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CHARVIS STAYS AS COACH

Jul 8 - Colin Charvis's positive influence upon Newport Gwent Dragons will remain next season as the 35-year-old flanker has agreed to become the region's contact and defence skills coach for the 2008/2009 season. He will also be available for selection. In the EDF Cup the Dragons face Gloucester and Wasps away and Newcastle at home in what is likely to be the final season of the competition.

TITANS WIN

ANOTHER DRAW FOR NEWPORT

Jun 30 - Newport Cricket Club slumped to a draw at lowly Panteg. Newport put Panteg in and the home side scored 192 for eight. Newport’s batting failed and they limped along to 136 for nine, Tudge top scoring with 48 to leave Panteg still looking for their first win of the season.

NEWPORT CC SCRAPE DRAW WITH USK

Jun 14 - In their latest South Wales Cricket League match at Usk Newport managed to hang on for a draw. The home side opted to bat first and made 264 for three, with player/coach Mike Jones reaching 104 not out, Glamorgan’s Huw Waters 65 and Ian Clayton also 65. Tom Leeman took two for 50 for Newport. Opener Tom Cleeve scored 65 on his first-team debut when Newport went in, but by the close they were 228-9. Newport are currently fourth some way behind leaders Sully. Find the table here.

TITANS LOSE UNBEATEN RECORD

Jun 14 - Newport Titans lost their unbeaten record in the Wales Rugby League Conference yesterday going down 40-16 at Valley Cougars.

SUPPORT ST. MICHAEL'S!

Jun 12 - St Michael's Baseball Club is 100 years old this year - and is raising money to build on its legacy. The Newport club is working with ASDA Living at Newport Retail Park to collect money for the team's youth sides. As well as two senior teams, the Pill-based club runs teams for under 12s, under 14s and under 16s. Club secretary Peter Sanders said just a single game costs the club £80 a day. "We have to pay for pitch fees, for the referee and other costs. We're also looking to buy the junior sides their kits for the centenary season," he added. St Michael was formed in 1908 in conjunction with St Michael's Church to offer sporting opportunities to it's younger members.

TITANS MAINTAIN WINNING RUN

Jun 9 - Newport Titans maintained their perfect start to the season (played 2 won 2) with an 18-16 win over Cardiff Demons at the Pill Harriers ground on Saturday.

DRAGONS TO PLAY BEDFORD FRIENDLY

Jun 9 - Newport Gwent Dragons will play at Paul Turner's old club Bedford on Friday August 15. As reported a week later they host Saracens at Rodney Parade.

BRISTOL STAYING PUT

Jun 3 - Bristol expect "a challenging time" after deciding to postpone their proposed ground share at Rodney Parade in Newport. Bristol are to remain at the Memorial Stadium for another campaign following Bristol Rovers Football Club's announcement that ground redevelopment there is to be delayed by 12 months.

Rovers directors voted unanimously to delay the project, citing the "current economic climate". A partner lined up to build student accommodation as part of the significant redevelopment work pulled out last week. Bristol had already made a decision to move to Rodney Parade in Newport for the next two seasons, with Rovers using Cheltenham Town's facilities.

Bristol have sold season tickets for the past month, based on being in Newport next term. But club chief executive David White said: "We have been in discussions with Bristol Rovers over the past couple of days, and now they have clarified the situation, we have decided to play our fixtures at the Memorial Stadium this (next) season. "We have also been talking to Newport and keeping them appraised of the situation. They are naturally disappointed that we will not be joining them next season, but understand our situation.

"I would like to say that everyone we have dealt with at Newport has been a pleasure to work with. We look forward to working with them with a view to playing at Rodney Parade in 2009-10."

STRANGE CELEBRATIONS AT WALES OPEN

June 2 - Australian Scott Strange shot a closing 7-under-par 64 Sunday, making him a wire-to-wire winner at the Wales Open in Newport.

Strange's 72-hole total, 22-under 262 was four strokes better than runner-up Robert Karlsson of Sweden. That made him the fifth player this season on the European Tour to lead after all four rounds.

STRANGE POSITION FOR SCOTT

May 31 - According to reports Scott Strange admitted to dizziness as he preserved his Wales Open lead. The Australian's light-headedness is no surprise as unknown Strange looks to close out his first victory on the European Tour. Strange shot a round of 69 to move onto 15 under par to lead the Celtic Manor field by three shots as he looks to complete a start to finish win.

DRAGONS FITNESS COACH JOINS BATH

May 31 - Bath Rugby have appointed New Zealander Paul Bunce as the new head of their fitness and conditioning team.Bunce, 36, has parted company with Magners League side Newport Gwent Dragons, where he was serving in the same capacity. Bunce stepped up to take charge of the Dragons squad's fitness needs at the start of last season after working with the academy squad through the 2006-07 season.

