"Programme Notes by W. A. D. LAWRIE"
"There seems little doubt that today's match will be regarded by most officials, players and supporters as the realistic opening of the 1991/92 season, marking as it does the first game in the 1st Division of the Heineken National League. For us it will be followed by six further League matches against Pontypool (A), Cardiff (H), Swansea (A), Newbridge (H), Neath (H) and Pontypridd (A), leading up to the Boxing Day visit to Maesteg. The outcome of these first 7 League fixtures is likely to go a long way to deciding the final placings."
"To date, Newport have played 10 games, winning eight and losing two - points for 287, against 97. They have already defeated Gloucester, Coventry and Narbonne (France), with a 51-7 win against Glamorgan Wanderers."
"GLEN GEORGE (Wales, Barbarians and Crawshay's XV) is this season's Club Captain. His Vice-captain - PAUL TURNER, (who is not fit for today's game) is a former Newbridge player and one of Newport's current coaches. He has broken scoring records for both clubs with his consistent and accurate kicking ability."
"The Club can boast a total of more than 200 Internationals, and scores of Lions and Barbarians. The current internationals on the club books include GLEN GEORGE, ALAN CARTER, PAUL TURNER, KEVIN MOSELEY, MARK DAVIS and DAVID WATERS. The latter has served a remarkable 14 years with the Club. NIGEL CALLARD - (England Colts captain) has given 10 years service to the club - and both are one-club players."
"Promising young players include 21-year-old Welsh prop MARK DAVIS, centre ANDREW LEWIS and scrum-half DAVID LLEWELLYN."
"Top scorer to date is wing ALAN HARRIES with 124 points from 11 tries, 17 conversions and 13 penalty goals, and KEITH ORREL with 24 points from six tries."
"During the summer TOM HUDSON - Director of Sport at Bath University, joined Newport as a coaching consultant, after recording great success in that capacity with both Llanelli and Bath. Regarded as one of Britain's greatest rugby gurus, he now has no hesitation in saying that Newport within five years will be the best club side in the world - pretty strong stuff. Skipper Glen George joins him by saying - "We may not win the league this season, but within five years we will be the best". There is no doubting that. Two minds with a very single thought!"
"Being the best in the world is not exactly a modest ambition, but the Hudson way is that the goals are set high and very little is left to chance in trying to achieve them. Well, the buck stops today, and guru, JOHN APSEE will be out to prove that his outfit is also very much in the reckoning - perhaps not to beat the world, but to being a realistic contender for league honours in 1991/92."
"It was good to hear from my old Newport friend - WILLIS HUNTLEY once more and for his very helpful club information. He says - "I am now the Editor of the Newport Programme (unpaid) after sixty years as Sports Editor of the South Wales Argus. How well I remember you and your willingness to help everybody." Thank you Willis - us youngsters must stick together! But I cannot go with his parting shot - "Defeated Bridgend 28-6 at Rodney Parade last season. Hoping to do something similar at the Brewery Field this season!!"
"For BRIDGEND, there are 10 changes from the side which won at Abertillery by 10 points to 4 a week last night. Remaining in the side are CHRIS BRADSHAW, LEIGHTON PHILLIPS, NIGEL SPENDER, GREG PROSSER and OWAIN LLOYD."
"There will be 1st Division debuts for props LEIGHTON GERRARD and DAVID CHINN who have gained their places through the sheer dint of their performances to date. GREG PROSSER has played in 12 of the 15 games to date after successfully returning to the side at the start of the season, with NATHAN JONES (10 games to date) staking a successful claim for the No. 8 position."
"Today's encounter brings face to face two of the finest young scrum-halves in Wales - ROBERT HOWLEY and DAVID LLEWELLYN, who know enough of each other's play to make this a fascinating duel in their bid for international honours. To complete the front row - LEIGHTON PHILLIPS has got the vote over the experienced Wayne Hall and Huw Bevan, as a Club player who has come through from School and Youth days at the Brewery Field."
"Skipper JOHN APSEE is well aware of the tough task which confronts his side, but his 100% commitment and Club spirit should bring equal determination from his side."
"We extend a warm welcome and best wishes for an enjoyable afternoon to Officials, Players and Supporters of the NEWPORT R.F.C. in the hope that the game will be worthy of the occasion and in the best traditions of Welsh Rugby. May the better team win - will be the feeling of all concerned."