The teams were as follows:-"

"NEWPORT. Back T. England; Threequarters A. J. Gould, G. H. Gould, C. J. Thomas, B. Dauncy; Half-backs H. P. Phillips, F. C. Parfitt; Forwards H. Packer, J. Bowley, T. Newcombe, W. H. Watts, W. Groves, T. Pook, J. Osmond, T.C. Graham (capt)"

"EXETER. Back E. J. Baker; Threequarters G. M. Robinson, A. P. Baker, H. Osmond, W. Cornish; Half-backs H. Sayer, W. C. Newberry; Forwards B. H. Wallis, H. M. Milton, R. Biddell, J. Botterell, A. Marks, E. L. Bland, H. Griffith, B. Compodonico"

"THE GAME"

"Both teams were loudly applauded on filing on the ground in their respective places. Graham kicked off from the city end, and Biddell well returned, E. J. Baker kicking the ball ……. on the ball coming immediately ……… to him. From a scrum Phillips obtained the oval, passed to A. Gould, who served to G. Gould. E. J. Baker pushed into touch. The visitors still pressed, and ulktimately Parfitt passed to Phillips, and the ball passing through the hands of the two Goulds was received by Thomas, who grandly ran in. Parfitt failed to convert. A renewed attack was made on the kick out, and after some ine passing on the part of the visitors the citizens gradually reached mid-field, and the threequarters missing the ball, Osmond grandly led a dribble, being well backed up by A. P. Baker. The visitors at once had to act on the defensive, but this was not for long. By combined rushes and excellent passing the leather was taken to the centre, where the two Goulds were again conspicuous. The ball travelled near the city line after a free kick by Newport, but E. J. Baker promptly returned, and loose play ensued in the centre. Once more Exeter's citadel was attacked, and after the ball had passed through the hands of the four threequarters and the halves, Dauncey ran in and scored. The attempt at goal by Parfitt failed. The homers playing better, carried operations to the centre, but A. Gould, after a neat run, passed to G. Gould. Cornish failed to collar, and Biddell coming across harply, brought Gould down by the qurter flag. Newport, however, kept their position, and A. Gould picking up the ball, ran through the Exeter team, and scored under the uprights. Parfitt was successful at goal, and after resuming, A. Gould, from neutral territory, ran in again without any opposition and scored. England endeavoured to convert, but his attempt was fruitless. Play was of a more open character for a while, and after a short visit to the home line, Griffiths led up a visit to Newport's territory. He eventually passed to Bland, who was soon collared. Play was stopped here in consequence of Parfitt having his back strained, and which necessitated his removal from the field. On the re-start the city were awarded a free kick, and thus immediately commenced an attack, Cornish being prominent with a run. A mark by a Welshman improved his side's position, but the ball remained in Newport's territory. G. H. Gould eventually obtained the oval, and eluding all his opponents ran in. The attempt at goal was successful. Half time was then called, with the score –"

"Newport – Two goals and three tries,"

"Exeter – Nil."

"SECOND HALF"

"On the reversion of sides, Newport at once pressed, and their superior passing and running compelled Exeter to use their utmost powers to prevent the score running up. They, however, could not withstand the continued onslaughts, and eventually A. Gould ran in. The attempt at goal filed. The city were soon placed in a hazardous position, and Dauncey galloped over the line in splendid style. The attempt at goal failed. A splendid bit of passing enabled the visitors to obtain the advantage, Exeter's frail attempts to get away being fruitless. The ball travelled over the line, but was brought back, and ultimately the homers were compelled to save. Play was re-started in the centre, where some scrimmages took place, the Newport forwards wheeling admirably, and after a sharp attack on the home goal Sayer brought the venue of play to mid-field with a kick. Soon after this A. Gould attempted to drop a goal, but failed, and E. J. Baker kicked the oval dead. On the kick out, play followed in the home "25," where A. Gould, receiving a pass from Thomas, eluded the whole of his opponents and scored amid loud applause. England was successful in the attempt, and Sayer following up his kick, transferred hostilities to the Newport line, but were unable to score, Graham kicking into touch. Robinson and Bland were conspicuous in a renewed attack , during which Newberry got winded. Pook was now playing at half, and after Newberry had recovered, Groves led a forward dribble, and the team were not long in again pressing the city. From play near the line A. Gould dropped a goal, and immediately after this A. Gould ran half the length of the field and amidst much laughter and applause scored. England converted. Exeter could now do nothing, and Thomas again scored, England converting. When time was called the score read –"

"Newport – Six goals (one dropped) and five tries (39 points)."

"Exeter = Nil"

(Ed. With thanks to Roy Hough for research)