From the match programme:
"RODNEY COMMENTARY"
"NEWPORT'S BUSY TIME . . ."
"Although next month will be crowded with World Cup matches, including the clashes between Wales and three overseas countries, Western Samoa, Argentina and Australia at Cardiff as well as the Australia versus Western Samoa game at Pontypool, Newport rugby team will have plenty to occupy their attention without concerning themselves too much with other events during October!"
"In fact, they will have to fulfil five fixtures next month, beginning with Penarth away on October 1st. Their next fixture will be at Bath, but they may not find the Avon team quite such a formidable obstacle as they were last season."
"For Bath will be without some of their outstanding players who will be on World Cup duty for England and Scotland. Bath, however, have secured some useful newcomers, among them Gary Peters, the Cornwall County outside half or centre, and England B cap Ben Clarke, the former London Saracens number eight."
"Former Newport half back Stuart Barnes has relinquished the captaincy of Bath after a highly successful period at the helm, and he has been succeeded by another English international Andy Robinson."
"With Jonathan Webb required by England for the World Cup squad it is highly likely that former Newport full back Jonathan Callard will be in opposition against his old club and may be against his brother, Nigel Callard."
"Two of Newport's three other October fixtures will be at home against English clubs ? Bristol who will again be led by Derek Eves, and Gloucester, who have appointed flanker Ian Smith as captain."
"Sandwiched between these two fixtures will be the match with Ebbw Vale at Eugene Cross ground. That should be quite an occasion for the Westwood family if Jonathan Westwood is at full back for Newport. Who will his father, Keith Westwood, the former Ebbw Vale and Newbridge player, be rooting for? He will undoubtedly have mixed feelings, for he is now Ebbw Vale's assistant coach co-operating with ex-Welsh cap Clive Davis."
"Last season Ebbw Vale met Newport twice in the Heineken League, and they will have rueful recollection of these two encounters, for they were heavily thrashed on both occasions. Keith Westwood, however, believes that Newport will find Ebbw Vale a different proposition this season. His comment was, "we have a squad of useful players, some of whom are newcomers". Among the latter are several from Newport ? Andrew Jewitt and Julian Burt."
"Meanwhile, it is gratifying to know that Newport have two representatives in the Wales World cup squad. They are young Mark Davis, who deserves to receive his first cap, and Alun Carter. Many believe that some of their Newport colleagues should have been with them. Still, there is always the five-nations championship to come, so there may yet be recognition for more players who wear the black and amber jersey!"
"W.H."
"TODAY'S VISITORS"
"WELCOME BACK HEATHENS!"
"Until a few years ago Blackheath Rugby Club were regular visitors to Rodney Parade, and their re-appearance on Newport's fixture list has caused immense satisfaction, particularly among Newport's older supporters. Indeed, they can be assured of a warm welcome on and off the field whenever they make tracks for Newport."
"Blackheath may not be the force they used to be, but they are still one of the most highly respected clubs in the country. Certainly they are a club of great and proud traditions with a record of having supplied England, as well as some other countries, with a succession of famous international players."
"In fact, since they were formed in 1885 Blackheath have seen well over 200 of their players capped. Many of those internationals were among the world's most illustrious players, and on one occasion nine Blackheath players were in the England team who defeated Scotland."
"It is impossible to list all the Blackheath players who gained caps, but among those who readily spring to mind are Carl Aarvold, who later became a High Court judge, B.H. Black, R.W. Smeddle, D.E. Pratten, J.T. Kemp, C.N. Lowe, A.T. Young, Nigel Bruce, H.T. Gamlin, J.G.W. Davies and A.L. Morton."
"Two other players capped by England from Blackheath came from overseas and played cricket against England in Test matches. The pair were Clive Van Ryneveld, who captained the South African cricket team, and New Zealand cricket captain Martin Donnelly. Blackheath also had a number of players who were capped by England both at rugby and cricket."
"Newport, of course, have had several direct links with Blackheath stretching back to the early days when one of their players, Major J.E.G. Partridge ("The Bird"), captained Blackheath. Other prominent Newport players who turned out for Blackheath included that fine all-round sportsman, Bert Hodges, and English internationals Ernie Hammett and L.W. Haslett."
"RUGBY SHORTS . . ."
"Kevin Withey's two tries against Cross Keys enabled him to pass his half century of tries in first-ctass club rugby. He collected 32 for Bath, and has now scored 19 for Newport"
"Keith Lee, a scrum half signing from Pontypridd, has left hospital and hopes to start light training with Newport next week. Andrew Peacock and Andy Allen, who are both on crutches, will be out of action for another month."
"Newport Rugby Club will stage the under-21 international match between Wales and Ireland on October 17th."