BRISTOL MOVE THROWN INTO CONFUSION

May 30 - Bristol Rugby may still not play at Rodney Parade next season following another twist in the tale of redevelopment plans for the Memorial Ground. Owners of the ground Bristol Rovers have announced that a key partner, Opal, responsible  for providing student housing as part of the plan have pulled out. Opal have stated they are unable to raise the necessary finance. It is understood Rovers are in talks with another provider but according to reports locally the development may be deferred by a further year as a result. Rovers and Bristol Rugby had already started selling season ticket packages for Cheltenham and Newport respectively.

Bristol Rugby CEO David White said on Friday evening:"We remain thoroughly supportive of Bristol Rovers' efforts to redevelop the Memorial Stadium but can make no further comment until Rovers are able to provide us with an update. In the meantime, I would like to reassure Bristol Rugby supporters who have purchased or are intending to purchase 2028 Club Memberships, that we will honour those packages regardless of where we play our home fixtures next season. We will also honour the prices we have set for 2008-9 season ticket packages."

DRAGONS TO PLAY SARACENS

May 30 - Saracens have announced they will play Newport Gwent Dragons in a friendly at Rodney Parade on Friday August 22.

STRANGE STAYS AHEAD

May 30 - First-round front-runner Scott Strange upped his lead to four strokes with a 5-under-par 66 at Friday's second round of the Wales Open in Newport.

After inclement weather conditions, the Australian total is on a 13-under score of 129. He has never won a tournament on the European Tour.

STRANGE LEADS WALES OPEN
May 29 - Scott Strange made five straight birdies and shot an 8-under 63 to take a one-stroke lead over Edoardo Molinari in the first round of the Wales Open. The 31-year-old Australian began his round at the 11th, and his birdie run from the 14th gave him a nine-hole score of 7-under 28.

CHAMPIONS BEATEN

May 10 - Champions Leinster were beaten by Newport Gwent Dragons in a lively affair at Rodney Parade yesterday evening. In their final match of the season the Dragons scored five tries. The Leinster side included  many of their first team including Brian O'Driscoll.  They fought back hard after falling well behind early on but were unable to halt the Dragons second victory in four days. The Dragons will  still finish bottom placed Welsh side in eighth spot ahead of Ulster and Connacht. Attendance - 5112.

HARTRIDGE CRUSH NORTH WALIANS

May 7 - Hatridge continued their domination of Welsh Schools football by winning the under 19s Cup Final for the fourth successive season defeating Deeside College by nine goals to nil. Chris Hartland scored four goals, Jason Armitage three, Luke Prosser and Lewis Waite scored one a-piece in another impressive showing.

DRAGONS WIN

May 6 - A monkey on a stick could qualify for the Heineken Cup from the Magners League. And if confirmation of this was needed Newport Gwent Dragons secured the ninth qualifying place from this below standard competition with a win against Neath-Swansea Ospreys at Rodney Parade this evening. The much vaunted Ospreys were without eleven Welsh internationals and played poorly aside from a purple patch just before half time that produced a Shaun Connor try. Otherwise the NGD's deserved their win thanks to a lively display from Richard Parks and another stupendous effort from Colin Charvis. The latter sealed victory with his second half try converted by the inconsistent Ceri Sweeney for an 18-10 winning margin. Attendance 5500.

LEINSTER DRUB DRAGONS

May 3 - Leinster took the Magners League title with an emphatic 41 points to 8 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons at the Dublin Showground. The Newport-based region's only try came in the second half for prop Adam Black.

BRISTOL CONFIRM NEWPORT MOVE

May 2 - Bristol have confirmed they will share Rodney Parade with the Newport's two teams for the next two seasons while the Memorial Stadium is redeveloped.

Having investigated various options in and around Bristol, the board of Bristol Rugby decided that playing at Rodney Parade represented the best available solution for the next two seasons.

"We did, of course, explore every possible opportunity to remain in Bristol," said Bristol chief executive David White. "We made that commitment to our supporters and we left no stone unturned. However, we had to eliminate each venue for a variety of reasons and that meant that we had to widen our search. Newport Rugby Limited, however, have been a pleasure to deal with and we have been able to agree a mutually beneficial deal. Our thanks go out to them.

"Rodney Parade is within reasonable travelling distance of the Memorial Stadium and is a traditional rugby ground which we hope to establish as a fortress for the next two seasons. Our time away from Bristol will be a challenge but we really hope that as many of our supporters back us during this period and travel to support us in Newport."

Bristol will play home games at Rodney Parade on Sundays, and will offset the cost of crossing the Severn Bridge by cutting ticket prices by £5 per game. Bristol's first game at Rodney Parade - pending final approval from the Rugby Football Union and England Rugby Ltd - will be a friendly against Newport RFC on 30 August, while Saturday's game with Worcester should be their last at the Memorial Stadium.

