From the match programme:-
"Cardiff v. Newport"
"SATURDAY, 2nd OCTOBER, 1982 KICK OFF 3 p.m."
"Perhaps it's poetic justice that it is some two weeks since our last home game because it has at least given our resident band time to get its breath back. Our last appearance on the Park was, of course, that ill fated Coventry game which took such a time to get underway, much to the chagrin of all concerned. We have been stopping all the flak that has been flying around when we did our utmost to assist the Coventry party to arrive as soon as possible. Had the boot been on the other foot, I'm sure we would have made more of an effort than our visitors seemed to make on the day. It was also quite amusing to read the local Coventry newspaper report of the game which was full of praise for their local heroes for what they considered a moral victory. Perhaps the most amusing remark was made by their coach who dismissed as rubbish the fact that we were unfortunate enough to lose 2 of our front row besides Chris Webber. He put it down to the sheer physical pressure exerted by them on our front 5. It may be just as well if John Scott took a photocopy of the whole report and let the team read it prior to the next game in Coventry. I'm sure they would need no more motivation. Still on the day the heroes were the long winded players of the St. Albans band and to think they didn't repeat themselves once is a great credit to their vast repertoire. I don't know about Casey waltzing with his strawberry blonde and gliding across the floor with the girl he adored but the St. Albans band certainly played on and on and on. Well done 'The Buns', as much as we like to listen to you, I hope that never happens to you again."
"Back to this afternoon, however, we offer our most cordial greetings to our oldest and by far the most played of our adversaries Newport. Today's game will mark the 345th time we have met since the year of our formation, 1876. The record of the previous 344 shows 162 wins to us 125 to Newport and 57 ending in stalemate. The stories behind these statistics, however, are quite legendary and one of the milestones the Black and Ambers would dearly like to have achieved was 4 wins in a season against us. From season 1887-88 up until 1975-76 the sides met regularly 4 times per season and as already stated Newport have never managed to win all 4 in any one season but we have managed that accolade on 4 occasions in seasons 1897-98, 1905-06, 1947-48 and finally 1951-52. Mind you Newport have been very near it on several occasions and many a past Cardiff captain has sweated blood knowing that he might be the man to surrender the record to the Usksiders but after many narrow escapes we have held out. Perhaps the most hair-raising game was experienced by Howard Norris' side of 1968-69 when we had lost on the previous 3 occasions and Brian Price brought his all talented side to the Arms Park determined to achieve their life long ambition. It was very much of a heart stopping with the scores level at 9 all some 15 minutes into the second half. The Black and Amber from there on in really put the pressure on and were camped in our half almost permanently but victory and that elusive 4 timer was to be denied them and the game finished at 9 all. Never was a final whistle such sweet music to us but a dirge to Newport. Since 1976-77, however, fixtures have been reduced to 2 so perhaps Newport took some consolation for never achieving the elusive white wash by beating us in the Cup in our centenary year by the narrowest of margins 16-15."
"As far as this current season is concerned, when the history of Newport's second 100 years is written, I'm sure it will figure very significantly as the year Newport went open. Prior to this season Newport's Committee was an invited body but after several years of unrest and discontent it was decided to comply with democracy. From this season onwards then their committee set up will be much the same as our own whereby 6 men stand each year for a 3 year term on an 18 man committee elected from the floor of the A.G.M. On the field of play Colin Smart is once again at the helm and the man is more anxious to see Newport in its rightful place, amongst the best in the land. They rose to the occasion magnificently last Tuesday in beating a very strong Baa Baas side by 19pts. to 15. This again was another first for "The Port" because their traditional Easter Tuesday fixture has now given way to an early season floodlit game in order to overcome all the difficulties that were experienced at the holiday period. This latest win is obviously going to put them in a very bouyant mood to challenge the supremacy we had held over them since 1977. After their one point victory, in the final of the cup, they won the next game at Rodney Parade but of the 9 games played since then, we have won 8 and the remaining one was drawn. So today Colin Smart and his Black and Ambers will be very keen to substantiate their Baa Baas victory and whilst not wishing them well on that score, we do offer a warm welcome to them this afternoon."
"Terry Charles' Rags side are still unbeaten and are playing some great rugby. I will give you a more detailed report of their progress in the next home programme."
"Today it also gives us great pleasure to welcome to the Arms Park referee M. Guy Maurette from France. Bon jours Monsieur, Nous esperons que jouisseq de votre sejours a Cardiff."
"Finally amidst the gloom of the economy, the depressing weather and all the other bad news, just have a look at the notice in the foyer of the Clubhouse! Guinness at 56p a pint, that can't be bad can it."
"P.N."