LOYAL PLAYERS: I was going to submit a quiz, but instead I will share some history of sport of Newport.

Bettws has benefited from players who have lived there and have had the pleasure of playing in the past and present with Newport RFC, Newport AFC and Newport County.

In rugby quarters, there are six past players who resided in Bettws. First, during the 1950s, a second row of great stature and respectability, playing in the team of invincibility, of course it was Bunner Travers, a gentle giant who dealt fear into opposition forwards.

Next there was a captain of great vision and durability, who was the man-of-the-match in that fabulous Cup Final at the Arms Park against Cardiff RFC. I, personally, witnessed that win by just one point. The real ale flowed in the clubhouse later. I am obviously writing about Ian Barnard, a brilliant player, who I believe is now working as a coach driver. So, Ian, you were great.

Ten years later players on Newport RFC books were Alan Williams, a durable front row player willing to mix with the roughest and toughest, then there was Jason White, Jasper to his friends, a wing three-quarter of great speed and potential, scoring many tries in his career, after later playing as captain of Bettws RFC along with Alan Williams, and Mike Morgan and Michael Avery, both full backs for Newport. Michael Morgan could also play at outside half, also durable at soccer.

In football, Bettws housed five players who played for Newport County or Newport AFC, later returned as the County, thanks to the committee who fought relentlessly to finally succeed.

We remember players like Glyn Millett, a player with ability to cut up defences. Then there was Mark Price who became Newport AFC's captain to complete a mass total of 275 appearances, scoring regularly, his record only beaten recently by present County favourite Nathan Davies, but he was great. His brother Jason also played for them, also a favourite with Civil Service.

In recent times another player for Newport County was keeper of ability, Gareth Wesson, now keeper for Cwmbran Crows, he still lives in Bettws. We must send best wishes to Academy player Daniel Elliott who is on the books for the future. H Ridsdale, Lovells, J Parker Pontypool RFC, congratulated for past honours.