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In the 1946-47 series, 'A Peep in my Diary', the following appeared in the match programme for Newport v Watsonians on 26th December 1946:-
"No. 11 - NEIL McPHERSON"
"(The Former Newport and Scottish International Forward)."
" "Up 'Sonians! Up 'Sonians!!" It will be very pleasing for all of us to hear once again that rousing battlecry from the few but enthusiastic and full-throated members of the Watsonian party in the grandstand at Newport, to-day."
"We welcome them again, after an absence of seven long years, as we did their predecessors. All of us will agree that a Boxing Day match in Newport without the Watsonians wouldn't be quite complete. They are always a party of gay adventurers, and bring with them an atmosphere so fitting to the festive season. Their football is always so sporting and enjoyable - they enter into the fray with such zest and enjoyment that as a Rugby team they have always appealed to Newportonians and are established favourites."
"The "Grey-beards" on the popular side will be telling all and sundry that they remember the Watsonians back in the '90's. "Schoolboys from John Watson's College, Edinburgh - my eye for a yarn. A lot of wild Scotsmen they were, big and brawny, I remember how they used to arrive at the ground all changed for the match in a four-horse brake from the Westgate. Dressed in kilts they were - along with the skirl of the bag-pipes, and fine footballers they were, too. They do say they drink whisky like we do beer - no wonder they can play. Those were the days! Happy memories!"
"Indeed for all of us the Watsonians bring happy memories. We remember some of the personalities of the past - Dallas, Cunningham, Angus, Milray, Pearson, and then since the First World War, Selby, Nimms, Carmichael, Kerr, Fyfe, Bertram, Geddes, and scores of others. Illustrious names, fine footballers and grand chaps."
"The Watsonians first visited Newport in 1894 and have been welcomed as regular visitors ever since. In all there have been 42 games between the two clubs, of which Newport have won 34, lost five, and three have been drawn. In 1934 the Watsonians, gaining their first victory at Newport for 29 years, won handsomely by 16 points to 6. They were successful here again in 1935 by 3 points to nil, while in 1936 the match resulted in a draw of 10 points each. On their last visit on Boxing Day, 1938, Newport just won a great contest by 2 tries to 1."
"To-day we start another era. We are sure the game will be worthy of the occasion, and we all sincerely hope that for many many years to come the "Watties" will be our welcome and cherished visitors."