"CLUB NOTES"
"During the last few weeks good and bad news has been received at Rodney Parade. The good news is the selection of captain David Burcher to play for the Barbarians during the Festive Season, and Richard Avery, to play for the Welsh Secondary Schools versus the Yorkshire Schools. We wish them both every success and are confident that they will uphold the Black and Amber tradition. The bad news, is the serious injuries sustained by Alan Evans and Paul Watts. Alan who broke his leg in two places in the first minute of the game versus London Welsh, underwent an operation during the week to have the breaks pinned. He will be out of the game for at least three months and greatly missed in the team. Paul received a broken cheek bone at Cardiff on Wednesday, it will keep him out of the game for at least six weeks. Both these popular players have played over 200 first team games, so their vast experience will be greatly missed at a time when the team move into a very strenuous period of the season. 'Get Well Soon' messages must also be sent to Geoff Evans, Tony Mogridge, Phil Williams and David Sanders."
"Defeat at the hands of the 'Old Enemy' last Wednesday evening was certainly a set back as far as we are concerned, but it is certain that David Burcher, Colin Smart and John Ryan will soon rectify the matter. Two defeats at this stage of the season is a record to be proud of, we still lead the Anglo/Welsh Merit Table and victory this afternoon will take us above todays opponents at the top of the Whitbread Welsh Merit Table."
"Committee Man Hedley Rowland has been in hospital for a minor operation this week. We hope he will make a quick recovery and soon be back with us."
"The sixteen 'Lucky' People who drew Debenture Seats, have been notified by post, while the unlucky ones have had their deposit of ?100 returned."
"With Christmas now approaching why not ease your present problems by taking a look at Newport Rugby Club souvenirs available on the next page."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoon we take the opportunity of Congratulating Aberavon, in this their Centenary Season. We are certain they will celebrate it, in keeping with their great contribution to Welsh rugby. 'Happy Birthday' 'Wizards', may our relationship continue for the next one hundred years."
"The 'Wizards' have suffered a great deal from injuries to key players during the early part of the season and have been very inconsistant with their results. They lead the Whitbread Welsh Merit Table with an unbeaten record, while are well down in the Anglo/Welsh Merit Table, as they have lost a number of games to English opponents. Let's hope that they realise our English connections today as members of the Rugby Football Union."
"Skipper Clive Shell and coach Phil Morgan are determined that one of the major honours is going to find its way to the Talbot Athletic Ground this season. They have a well balanced team when everyone is fit, with the skipper and his international outside half John Bevan, providing the skill and inspiration. Wing three-quarter Les Keene has scored many exciting tries while 'veteran' Ian Hall is still proving a top class centre. Up front, 'the Wizards' have Alan Martin, Clive Williams, Billy Mainwaring, Richie Davies and Ogwen Alexander, to mention only a few, to provide the ball."
"Last season 'the Wizards' achieved one of their rare doubles over the 'Black & Ambers', winning at Aberavon and Rodney Parade. They can be certain that the memory of both those defeats are very much in the minds of Newport captain David Burcher and vice captain Colin Smart this afternoon."
"Welcome Aberavon, may your officials, players and supporters enjoy this memorable season and also return home tonight full of memories of a game worthy of two fine clubs."