Talks were taking place in Newport between leisure officials and the water authority about potential cuts. Four bowling greens in the city, already badly damaged by lack of water, faced ruin if restrictions tightened further. Mr Wait said the rugby season was one of the great thrills of his life, missing just three games in that memorable year. A former Newport player, Keith James had also played for Cardiff, Neath, and Abertillery before joining Pontypool. The dispute centred on claims that these men were also working coal mixed with ballast at the Newport sidings.