DRAGONS DOWNED BY OSPREYS

Apr 25 - In a match of little excitement dominated by their committed defensive resistance the Newport based region still lost to the Ospreys 16-3. The only try of the game came after two blatant forward passes were ignored by referee Tim Hayes as he shepherded Aled Brew in to score. A worrying injury to Rhodri Gomer Davies held up play significantly in the second half but thankfully it was not as serious as first feared.

Newport Rugby Club has submitted a planning application for the regeneration of the Rodney Parade stadium. The scheme will provide for a 15,000-capacity stadium with 13,000 seats, together with community and commercial facilities for matchday and non-matchday activities.

HARRINGTON TO PLAY WELSH OPEN

CONNOR SIGNS FOR DRAGONS

Apr 21 - Sean Connor has signed for Newport Gwent Dragons after seven years with Neath and the Neath-Swansea Ospreys. The 32 year old joins New Zealanders Tom Willis and Haioni McDonald and Tal Selley at Rodney Parade next season.

DRAGONS DOWNED BY CONNACHT

Apr 18 - Newport Gwent Dragons were beaten by the fourth Irish region, Connacht 13-11 in disappointing circumstances at Rodney Parade this evening. The Dragons failed to convert a number of try scoring chances. Inevitably Johnny O'Connor made them pay with five minutes to go. This was converted by Andrew Dunne. The crowd was 3,240, the lowest at Newport for four years. It's not the lowest crowd for the Dragons in the Magners League - on Saturday, November 1 2003 3,012 watched them play Edinburgh. Recruits from New Zealand will be announced shortly and are expected to include Waikato hooker Tom Willis.

COLLINS LINKED WITH NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS

Apr 5 - New Zealand websites are linking All Black legend Jerry Collins with a possible move to Newport Gwent Dragons. He has expressed an interest in playing in Europe.

YMCA BEATEN IN CUP

Apr 5 - Newport YMCA were beaten 3-1 by Bangor City at Latham Park in the Welsh Cup this afternoon, Dan Cueto grabbed a consolation five minutes from time. The defeat in the Cup semi-final ended a fantastic cup run for the YMCA.

GLASGOW BEAT DRAGONS

Mar 30 - Glasgow beat Newport Gwent Dragons 20-14 at Rodney Parade this afternoon in front of a quiet crowd numbering 4,500. The Scottish side recorded their first away win recovering a first half deficit to take victory, ably led by Scottish outside half Dan Parks. The Dragons had large amounts of possession but failed to break down their opponents defence other than a sweeping move in the first half for a Gareth Wyatt. Off the field it was confirmed that assistant coaches David Rees and Leigh Jones will join Paul Turner in a further two year stint at Newport. Turner criticised his players following the match, warning that many of them will not be at Newport next season!

WHITE-WILLIAMS JOINS PLYMOUTH

Mar 30 - Jamie White-Williams, a 20 year old motocross rider from Newport has signed for the Plymouth Devils speedway team. Plymouth promoter Mike Bowden stated: "As a motocross rider, which is obviously rough, he probably finds speedway a lot easier in comparison. What I can say about him is that he's very reliable and steady. I've seen him practising and he's a very good rider who's come on a lot."

YMCA MATCH OFF

Mar 29 - Bangor City travelled all the way to Newport for their scheduled Welsh Cup semi-final match against Newport YMCA, but the game was called off an hour before kick off due to waterlogged pitch.

SARACENS GO DOWN

Mar 29 - Struggling Newport Saracens fought hard at Caerphilly but ultimately lost 5-0. The defeat gives them a much needed bonus point but they are running out of games to save them from relegation. Division 1 East Table here.

CLOCK TO CLOCK RUN RESURRECTED

Mar 2 - To celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Tredegar Town Clock, Tredegar Town council has resurrected the Newport to Tredegar 21 mile Road Race, known as the Clock to Clock race. Starting at the Clock Tower at Newport Civic Centre the 21 mile point to point course finishes at Tredegar Town Clock with the course rising from sea level to just over 1400ft. As one of the oldest long distance races in Wales if not the UK the race is steeped in history being first run in 1963. The run will take place on Sunday June 22 and will be limited to 100 participants.

YMCA THROUGH

Mar 1 - Newport YMCA have gone through to the semi final of the Welsh Cup having come from 2 down to beat Welshpool today by 3-2 at Mendalgief Road. They will play Bangor City in the semi final. Newport's three goals came from Daniel Heath (2) and Lewis Sommers.

DRAGONS DRAW WITH EDINBURGH

Feb 29 - Newport Gwent Dragons fought out a drab 10-10 draw with Edinburgh in the Magners League at Rodney Parade this evening. The match was dominated by a strong cross wind. Edinburgh with use of the wind in the first half failed to capitalise initially building up a ten point lead through a Cairns try, Godman conversion and penalty only to allow the home side back in.  The Dragons scored a Fussell try late in the first half following a neat Ashley Smith grubber kick. The try was converted by fly half Aled Thomas (first choice fly half Ceri Sweeney with a shoulder injury). Aled Thomas struck a penalty in the 57th-minute to tie the scores, but the Dragons could find no further way through doughty Edinburgh defence. Attendance - 4380.

