From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"It was pleasing to see young Roger Clifford come through his 'ordeal of fire' at Pontypool last Wednesday with flying colours and Youth officials must be delighted not only with Roger making his first team debut but with the number of last year's youth team who are now making their presence felt in the United team. This is the purpose for their hard work and it is hoped they continue doing it in the future."
"Congratulations must be extended to Rhys Morgan on his selection as substitute for the Welsh XV v. Tonga, everyone at Rodney Parade is confident that this is the first of many honours that are going to come his way. From a promising youngster we turn to a veteran and extend heartiest congratulations to Keith Poole on becoming only the second Newport player in our 100 year history to play over 400 1st XV games. His contribution and loyalty has been immense and it is pleasing to see that his enthusiasm and determination are as great as ever. While on the subject of congratulations, Colin Smart played for Kent last Wednesday, and it is certain that he will be watched closely by Peter Ford this evening with a view to future honours. Would it not be ironic if the next international from Rodney Parade wore a white jersey."
"Everyone at Rodney Parade hopes that the injury sustained by captain Geoff Evans during the Tonga game will not be as serious as first thought and that he will soon be back displaying the brilliant form of early season. During his absence John Jeffrey has been appointed acting captain and it is certain that he will receive the support of everyone as the team strive for continued success. No excuses can be put forward for the defeat at Pontypool Park where we were comprehensibly beaten, but I am certain that Newport supporters will be pleased to see all our injured and ill players back fit again as well as the reserves have been playing. A question mark must hang over the future of Clive Jenkins for the rest of this season, now that the college seem to have decided to select him for their first XV. As this is our centenary season it is hoped that the college will allow him to play for us whenever possible, this would also help Danny Wilson who looks a player of promise but must not be over played in the first team."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"Tonight we welcome the "Cherry and Whites" our great rivals from the West Country. Last season they celebrated their centenary in fine style, setting up a club record by achieving 39 victories and finishing with the following record,"
"Played 53, Won 39, Drawn4, Lost 10, For 1077 points. Against 663 points"
"This season the team are continuing along the same path and new skipper prop forward Keith Richardson, a Master at Wycliffe College, who succeeded hooker Mike Nicholls, is determined that the team will play the same brand of rugby that resulted in over 1,000 points being scored last season. But it is certain that he will also be relying on the prodigious boot of full back Peter Butler, who with over 120 points this season looks set to overtaking the 574 points he amassed last season, which was only 7 points short of Sam Doble's (Moseley) world record. He is determined that an England cap will soon be his, in order that he can emulate Bill Hook and Don Rutherford."
"Another player who looks as if he has a fine future is scrum half Peter Kingston who joined the club this season from Moseley, where he played county rugby for the North Midlands. He has already appeared for the Gloucester county team as partner to his dub colleague Bob Redwood, but it is certain that he will have a strong challenge from Bristol scrum half Alistair Hignell."
"Neither of these players would be able to operate without the ball and Gloucester certainly have the players up front to provide good ball. The skipper and ex-skipper have British Lion Mike Burton to complete a formidable front row while English International Alan Brin provides the power in the lock position while the back row contains such outstanding players as John Watkins, another English International and Jim Jarrett. It is certain that any forward who plays in the 'Cherry and White' jersey will quickly learn of the prowess of the one and only Tom Voyce, who is the club's most capped player. His contribution to Gloucester and English rugby was immense and since his playing days he has continued his great contribution to rugby in an administrative capacity, the culmination of which was his election as President of the Rugby Union."
"Long may Gloucester provide men like Tom Voyce to rugby football and long may they visit Rodney Parade."
"REFLECTIONS OF NEWPORT"
"By Peter Ford - Gloucester, Barbarians, England"
"Present England Selector"
"Congratulations to Newport on reaching its Centenary and in doing so I wish you the best of fortune for the rest of this season (except tonight)."
"My memory of playing against Newport goes back to the early fifties and at that time one always expected to get a hard game, and usually a beating as well."
"In about 1954 I had one of the most frightening moments on a rugby field - Noel Crabtree our wing, broke a finger and had to leave the field, and our Captain told me to take his place on the wing. I looked up to see who I was marking and it was, at that time the greatest wing in rugby football, none other than Ken Jones. What was I to do? Go in for the tackle quickly or let him run and try and take him on the side? I spent the next forty minutes trying to work out the best way to stop him, but luck was on my side - he didn't receive a pass."
"Over the years of playing against Newport the player I privately thank that day for running to the left and not using Ken Jones became a real thorn in my side for the next six or seven years. He went outside me, inside me and I am sure over the top of me. I refer of course to Roy Burnett - a great player, and how nice it is to see him on the touch line still keeping up with play."
"Having played against Newport about twenty-five times I have seen a few faces in the pack and to mention any names would be impossible - there are so many - and we always knew that the battle would be hard, and we also knew that after the game our enemy on the field would be friends in the bar and remain friends for life."
"As a player one always received a welcome at Rodney Parade from the crowd; the usual one for me was "Keep on side Fordy" or "Play the game Fordy" just to mention a couple of the more polite comments. I was always pleased to hear them - at least they knew who was playing."
"Now as a committee man the welcome from the Newport committee is always most sincere and I can say that the relationship between our two clubs has never been better."
"I am sure that the next hundred years will see Newport at the top of the Rugby World where I am sure you belong, so best wishes for the future."