From the match programme:-
"NOTES"
"This evening we play our first home game of 1968. Our record for the first half of the season has been reasonable when we sum up our various misfortunes. In the second game of the campaign, Martin Webber fractured a collarbone, Brian Price and Paul Evans were victims of appendicitis, John Jeffrey has been committed to college calls, Bill Morris has had to resume his studies, John Anthony was up at Cambridge for a whole term and the loss of David Watkins to Rugby League. This has presented the selectors with problems because to date 45 players have been called upon compared to 38 in the corresponding period last season. We had good away victories at Bristol, Neath and Cambridge, a draw at Cardiff to go with our home win, but at home we failed against Newbridge and Abertillery."
"This month we started with a win in Scotland over the Watsonians, but have since lost to Hawick and Swansea. We have but two representatives at Twickenham tomorrow, Stuart Watkins and Keith Jarrett. They will have plenty of vocal support from Newport supporters who will be making the journey."
"Our one game per season with Coventry was always on the day of the England v. Wales game. When at Newport the International was at Twickenham and when at Coventry the International was at Cardiff. The last few seasons we have overcome this by playing on the Friday evening under floodlights home and away. Last season at Coventry we lost 23 points to 3 points. A few of our games have had to be cancelled due to bad weather, over the last three or four years."
"When we have met, both sides have been depleted by International calls, but tonight we are missing only two and our visitors are in a position to field a strong XV because they have only winger R. Webb on duty at Rugby Headquarters. They have English trialist D. Duckham on one wing and J. R. Melville, who is a prolific scorer on the other wing. T. Dalton, who at one time was a candidate for the England outside half berth plays at centre and danger man George Cole who has won many games for Coventry and Warwickshire with his boot, is at inside-half. Their formidable pack includes P. E. Judd (captain) and H. Godwin in the front row and J. E. Owen in the power house, all with vast international experience and 42 caps between them. The Coventry record to date reads, won 13, drawn 1, lost 8, points for 305, points against 226."
"At present there is a great incentive for players to attract attention of International selectors because the Lions will be off to South Africa next summer and in September, Wales will be going to Argentine for a 3 week tour."
"The Newport team selected for tonight has Brian Jones at outside half. He will be making his first appearance for the 1st XV this season. It is hoped that his mid-field experience will add to the constructive approach. Brian has confined himself this season to coaching and occasional outings with the United. Geoff Phillips will be seen in the Black and Amber jersey at home for the first time, his performances on the New Year tour in Scotland were most impressive. Ivor Taylor regains the other centre position, but the heartening news is the fact that Brian Price has recovered from his operation and will be playing tonight."
"Next Saturday we are away to Llanelli." |