"REMEMBER THIS GAME?"
"Newport Rugby Club no longer have fixtures with their old friends, Torquay, but one player from the Devonshire club who will always be remembered with great affection by Rodney Parade officials, former players and supporters is second row forward John Widdicombe."
"A giant in the line-out, Widdicombe had joined Newport two seasons before his old club, Torquay, visited Newport in December, 1983, and he must have left the field with mixed feelings after playing a big part in Newport's 17-15 victory."
"Widdicombe did not succeed in winning an England cap, but he was in the English squad and played in their trials. He also made several appearances for the Barbarians and played for Devonshire in county championship matches on six occasions."
"Newport found Torquay a hard nut to crack, and they never managed to subdue the lively and hardy Devonians. Indeed, after Andy Phillips had put Newport ahead with a try they were shocked when Torquay went into a 9-4 lead just after half-time. Keith Benton, the Torquay outside half, dropped a superb goal and then kicked two penalty goals."
"Newport, however, steadied themselves, and Marc Batten, their swift-footed right wing, and the ever alert Andy Phillips weaved their way through the Torquay defence to score tries. Sandwiched between those two tries was a penalty goal by Newport full back Nick Devonald, who also converted Phillips' try."
"But Torquay refused to wilt, and they sprang another surprise on Newport when right centre John Butterworth crashed through the Newport defence for a try which Benton converted. As for Widdicombe, he continued to play for Newport until 1989. He then returned to his native Devon to captain Torquay and make more appearances for his county. Altogether he made more than 300 appearances for Newport, and was one of the most popular players the club have ever had."