"WELCOME TO THE PARADE"
"THIS evening we are delighted to welcome our friends from Stradey Park, Llanelli, for what promises to be a fine game of rugby football. Under their captain, Phil May, the 'Scarlets' have been displaying outstanding attacking rugby, with their young starlets Kevin Thomas, Peter Hopkins, Mark Jones, Phil Lewis, Martin Gravell and Mark Douglas benefiting from the expertise of internationals Ray Gravell, Peter Morgan and David Nicholas."
"Up front the skipper, who has been on the scene for many years, is playing outstanding rugby and leading by example. He is ably supported in the power-house positions by Russell Cornelius, while his front row comprises of either Lawrence Delaney, Charles Thomas, Mike Lidiard, Anthony Buchanan or David Evans, and his back row Alun Davies, Phil Davies and David Pickering, who must be in the minds of the 'Big Five' as they contemplate the selection of the team to play England."
"Earlier this season the 'Scarlets' defeated Newport at Stradey Park by 14 pts to 6 pts in a game played in atrocious conditions, and will be well aware of the tremendous effort the Black and Ambers made in the first half of that game when playing into the gale and rain."
"Last Saturday Llanelli overcame another Gwent side, Abergavenny, in the 3rd Round of the W.R.U. Cup by 17 pts to 6 pts and have been rewarded with a quarter final tie versus their old enemies Swansea at Stradey Park. Having defeated 'The Jacks' at St. Helen's two weeks ago with a dazzling display of rugby and learning of our magnificent performance there last Saturday, they will be well prepared for the 26th."
"Tonight gives everyone at Rodney Parade the opportunity of expressing their sympathy to Llanelli on the loss of their President, Carwyn James. His sudden death leaves a great gap at Stradey Park, and rugby football throughout the world has lost one of its great thinkers and coaches. Llanelli and world rugby also suffered a loss with the death of Ivor Jones, who had a great bearing on rugby throughout the world. Our sympathy to the families of both these Great Rugby Men, and long may their memories remain with us. Croeso Llanelli."
"CLUB NOTES"
"CONGRATULATIONS must be extended to the 17 players who represented us at St. Helen's last Saturday in the 3rd Round of the W.R.U. Cup. Given no hope by the critics or the media prior to the game, the players once again demonstrated to the rugby world that there is still an enormous amount of pride at Rodney Parade and that the Black and Ambers can never be taken for granted. If the players on the field deserve our congratulations, thanks must also be expressed to our two coaches Tony Faulkner and Allan Evans, who compiled the tactical approach and motivated the players to put it into operation. Let's hope that the magnificent effort shown will provide the foundation for the remainder of the season."
"The Chairman of the Athletic Club, together with the Chairman of the Football Section, would like to request the support of all Rugby Section members and supporters for the New Club Lottery, which everyone at Rodney Parade hopes is going to help N.A.C.'s present financial position. We have joined Newport County Football Club's highly successful Lottery, and request your support. The Lottery is run weekly and pays out £4,200 per week in prizes. This is made up of £2,000 in instant prizes and over £2,200 in a live draw every Wednesday evening at various pubs and clubs throughout Gwent, with the top prize being £1,000. Why not become an Agent to sell the 25p tickets: we will pay you 10% commission for every ticket you sell, plus a bonus for each winning ticket of £50 or more. Further details can be obtained from the Club Office, the Hon. Secretary, the Club Chairman and Chairman of Finance."
"The non-selection of Mike Watkins for the Welsh Trial, not even as a reserve, continues to mystify everyone at Rodney Parade, and it is hoped that his outstanding display at St. Helen's did not go unnoticed by 'Big Five' members Rod Morgan and Rhys Williams, and that Lions selectors Willie John McBride and John Finlan will pencil his name in as a Lions possible."
"We are delighted that Queen's Comprehensive School has agreed to provide ball-boys for all our remaining home games and are certain that Jack Strickland will appreciate the help."