SELBY TAKES THE HONOURS

Feb 17 - Mark Selby completed a memorable comeback to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan in the Welsh Open final in front of a capacity audience on Sunday. The Leicester man battled back from 8-5 down to beat O'Sullivan 9-8 at the Newport Centre and claim his first world ranking title.

O'SULLIVAN THROUGH TO FINAL

Feb 16 - Ronnie O'Sullivan will face Mark Selby in the final of the Welsh Snooker Open tomorrow. Selby accounted for Stephen Hendry this afternoon, O'Sullivan beat Shaun Murphy this evening 6-3 in front of a big crowd at Newport Centre. The Rocket compiled three century breaks including a tournament best break of 143.

The Boxing Night planned for March 14 at the Centre has been postponed and is now likely to take place in early April.

ULSTER SLAY PUFFED OUT DRAGONS

Feb 15 - Newport Gwent Dragons went down to a heavy defeat to Ulster at Ravenhill this evening. The Magners League clash ended in a convincing 38-13 victory for the Northern Ireland side. Despite a sparky start the Dragons seem to run out of steam as the game progressed. Outmuscled by the home team the Newport based region failed to capitalise on a bright start and were no match for the Ulster forwards. Their best effort early on was ruled out when lock Adam Jones failed to ground the ball over the line. Any chance they had was snuffed out by a red card against prop Adam Black for use of the arm after 46 minutes. Ulster were the more effective attacking force. Their tries came from Caldwell, R Best, Cunningham, Boss, Danielli, and Wallace. Phil Dollman grabbed a late consolation for the Dragons.

ROCKET THROUGH TO SEMIS

Feb 15 - Former World Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has struggled past Scotsman Ali Carter 5-4 to progress to the semi finals of the Welsh Open at Newport Centre today. The Englishman struggled to find his best form but now faces favourite Shaun Murphy in tomorrow evening's semi-final. The other semi kicks off in the afternoon at 1pm with Stephen Hendry of Scotland facing Mark Selby.

SWEENEY HEADS FOR CARDIFF

Feb 7 - Newport Gwent Dragons outside half Ceri Sweeney will join Cardiff at the  end of the season on a two year contract. The former Pontypridd product has been a thoroughly inconsistent performer and has not enjoyed a good relationship with fans at Newport.

YMCA DUMP LLANGEFNI OUT OF CUP

Feb 4 - Newport YMCA continued their impressive season by dumping Welsh Premier side Llangefni out of the Welsh Cup at Mendalgief Road. The match finished 1-1 but YMCA went through on penalties and are now through to the quarter finals of the competition.

BEARMAN EXTENDS STAY AT DRAGONS

Jan 31 - Back-rower Joe Bearman has signed a new two-year contract that will keep him at Newport Gwent Dragons until 2010. Newport RFC have signed Pontypool scrum half Andrew Quick on dual-contract basis until Pooler's other number 9 Gareth Betts returns from injury.

OWEN MOVES TO ENGLAND

Jan 25 - Warren Gatland's 'Welsh regions only' policy for selecting the national team is already in tatters. Saracens announced yesterday that Michael Owen was joining them following swiftly on from Dwayne Peel's decision to join Sale. The 27 year old Newport Gwent Dragon has signed for Saracens on a two year deal. When the opportunity came up, I met with the club and I was very excited about the future for Saracens and wanted to be part of it.I'm really looking forward to the fresh challenge and the chance to compete in the Guinness Premiership and in Europe."

At least Owen did not repeat Peel's ridiculous comment " I would like to experience another country for a short period". Gatland assured Peel that he would still be considered for the national team. Owen states he has had similar assurances. Dragons outside half Ceri Sweeney has been linked with a move to Worcester.

TURNER REWARDED WITH CONTRACT EXTENSION

PERPIGNAN HAMMER DRAGONS

Jan 19 - Newport Gwent Dragons were beaten 25-0 by French side Perpignan in the game of their campaign at Rodney Parade yesterday. Perpignan completely dominated the game scoring three tries. Former Newport hero Percy Montgomery added two penalties and two conversions. Attendance - 5496.

FOZZIE JOINS SARRIES

Jan 18 - Former Newport star Jason Forster has taken over as player coach at Newport Saracens.

IRISH TOO STRONG AGAIN FOR DRAGONS

Jan 12 - London Irish comfortably beat Newport Gwent Dragons 41-24 in the Heineken Cup yesterday at the Madejski Stadium in Reading. The Exiles second half complacency allowed the Dragons to mount a sprited second half comeback with tries from Daly, Sweeney and Emerick. Attendance - 8277.

