"CLUB NOTES"
"TODAY'S VISITORS. We are delighted to welcome our old friends Newport to the Rectory Field this afternoon. Our Association with this famous Welsh Club started 100 years ago, on the 20th November 1879, at Rodney Parade, and Blackheath were the victors by 46 Pts. to nil. The clubs did not meet again until 1883, when Blackheath again won, but since those early days "The Club" have found victory very hard to achieve. Thus today, we celebrate the longest English v Welsh Club fixture in rugby football history, an "Historic Occasion" of which both clubs are justifiably proud. As one would expect, there has always been intense rivalry between our clubs, but this in no way detracts from the happy relationship we have enjoyed over so many years. The great names of the past "Tottie" Carpnael, Brigadier Glyn Hughes, "Hughie", J.E.C. (Birdie) Partridge and R.T.M. Skrimshire, to mention but a few, will be looking down upon us this afternoon. May the game be worthy of their great contribution to Rugby Football. Today we also extend a very warm welcome to His Excellency The Hon. Leslie Gander The New Zealand High Commissioner."