"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoon we extend a Rodney Parade Welcome to our friends from "Donkey Island" who first appeared on a Newport Fixture List 98 years ago when they were defeated here by 5 goals and 7 tries to nil. This season Penarth have had a traumatic start, suffering heavy defeats on numerous occasions and being eliminated from this season's W.R.U. Schweppes Challenge Cup in the first round by Taffs Well. They are obviously suffering greatly by the loss of two players, namely, Roddy Crane to Pontypridd and Peter Goodfellow to Newbridge who were vital members of last season's team who achieved some excellent victories. Last season we achieved a "double" over Penarth winning at "Donkey Island" by 26 points to 3 and here at Rodney Parade by 42 points to 10. It is interesting to note that in the game at Rodney Parade the Black and Ambers, in scoring 8 tries, broke the Club try scoring record for a season, while their 42 points ensured that the accumulative points record for the Club in a season was also passed."
"Welcome, Penarth - we are confident that today's game will contain all that is good in the game of rugby football and that many old friendships will be renewed between players of both Clubs who have, throughout the years, done battle out in the middle. It is this aspect of the game of rughy football that needs more publicity from the media."
"This afternoon the Black and Ambers, under Captain Michael J. Watkins, return to their "beloved Rodney Parade". A great deal of discussion is currently taking place, not only here at Rodney Parade, but also throughout rugby in general as to how a team who can display such brilliance against such opposition as Coventry, Bristol, Neath and Barbarians at home can suffer such humiliating defeats at Pontypool Park, Stradey Park and Cardiff Arms Park. No-one is more aware of the situation and anxious to correct the matter than the Captain, Coaches and Selection Committee of our Jekyll and Hyde existence and they are anxiously investigating all aspects to obtain the correct remedy."
"Congratulations must be extended to Chris Wood and John Widdicombe on their selection to play for Devon in the Thorn E.M.I. County Championship. Everyone here at Rodney Parade hopes that it will be the stepping stone to further honours in the game, although they must be both disappointed that they have not been included in the South and South Western XV to play the Australians in the near future. John has been used to disappointments during recent seasons, as he has been on the verge of obtaining an England place and his omission from the Squad is mystifying. Unhappily for Roger Powell, his 200th 1st XV appearance at Cardiff last Saturday ended in disappointment, not only with the team's defeat, but also with him having to leave the field early in the game with a hip injury. We congratulate him on his achievement and trust that he will soon be back showing his great enthusiasm and skill on the field of play, which makes him a leading candidate for a place in the Wales 'B' Squad for the forthcoming International v. France 'B' here at Rodney Parade on Saturday, 10th November, 1984. Reserved seat holders are reminded that should they require their seat for this game, their application has to be made to the Club Office no later than Saturday, 20th October, 1984. Stand Tickets are now available for this game from the Club Office, priced £5.00 and £4.00."
"This afternoon, the Black and Ambers contain three players who are making their 1st XV debuts, in the persons of wing-threequarter Shaun McWilliam, inside-half Darren Gibbon and flanker Glen George. These three players have previously played for the United XV and Newport Representative XV's, showing considerable promise, and it is certain that they will take the opportunity of staking a claim for a permanent 1st XV berth in the future and we wish them well in their quest. Darren, who will be remembered for his exciting runs as a wing-threequarter substitute in our victory over Bristol, will be playing in his No.1 position of scrum-half. The Selectors are using today's game to experiment with Wales Squad lock-forward, David Waters, in the No.8 position and although the vast majority of his 327 1st XV games have been in the lock position, he has played No.8 on isolated occasions, particularly on tour in South Africa and Portugal."