Newport welcome Coventry on Saturday for a PSF. Coventry were founded in 1874 - as were Newport RFC - and have a proud and illustrious history. Among the famous players to have played for Coventry are David Duckham, Dusty Hare, Peter Jackson, Fran Cotton and Barrie Corliss - all English internationals. Ron Jones - Wales back-row also played for Coventry and was in the team that beat England 34-21 in 1967 which saw the incredible debut by Newport's Keith Jarrett. Plkaying at full-back he score 19 pts (21 by today's scoring) with 1 try, 2 penalties and 5 conversions. Also in the team that day were Newport's David Watkins, Stuart Watkins and Brian Price.
Newport first played Coventry on Nov 17th 1890 and won by 1g, 2 tries to 0. They were capatined by Wales international Jim Hannan - in place of Tom Graham. Tries were scored by Charlie Thomas, Tom Newcombe and George Thomas with full-back Tom England kicking a conversion. Newport fielded 9 internationals that day with more unavailable. A large crowd watched the win at Rodney Parade played under not very good weather conditions.
Since that first match Newport have played Coventry in 53 official matches winning 39, losing just 12 with 2 drawn.
Last season Newport visited Coventry for a PSF and eventually ran out 25-15 winners with tries by Will Rees-Hole, Dan Watchurst and Charlie Johnson with a penalty by Lewis Robling and a conversion by Gareth Bowen. Coaches Sven Cronk and Dai Gray were pleased with the win - line not crossed after 2 matches and good defensive performance - but admitted that it was a disjointed performance.
Season ticket holders can attend this match for free. If you have not already collected your season ticket card please visit the Rodney Parade Ticket Office.
Non-season ticket holders will pay the following prices:
Adults £10
Concessions £5
Under 20s gain free entry - please visit the ticket office to pick up a complimentary ticket.
On Saturday Coventry will be captained by former Dragon Scott Morgan :
Coventry : Bronson Ross, Davy McGregor, Rob Duggard, Scott Morgan (capt), Sam Herrington, Brett Daynes, Jamie Harrop, Jaqules Le Roux, Nathan Jones, Cliffie Hodgson, Aaron Takarangi, James Otutaha, Greg Evans, Jeff Gregson, Lee Chapman
Reps : Matt Price, George Warner, Lewis Barker, Danny Wright, James Whybrow, Tom Harris.
Newport: G O’Driscoll, A Awcock, W Richards, A Davies, E Frewen, S Sneddon, J Leadbeater, D Pattison, A Brown, J Jones, S Waldron, R Jones, C Everett, C Attwell, R Coombs.
Reps : John Lavender, Ryan Prosser, Josh Skinner, Carl Townsend, Ieaun Jones, Rhys Downes, Tom Hancock, Shane Regan, Owen Broad, Will Hodnett
The match will be played with 3 x 30 mins and rolling reps.
Referee : James Jones
