So the 2011 /12 season kicked off with a disappointing loss for Newport, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom. The Community Section of the Trust played host to young players from St.Julians High School Old Boys at the first match played in front of the new Bisley Stand.

The Saints arrived with a large contingent and took part in a pre-match training session with the Trust’s resident coach, Joe Crocker, ably assisted by Newport scrum half Josh Davies.

Following this, the youngsters made their way through the new stand to arrive to form the Guard of Honour for the players of both teams as they took to the pitch. There was just time for photographs on the hallowed Rodney Parade turf. The Saints were joined by former Wales Coach, Gareth Jenkins for a picture.

As the teams took to the park, the kids ran across the pitch in the now traditional manner to take seats in the new Stand.

A word of thanks goes out from the Trust to the stewards who were more than helpful in transferring the children from the pitch into the stand with a minimum of fuss.