After Christmas 'Old Cambria' took the field at Newport and the Monmouthshire Merlin of 20th January 1882 reported as follows:-
"FOOTBALL.- North of England v. Wales -"
"Perhaps the best match ever seen in Monmouthshire or South Wales was that which came off on Saturday last at Newport, between 15 natives of the North of England and a similar number of Welshmen. Between 3,000 and 4,000 spectators watched the play throughout, the deep interest manifested in the game being very noticeable. The North of England team won the toss, and Payne, their captain, started the ball, which was followed up and kept in the home 25. The "natives" were soon compelled to touch down in self-defence, and the game proceeded in a spirited manner, both sides displaying rare pluck, and doing all they could to gain an advantage. At length the ball found its way into the Welsh goal, and there was another touch down in self-defence, followed by a splendid piece of manoeuvring on the part of old Cambria's sons, Harding, Newman, and Phillips especially distinguishing themselves. Just before half-time the visitors touched down to defend themselves. When play was resumed Lewis, one of the Welsh backs, re-started the ball. The latter half of the game was exciting in the extreme, and the Welshmen were cheered again and again for their masterly play. But unfortunately they could not do more than deserve success, and victory lay with the side of the North by one goal and three touches downs to one try and two touches down. The following were the players:- North of England: Back, R. Wood (Cheshire); three-quarter backs, C. E. Bartram (Yorkshire), E. Beswick (Lancashire), and A. Newsome (Yorkshire); half-backs, J. H. Payne (captain), and W. R. Richardson (Lancashire); forwards, J. Wilson, J. T. Hunt, G. Wood, W. S. Hulse, C. Horley (Lancashire), J. W. H. Thorpe, B. R. Middleton (Cheshire), J. Bottomley, and W. F. Huth (Yorkshire). Wales: Back, C. P. Lewis (Llandovery), and S. S. Clark (Neath); three-quarter backs, J. Bridie (Cardiff) and G. F. Harding (Newport); half-backs, C. H. Newman (captain) (Newport), R. Bridie (Cardiff), and W. F. Evans (Rhymney); forwards, B. E. Girling, T. Williams, W. D. Phillips (Cardiff), R. Gould, F. T. Purdon, T. B. Jones (Newport), E. Treharne (Pontypridd), and T. J. S. Clapp (Nantyglo). The umpires were - R. Mullock, hon. sec., W.F.U , and J. M'Laren, vice-president R.F.U. The referee was J. D. Miller of Clifton."