From the match programme:-
"COACHES CORNER"
"Director of Rugby Darryl Jones who is coaching the Black and Amber side alongside Leigh Jones"
"With the postponement of last Saturdays Welsh Premiership game against Newbridge it is now some five weeks since our last home game and today we entertain Bridgend Athletic in round 4 of the Konica Minolta Cup To many, this may seem like a bit of a David and Goliath battle , with the Black and Ambers currently top of the Welsh Premiership and Bridgend Athletic third in Division Two West. However, Bridgend are currently third in the table having won 8 matches and have lost just 3 games all season, so whilst we are expected to win, it is important to remember that Cup matches have the habit of never going according to plan!"
"The two-week playing break has enabled us to reflect on where we are at the moment and I am pleased to say that we remain top of the Welsh Premiership and despite three very close away matches we have maintained our winning habit."
"Our three matches against Caerphilly, Pontypool and Ebbw Vale were extremely tight games with the outcome not determined until the final whistle and whilst I am sure it makes the games very exciting for the spectators, for us the coaches we wish that the games could be wrapped up long before the final whistle! However, this highlights the competitive nature of the Premiership and how once you are top all sides go all out to beat you. I was particularly pleased with the way we managed to fight back against Caerphilly coming back from a 29-point deficit to record a win by two points. The match I think shows the remarkable qualities of the side; they never give up and keep fighting until the very end."
"The match at Pontypool Park was again a close encounter and for the first time this season we failed to cross the try line ourselves being awarded two penalty tries. Two weeks ago the match against Ebbw Vale was another close contest as the Steelmen threw everything at us but some brave defence kept them out and kept our winning record in tact."
"Our last home game saw us face Aberavon and I am sure they thought we would still be suffering a hangover following our defeat at the Gnoll. But I am pleased to say we were not and our minds were fully concentrated on the game before us. I thought our backs played extremely well for the side to score five tries."
"As this is our last home game of 2003 I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Black and Amber army a very Happy New Year and thank you for the tremendous support you have shown towards the team. I look forward to hearing more of your passionate support in 2004."
"UP FOR THE CUP"
"Today marks Newport’s entry into the Welsh club knockout competition, the Konica Minolta Cup.
"It was only last May that the Black and Ambers succumbed to Llanelli in the final of the previous incarnation of this event, the Principality Cup. In view of our League form there is no doubt we have the talent and experience to mount a similar challenge this year, provided we get the luck of the draw. It is pleasing that the competition has a sponsor by contrast with all other significant Celtic/Welsh competitions and that the WRU have decided to continue to play the final at the Millennium Stadium (scheduled for May 8th 2004)."
"Newport's early presence means that we have the opportunity to pit our wits against more junior opposition. Bridgend Athletic will come to Rodney Parade with nothing to lose today. It goes without saying that we should treat them with every respect."
"With the New Year nearly upon us it is an opportune time for Black and Amber supporters to reflect on 2003. To describe the past year as turbulent would be an understatement. At various times it has seemed that the future of rugby at Newport has been under threat. Thanks to the commitment and fortitude of the Club’s Directors we now have two successful teams playing out of Rodney Parade. The so-called regional rugby agreement brought the supporters of Newport RFC on to the streets. 12,000 petitioned the WRU to ensure Newport was in the name of the regional team for this area. The petition was contemptibly rejected. We showed our power as consumers by refusing to sign up for season tickets for the new Gwent team. Following the addition of Newport to the name season ticket holders increased three-fold. Unfortunately, the off-field problems were not resolved until the recent partnership agreement between Newport and the WRU. Commendably and despite the administrative difficulties Newport Gwent Dragons have performed beyond expectations in the Celtic League and currently lie in third position."
"Throughout these difficulties Newport’s interests have been voiced and articulated not only by the Club’s Directors but also by the hard working Supporters Club and by individual supporters on websites, fan forums and the letters page of the Argus. In the Argus, Robin Davey has played a key role in challenging the assumption that the name of Newport could be allowed by the WRU to disappear from professional rugby in Wales. Thanks to you all. The new era has also marked the arrival of our talented Welsh Premiership team. They are a shrewd mix of experience and youth who have delighted and rewarded their considerable support with emphatic victories in places like Llanelli and Swansea. They have also been known to cause the odd heart palpitation as in the last gasp win against Carmarthen or the extraordinary comeback against Caerphilly. New names are making their impact upon the Black and Amber faithful - Craig Richards, Daniel Griffiths, Sam Waldron, and Rhys Jones - and should get their chance soon at regional level."
"There is little doubt that 2004 will throw up further challenges. As a club we have proved this year we are up to the challenge. 2004 provides a real opportunity to put all this behind us. To fire up the Newport Gwent Dragons to Celtic League success and solid progress in the Heineken Cup and for the Black and Ambers to bring a Welsh Premiership title back to Rodney Parade."
"Happy New Year"
"Richard Davies."
AS FOR THE GAME ITSELF .....
Newport entered the seasons' Konica Minolta Cup at a rain soaked Rodney Parade and were quickly into their stride. Rhys Shorney scored his first try of the afternoon converted by Dan Griffiths. Lock Steve Martin was sin-binned after 26 minutes but Newport then started a points rush and scored 3 of their 5 first half tries while he was off the field. Athletic?s only points were from a 1st half penalty by Morris. At half time the score stood at Newport 31 Bridgend Athletic 3. As the weather cleared Bridgend put up a fight right to the final whistle but Shorney broke the dealock with his 2nd try and then Newport scored their 7th and 8th tries of the afternoon.