SIDOLI TRY WINS IT FOR DRAGONS

Jan 4 - Newport Gwent Dragons won their second game in four days with an unexpected win in Glasgow. The Dragons overtook an early Glasgow lead with a Bearman try converted by Sweeney who then added a further two penalties either side of half time. Glasgow levelled through a Pinder try before Sidoli scored for the Dragons. A penalty from Parks narrowed the Dragons advantage to the final outcome, 18-16.   

LLANELLI PIPPED AT THE LAST

Jan 1 - Newport Gwent Dragons sealed victory over Llanelli with the last move of the match at Rodney Parade this afternoon. In a pulsating climax to an otherwise drab and error strewn encounter the Dragons right wing Richard Mustoe completed the move to score in the right hand corner and secure a 15-13 victory. The Dragons had trailed earlier in the game due to a Luke Priestland penalty and converted try. The Newport based region scored a try earlier in the second half through the impressive Ashley Smith. The attendance was 6,702 - significantly lower than the holiday attendances for the other Welsh regions, perhaps we have fewer theatre-goers in Newport.

CONFUSION SURROUNDS FUTURE OF REES

Dec 28 - Confusion surrounds the future of David Rees, assistant coach to Newport Gwent Dragons. Rees has quit his role as Wales sevens and according to BBC Wales was linked with the job of Canadian national coach. Rees has used the South Wales Argus to deny the story and pledge his future to Wales. Rees has held a number of key coaching responsibilities, some of them altogether at the same time! However, he denies any contact with the Canadian RFU.

SNOOKER STARS HEAD FOR PORT

Dec 28 - Snooker’s leading players will be back at the Newport Centre in February for the 2008 Welsh Open. The world’s top 32 players will be joined by 16 qualifiers for the world ranking tournament, which will run from February 11-17. Tickets for the event are now on sale and can be bought by calling 01633 656 757. Among the star names battling for the title will be Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, 888.com world champion John Higgins, Steve Davis, defending champion Neil Robertson and top Welsh players Mark Williams, Ryan Day, Matthew Stevens and Dominic Dale.

SPIRITED SHOWING FROM DRAGONS

Dec 26 - Newport Gwent Dragons went down 11-6 to Cardiff at the Arms Park this afternoon in the Magners League. The Newport based region fought with commendable spirit against woefully inept opponents. If Cardiff are the new force in Welsh rugby, God help us. They wasted possession and made a huge number of errors as they lumbered their way through a tense but unsatisfying first half. The Dragons lost both props Robinson and Black yellow-carded in quick succession on the half hour mark but held the score heroically to 3-3 at half time. McLeod opened a 6-3 lead for Cardiff on the hour before Ben White scored the only, decisive try of the game as he scrambled over from a line out. Tito and Bearman were red-carded for fighting late on before replacement Ceri Sweeney slotted a late penalty to salvage a deserved bonus point for the Dragons. Attendance - 12,532.

IT'S PASTA JOKE FOR DRAGONS

Dec 15 - In yet another shameful result for professional rugby played in Newport the regional side Newport Gwent Dragons lost this afternoon to Italian minnows Benetton Treviso by 24 points to 22. The game was played in front of 4,516 spectators at Rodney Parade. The Italian club secured victory with the last kick of the game - a 40 metre penalty from centre Marius Goosen. The Dragons had seemingly snatched victory moments earlier through a Ceri Sweeney drop goal. It was another setback for Dragons coach Paul Turner who stated after the game "In those last magical four minutes, we don't seem to be composed enough to go on and win those games. So it is disappointing but we've played a good European side." Treviso are not a good European side their record in the competition is little short of dreadful - this is their first win in sixteen matches, and their first victory since beating Bourgoin at home on 8th January 2005. The defeat will bring back haunting memories for Turner of another disastrous defeat to an Italian side - Overmach Parma. He survived that one as well. Victory was especially sweet for Treviso's South african coach, Franco Smith, a former Newport outside half.

DRAGONS CLING ON TO EURO HOPES

Dec 9 - A last ditch drop goal from Ceri Sweeney gave Newport Gwent Dragons a 35-33 win in Treviso yesterday. The Dragons late effort salvaged their admittedly dwindling hopes of Heineken Cup success. The 3,000 crowd had earlier witnessed four Dragons' tries from Charvis, Rhys Thomas, Gomer-Davies and Mustoe.

TURNER STORMS OUT OF PRESS CONFERENCE

Dec 2 - According to reports Man of Gwent Paul Turner stormed out the press briefing at Rodney Parade following yet another defeat. But did he head for Cross Keys, Abertillery or Ebbw Vale, or any other part of his fabled 'streets of Gwent'? No, according to his friend Robin Davey "Barely able to conceal his anger, Turner concluded: "I'm absolutely fuming, I'm going back to London." And with that he stormed out."

GLOUCESTER LEAVE IT LATE

Nov 30 - Gloucester left it late for a second successive weekend before claiming a 13-11 victory in the EDF Energy Cup win over Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade. But the win, achieved by a late Gareth Delve try and a Chris Patterson conversion was meaningless, with both teams out of the competition before the match started. Adam Black scored a try ealier in the match for the Dragons. A complicated situation regarding wins and draws between the teams meant that, even if Wasps and Newcastle drew in the other group game, one or the other would go through.

