"CLUB NOTES"
"Although conditions last Saturday were atrocious, captain Geoff Evans must have been delighted with the result of the game versus Penarth. The overall performance of the team was satisfactory, while his own performance in scoring four spectacular tries was a wonderful way to commence the Centenary Season, let's hope this is the start of better things to come. Supporters must be used to Newport players obtaining hat-tricks this season with Ken Davies obtaining one at Usk while Roger Francis obtained one versus the Junior Union. A try avalanche is always welcome at Rodney Parade as long as they are for the Black and Ambers."
"The United with a galaxy of talent were successful in their visit to Llanharan by 14 points to nil. All the new faces in the team acquitted themselves well and can be expected to challenge strongly for first team places during the next month. Unfortunately the Youth game versus Cwmcarn had to be cancelled due to the weather, but this team under coach John Moore and new team Secretary John Llewellyn can be expected to carry on in the true tradition of Newport Youth teams."
"Congratulations must be extended to Lyn Jones and Del Haines on their selection for the Crawshay XV who are on tour at present in the West Country. Both these popular players deserve their success and it is pleasing to see Del playing without any repercussions from his knee injury."
"Both our local papers, the 'Argus' and 'Echo' were complimentary to the 'N.A.C. Centenary Book' and any supporter who has not obtained a copy would be advised to do so after today's game, for it is excellent value for money and answers many questions regarding Newport Rugby Club."
"With the Tongans playing their first game in Wales today, it will be interesting to find out the strength of the opposition we have to face on the 9th October, while after the game the 'Big Five' select the Welsh Rugby Union Presidents' XV to visit us on the 25th September, 1974."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"It is fitting that our first English visitors in the Centenary Season should be our near neighbours from across the Severn Bridge, Bristol. Over the years our relationship with the 'Blue and Whites' has always been friendly, if very competitive."
"During their long and distinguished history, Bristol have played an important part not only in English and West Country rugby but in British rugby. This tradition was maintained during the summer (well we did have a few days) months when that elusive wing three-quarter Alan Morley was flown out to South Africa as a replacement to the Triumphant Lions. It was an honour well deserved and must have compensated for his complete isolation by the English Selectors."
"This season Bristol are captained by the very versatile David Tyler, who over the last few seasons has made the full back berth his own. He is certain, together with coach Pete Colston, to ensure that the team continues to play rugby in 'Bristol Fashion', and follow the pattern set by Johnnie Blake and present outside-half Tony Nicholls. An interesting selection at centre, is our own Peter Williams, who was better known in his days at Rodney Parade as a flank forward. Scrum half Alan Pearn has already started to accumulate points, and this prolific points scorer from Devon can be the inspiration of the side."
"Although world famous hooker John Pullin has not commenced playing yet, the pack is still very formidable and contains two outstanding stalwarts in the persons of Dave Watt (Man Mountain) to his friends, and Dave Rollitt (whose omission from the England side over the last few years remains a mystery). 'Chalky' White who has been reserve to John Pullin for the England berth, is a hooker to be respected, and could well follow his mentor into the international team."
"Although the result of their game versus Cardiff was not known when these notes were compiled, Bristol had a handsome win versus Sale last Saturday, and look set for another fine season. With their spirit for adventure they will always be welcome at Rodney Parade."
"REFLECTIONS OF NEWPORT by John Pullin,"
" Bristol-England-British Lions"
"I think it very appropriate that I should have been asked to write a few words on my reflections of Newport."
"Having played against Newport on many occasions for both Bristol and the Baa-Baas I have many memories of these encounters but none, I may add, can I recall so vividly as my first encounter."
"One Friday morning early in September I had a telephone call from the Bristol secretary telling me that John Thorne the regular first-team hooker at that time was injured and could not play that Saturday and I had been drafted into the first-team even though I was only third choice at that time."
"Being only eighteen years old one could understand my feelings of trepidation at being tossed into first class rugby at such short notice and against such a good side. It also just happened that my boyhood hero in the person of Bryn Meredith was in direct opposition to me and needless to say I didn't sleep too well that Friday night. The match itself turned out to be a memorable occasion for me; it is as if I played that game last week. Things had gone fairly well; it was a tight, hard match with nothing being given away by either side when midway through the second half a scrum was awarded to Newport on their 25 yard line near the middle of the field. The ball was put in and I heeled it against the head:- John Blake, the captain and outside-half, made one of his famous darting runs which resulted in one of the three-quarters touching down in the corner."
"For me that was a tremendous moment, whether I or David Hazell, my tight head prop or Bryn Meredith was responsible for the ball coming out of the back of our scrum I can't honestly recall but all that mattered to me was that we had the ball, scored, and won the match. The fact that Bryn won the overall tight head count that day mattered little afterwards - well that's not quite true as any hooker worth his salt will testify to."
"Looking back to that game it did teach me a great deal in a very short time as it was a case of either learning very quickly or not learning and sinking and I honestly think it is good policy to throw a young player in at the deep end and if he is good enough he will survive."
"I have many other memories of games against Newport; the breath-takingly brilliant running of David Watkins especially on a wet, muddy surface, the many tussles I had with the Perrins brothers in the front row and the enthusiasm generated by a large well informed crowd at Rodney Parade."
"Although never an easy match, one thing I can say with certainty is that regardless of the result, I have always enjoyed playing against Newport."
"Recently you may not have been as successful as you normally are but all clubs have their ups and downs and I am sure that a club such as yours with such great traditions to uphold will soon be back at the top of the Welsh League and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you the best of luck for a very successful season in this your centenary year - except, of course, for today!"
"John Pullin"