From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"Since our last home game Newport members and supporters have slumped to the depths of despair at Aberavon and been lifted to great heights at Cardiff in the Welsh Rugby Union Challenge Cup semi-final versus Ebbw Vale."
"The defeat at Aberavon, our heaviest and most definite of the season, knocked us off the top of both the Whitbread and the Anglo Welsh Merit Tables. We had been riding high at the top of both tables for a considerable time, so it came as a great disappointment to everyone. But all is not lost yet, and provided that we can win our two remaining games (v Pontypool home, next Saturday and Bridgend away, on Saturday 23rd April) we can still carry off the Whitbread Welsh Merit Table for the first time. The only way we can regain our position at the top of the Anglo Welsh table is by defeating London Welsh here at Rodney Parade on Easter Monday, and for todays visitors to lose one of their remaining two games in the table. Both games will be played at the Reddings versus Bridgend and Bristol."
"Our victory over Ebbw Vale in the semi-final of the W.R.U. Challenge Cup at Cardiff was certainly a magnificent performance. Although the rugby produced never reached great heights, the tension and atmosphere were electric. This certainly had a great bearing on the few incidents that occurred, but the game was nowhere near as dirty and brutal as the media would have us believe. Every player deserves our heartiest congratulations on getting Newport through to their first ever final, they were true Black and Amber men. The players who achieved this great victory would be the first to share their success with coach John Ryan. His inspiration and tactical plan worked to perfection, and it has been rumoured that he is in touch with Max Boyce to borrow his Incredible Plan for the final. Let's hope he is successful and that he and the players can do the same for us on the 30th April. Congratulations to you all, every Black and Amber person is proud of you."
"This afternoons game sees the start of a four game programme in seven days against top class opposition. Our fixture list contains no easy fixtures for the players to take a rest so let's hope we can steer clear of injuries and enjoy the holiday programme."
"Talking of injuries, the latest news on our walking wounded is that Geoff Evans has had his operation and is making a good recovery, Alun Evans is back in training and could well play before the end of the season, Lyn Jones hopes to play over the holiday period as does Jeff Watkins. Tony Mogridge and David Sanders look like being out for the rest of the season, while Bryan Lease hopes to be available within the next week."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoon we are delighted to welcome Moseley to Rodney Parade. They are having an outstanding season under England lock and British Lion elect Nigel Norton and are current leaders of the Anglo-Welsh Merit Table having taken over from ourselves following our defeat at Aberavon."
"During the last few seasons matches between our two clubs have been exciting encounters. Those people who were at the Reddings on Saturday 6th November 1976, saw a pulsating game ending in a 10 all draw, although Newport supporters will be quick to point out that we scored 2 tries to one. Last season the Red & Blacks (the same colours as Aberavon!!) were victorious at the Reddings, by 14pts to 6pts, while the Black and Ambers won the return at Rodney Parade by 24pts to 9pts."
"Having been eliminated from the John Player Cup, Moseley are determined to finish this season by winning one of the major Merit Tables. Their team contains three players who played major roles in the revitalised English national team this season. Mention has already been made of skipper Morton, while his England team mates were centre Barrie Corless and outside half Martin Cooper. Barrie Corless joined Moseley from Coventry, where he first got capped, and has proved a vital man in the centre of the field either with Welshman Malcolm Swain or Andy Watson Jones. Martin Cooper must feel like someone under the microscope each time he goes on the field. For the press and media are always advising him regarding his game and talking about replacing him in the No. 10 jersey. But his performances for Moseley have not suffered and we may be lucky that he is unlikely to play this afternoon as he is a member of the Barbarians Easter Touring party."
"These three players will quickly point out that their International recognition would have been impossible if it had not been for the other members of the team. Full back Richard Akenhead has scored many points through his boot this season, memories of Sam Doble, while wingers Alan Thomas and Rudi Smith know the quickest way to the line. Scrum half Chris Gifford has been a major inspiration to the side in his partnership with Martin Cooper. But no side can operate without the ball and Moseley have a fine pack to provide it. Barry Ayre was close to joining his skipper in the England side this season, while Steve King still came under the scrutiny of the Big 5."