DRAGONS TAKE ANOTHER BEATING

Nov 24 - Newport Gwent Dragons fell to a heavy defeat at Munster this evening losing 45-19 to the Irish province. They were overwhelmed by Munster in an early scoring spree that saw them score four tries in the first thirty minutes. The Dragons tries came from Martyn Thomas, Richard Mustoe and Jamie Ringer.

REGIONAL RUGBY NEEDS IDENTITY - MEREDITH

Nov 24 - Newport, Wales and British Lions legend Bryn Meredith has called for regional rugby to more clearly identify with the traditional club identities of Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and Llanelli. Speaking at last night's celebration of Newport's 1957 success over Australia he called on the Welsh Rugby Union to address the issue.

NEWPORT HOST UNDER 20s WORLD CUP GROUP

Nov 21 - The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced that Wales will host the inaugural IRB Junior World Championship in June 2008. The Tournament, which will bring together the world’s best Under 20 teams, will take place between 6 - 22 June and will incorporate an exciting regional format.

Swansea’s Liberty Stadium, Cardiff’s Arms Park, Newport’s Rodney Parade and Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground will be the host venues for each of the four pools giving widespread coverage within the Principality. Australia top the seedings in Pool C and take on England, Canada and Fiji in Newport.

SUBLIME LONDON IRISH OUTCLASS DRAGONS

Nov 17 - A sublime London Irish performance left Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade this afternoon. The English outfit hammered the Dragons 45-17 in a six try demolition of Turner's team. De Vedia scored their first try and quickly added a second as the Exiles capitalised on a Kevin Morgan error. Mike Catt took a neat pass from Tonga Lea'aetoa to secure the third. Sweeney slotted a penalty but it was a brief respite as Delon Armitage added the Exiles fourth just after half an hour. All four tries were converted by Peter Hewat, he also added a penalty. Michael Owen stemmed the tide with the Dragons first try just before half time. After 48 minute a poor lineout from the Dragons allowed Sailosi Tagicakibau to boot the loose ball upfield before setting off in pursuit. Tagicakibau collected the ball and found Seilala Mapusua on his outside, who made a brilliant offload to outstanding lock Nick Kennedy in the tackle, before the six foot eight inch second row ran over the line unchallenged. The Dragons had a lucky break when the TMO ignored a clear double movement to award Steve Jones a try before a Delon Armitage interception of a wayward Andy Williams completed the rout.

The Exiles had a better line out and more intuitive half backs than the home team. They were inventive and clinical when opportunities became available. Theu played with greater intensity and pace than the Dragons. Paul Turner may rue the decision to start with three opensides in the back row as the side of rucks seemed to be largely undefended for the first thirty minutes. He also took too long to bring Joe Bearman and Paul Emerick in to the game. Their presence helped to steady the ship late on. In all, the Dragons seemed thoroughly underprepared and taken by surprise by the London Irish style of play.

LYDIATE COULD BE OUT FOR SEASON

Nov 12 - Newport Gwent Dragons flanker Dan Lydiate looks set to be ruled out for a considerable period following a neck injury. The promising 19-year-old was today still in a French hospital after he was stretchered off the field during the Welsh region’s Heineken Cup loss at Perpignan. Lydiate strained neck ligaments and bruised a disk in his neck in the defeat at Stade Aime Giral.

PERPIGNAN EDGE OUT NGDs

Nov 10 - Newport Gwent Dragons scored a late try to earn a surprise bonus point in their 23-19 defeat away to Perpignan in Pool One of the Heineken Cup. Ceri Sweeney followed up tries by Joe Bearman and Gareth Wyatt as the Welsh region out-scored their hosts three tries to two at Stade Aime Giral. But the boot of Cedric Rosalen proved the difference as the 2003 cup finalists held on for victory on the opening night of this season's competition.

LOMBARD RAC RALLY

Nov 10 - Britain's toughest car rally concludes in Newport on Saturday. Cars cross the finish line on Sunday (11) at Newport International Sports Village after driving through 1,200 miles of forests, circuits, hillclimbs, moorland and farmland venues.

YMCA SEND CUP HOLDERS OUT

Nov 7 - Ten man Newport YMCA beat Welsh Cup holders Carmarthen Town 2-1 to progress to the last 16 of the competition. Faris Yafi gave the Pill based team the lead before Liam Hancock levelled, but an 85th minute penalty from Gareth Lynch secured a 2-1 win. They have a home tie against Llangefni as a reward on February 2. Caerleon FC also made the last 16, they face Queen's Park (Wrexham).

See Newport YMCA FC website here.

