"WELCOME TO THE PARADE"
"This evening we welcome 1985 with a visit from our friends from Llanelli, who earlier in the season demonstrated their scoring power by completely destroying the Black and Ambers at Stradey Park by 39pts to 10pts. Since their formation, way back in 1872, our two Clubs have met on 157 occasions with Newport winning 78 games, Llanelli 55 games and 24 being drawn. Last season each Club won their home fixture after fast and exciting rugby - Newport by 19pts to 14pts while Llanelli once again proved unstoppable on the Scarlet turf by 40pts to 11 pts."
"Lock forward Phil May is in his third season of captaincy with the Scarlets and after commencing the present campaign late through illness missed his team's memorable victory over the Australians due to being under suspension. Like all those present at Stradey in the mist and drizzling rain he must have been proud of the way his team overcame the elements and the opposition to record another hall?mark in Ltanelli's illustrious history. His current team is a mixture of experience and youth. Former Wales and British Lions centres Ray Gravell and Peter Morgan are proving that, like good wine, they are maturing with age and providing plenty of scoring opportunities for the players around them, like new international wing Phil Lewis, the highly talented Martin Gravell at full back and Wales 'B' replacement scrum half Jonathan Griffiths. Former Wales outside half Gary Pearce demonstrated against Australia that he can still be a match player and it will be interesting to see him and Gerald Williams in opposition after this evening following their very successful partnership at the Brewery Field, Bridgend. Up front the captain is well supported by Welsh internationals David Pickering and Alan Davies plus such experienced players as Kerry Townley Russell Cornelius and Lawrence Delaney."
"The Scarlets of today are well aware of the ghosts that still stride Stradey Park with great pride and are determined to ensure that their reputation for playing fast free flowing rugby is maintained. Welcome, Llanelli - we are confident that it would be difficult to have better opposition to enter 1985 with a game full of all the good things in rugby football."
"The Festive Season is always difficult for Programme Editors and Club Selectors due to the Printers requiring all the information for the holiday games at least a week prior to Christmas Day, due to their very tight schedule at this time of year and, of course, the holiday period. So please forgive the Captain, Coaches and fellow selectors David Rogers, Paul Watts and Haydn Mainwaring for listing so many players during this period. Let's hope that they at least achieve the correct results from the players who eventually comprise the team on the field."
"A date for all Members and Supporters to put in their new 1985 Diary is the 11th January, when the Newport Schools will be holding their Presentation Evening in the Rodney Hall commencing at 7.30 p.m. Why not come along and give encouragement to possible Black and Amber players of the future - it is certain that Newport 1st XV very rarely take the field without containing at least one player who has graduated via Newport Schools Rugby Union. Newport Rugby Supporters' Club would like you to make a note of Thursday, 7th February, in your diary for on that evening in the Rodney Hall they are arranging a Sports Quiz when teams from their Club, the Players and the Committee will test their knowledge."
"Following the success achieved in the last two years since the Snelling Sevens returned to its birthplace here at Rodney Parade, it is very pleasing to note that the 1985 Tournament will be played here on August Bank Holiday Saturday, when it is hoped that the sun will once again shine on the premier Sevens Tournament played in Wales."
"The Chairman, Captain, Committee and Players wish all Members and Supporters Best Wishes for 1985."