NEWCASTLE SHAKE OFF DRAGONS

Nov 3 - An unlikely comeback saw Newport Gwent Dragons challenge Newcastle at Kingston Park before losing 29-24. The Dragons were 17-0 adrift but showed some spirit to overcome the loss of two players to the sin bin before mounting their fightback. Newcastle were without star outside half Jonny wilkinson but did include Toby Flood and Matthew Tait. Rhys Thomas scored two tries for the Dragons, the other tries were scored by Martyn Thomas and Andy Williams. The Dragons net two points for scoring four points and for finishing within seven points of their opponents. London Wasps with two home games to come would seem to be favourites for the group. Newport Saracens lost at home today to Caerphilly by 31-15. 

DRAGONS HOLD WASPS

Oct 27 - Newport Gwent Dragons exceeded expectations by holding London Wasps to a draw in their EDF Cup match at Rodney Parade this evening. A disappointing match spoilt by the wet weather conditions ended 3-3, with penalties from Sweeney and Cipriani. The latter, who was the best player on the field, was denied a fair second half try by the television match official, Tony Rowlands. Attendance - 5664. Newport Saracens won at Llanharan today by 20-18.

MORGAN INJURED

Oct 18 - Newport Gwent Dragons' Kevin Morgan will be out for at least five weeks following a knee operation. Morgan will miss EDF fixtures against Wasps and Newcastle and the first Heineken Cup fixture in Perpignan. The Dragons have failed to make any additional signings to boost their squad in advance of the Heineken tournament.

TURNER ADMITS REGIONAL RUGBY IS FAILING TO DELIVER

Oct 16 - Newport Gwent Dragons coach Paul Turner has admitted that regional rugby has not captured the imagination of the Welsh public or its localities. He admits in a South Wales Echo interview that until Welsh rugby decides whether it wants fully-fledged regions or superclubs, development of the game will be hindered. “We still haven’t resolved this, certainly not in my region,” said Turner “The pity is that we are missing a trick in so many ways, one being in the marketing of the game.

Les Cusworth, Argentina's Director of Rugby recently argued that Wales should dismantle its professional game and encourage its best players to play in England or France a la Argentina "I have changed my opinion significantly over the last two years," he said. "Especially if you look at the problems Welsh and Scottish rugby has gone through. The strength and passion of the game in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales is based in club rugby and we have dismantled all that with the professional game. " He said club rugby in Wales could revert to amateur status to widen the base of the game.

Andy Howell, Western Mail correspondent has called for professional players to be scattered around the Premiership to invigorate that competition and to cut down on fixtures for the regional team. The Magners League has come in for stinging criticism from many journalists. Even Robin Davey has remarked on its failings. English commentators have attributed the hard nosed attitude of their team to the competitive mentality of the Guinness Premiership where there are no easy games and there is an annual battle for play offs and relegation. Sale coach Phillipe Saint-Andre said just over a week ago "People criticise the club game in the northern hemisphere, but I believe that the two quarter final wins on Saturday by England and France were brewed in the Premiership, the French championship and the Heineken Cup. Because we have relegation and play-off matches, and because we are used to frequent knockout games, our players know the fear of a door-die match and it makes them stronger."

EURO TOUR PROS TO PLAY RYDER CUP COURSE

Oct 15 - The European Tour 2008 schedule includes the ninth staging of the Wales Open at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. Prize money of £1.8 million will be available as players get an early chance to play the 2010 Ryder Cup course. It takes place between May 29 and June 1.

NGDs WIN IN EDINBURGH

Oct 12 - Newport Gwent Dragons beat Edinburgh 19-13 at Murrayfield this evening in front of a crowd of 1,412. The Dragons scored three tries through Ceri Sweeney (2) and Wayne Evans. Sweeney added two conversions. The Scots were missing nine of their international players resting following World Cup duty. The Newport based regional team are now third in the Magners League.

PRYCE ON THE MARCH

Oct 8 - Newport's Commonwealth light middleweight boxing champion Bradley Pryce  made the fifth defence of his belt with a stunning third-round knockout of Martin Concepcion in Nottingham on Saturday. Pryce took his career record to 26-6 (16 KOs). He has not lost since October 2005.

DRAGONS SEE OFF ULSTER

Oct 6 - Newport Gwent Dragons convincingly disposed of Ulster by 31-11 at Rodney Parade this evening. In a scrappy encounter the Newport-based region played most of the football and thoroughly deserved their victory in front of a very small crowd (4,139). The Dragons were significantly assisted by returning Welsh World Cup players. Tries came from Wyatt, Gomer-Davies and Charteris with fly half Ceri Sweeney weighing in with four penalties and two conversions.

DRAGONS RUN OUT OF PUFF

Sep 28 - Newport Gwent Dragons threw away a 16 point lead to go down 26-16 to Munster at Rodney Parade this evening. The Dragons made emphatic progress in the first half with three penalties from Aled Thomas and a converted try from Wayne Evans. Crucially, Munster clawed a score back just before half time from Dowling. The Irishmen dominated the second half scoring an early try from Holland. The Dragons made a critical error when 16-10 forgoing a penalty kick in an attempt to score a try. Munster then scored three further penalties before Warwick scored an interception try at the death to seal it. Attendance -4587.  

LARKHAM IN TALKS?

Sep 28 - According to David Watkins, president of the Newport Gwent Dragons, the team are considering a move for Australian outside half Stephen Larkham. Larkham was due to join Edinburgh but the transfer fell through following the Scottish Rugby Union's takeover of the club. He has recently undergone a second knee operation in Montpelier Hospital, this seems likely to end his World Cup and international career. He is a world class player but doubts must remain about his fitness in particularly his knee problems.

BARNEY WINS DARTS FINAL

Sep 25 - World champion Raymond van Barneveld landed his fifth Pro Tour title of the year as he won the Welsh Players Championship in Newport. Barney suffered a shock first round exit at the Bullit World Darts Trophy last month but bounced back to form to beat Alex Roy 3-0 in the final of the Welsh Players Championship. The big Dutchman only lost three sets throughout the tournament and only lost two legs in the final against Roy, who had been playing some sparkling darts.

VELODROME TO BE OLYMPIC TRAINING VENUE

Sep 21 - The Wales National Velodrome in Newport has been chosen as the venue for the Great Britain Cycling Team to train for the Olympics in Beijing 2008. The venue was chosen due to the similarity of quality and speed of track to the actual Velodrome that the team will compete on in the Olympic Games 2008. The Velodrome was also used by the team during preparation for the Athens Olympics in 2004. The British team will be based at the Celtic Manor in Newport and cycle down each day to the Newport International Sports Village, where the Velodrome is based. Doug Dailey, from the GB Team said, “The excellent quality and speed of the track make the Wales National Velodrome the perfect venue for our riders to prepare for the Olympics in Beijing. The track, staff and venue were perfect when used in preparation for the 2004 games and will help once again get the riders ready for more medal success in 2008.

DRAGONS BEATEN IN GALWAY

Sep 21 - Newport Gwent Dragons were easily beaten by Connacht in Galway this evening. The Irish side conceded an early try from Martyn Thomas but swept in to a 19-7 lead at half time with a Robbie Morris try and a conversion and four penalties from Tim Donnelly. The Connacht outside half added a late drop goal to confirm the victory by 22-7. Attendance - 1968.

THE POWER AND BARNEY HEAD BACK TO THE PORT

Sep 20 - A powerful field has been assembled for the Blue Square UK Welsh Open Regional Final this Sunday. Newport Centre will reverberate to the crowds cheering on Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld and up and coming stars Michael van Gerwen, James Wade and Adrian Lewis. Phil 'the Power' Taylor was last year's champion. The event starts at 2.30pm with admission for adults £10, £5 for concessions and free entry for children.

DRAGONS DRUBBED BLACK AND BLUE

Sep 7 - Cardiff Blues beat Newport Gwent Dragons by 40 points to 13 in a one sided affair at Rodney Parade this evening. The 5,700 crowd mostly watched in silence as Cardiff controlled the game for long periods scoring six tries. The game was littered with errors and the home side showed little passion for the fight against their supposed neighbours. Nicky Robinson stood out in the low quality affair scoring twelve points for Cardiff. This is the Dragons' biggest home defeat since they were smashed 49-19 by Llanelli Scarlets on 29 April 2005 and the smallest crowd for a fixture between the two teams.

STADIUM ANNOUNCEMENT IMMINENT

Sep 2 - According to press reports Newport Rugby Football Club, Newport Gwent Dragons and the City Council will shortly announce plans for the redevelopment of the Rodney Parade ground. The BBC is reporting that the redevelopment of the ground has followed talks with the City Council and if it is on lines previously discussed will involve a new stand and clubhouse at the 'family stand' end of the ground. The BBC incorrectly stated that this "will allow the Dragons to stay at their Rodney Parade home, where they have been for more than a century. " We all know who has played at Rodney Parade for a century, but there you are, we are used to such mis-information. 

NGD's IN FIRST WIN AT STRADEY

Sep 1 - Newport Gwent Dragons upset expectations to beat Llanelli Scarlets at Stradey Park for the first time. They made a storming start to the game to lead 23-3 at the break with tries from Rhys Thomas and Gareth Wyatt. Llanelli hit back to narrow the margin to 23-20 but crucially Andy Williams stemmed the flow with a close range score to win the day. Attendance - 5923.

NEWPORT CRICKET CLUB

Aug 26 - In their latest South Wales Cricket League match at Tondu, Newport made 249-4 with captain Nathan Millichip getting 70, Imran Hassan 67 and Tom Roberts 58 not out. Bradley Wadlan made 100 when Tondu batted, Ben Wright got 29, Jamie Williamson 28 and Matthew Morgan 23 – but needing four to win off the last ball, Tondu lost a wicket and finished on 246-9.

Aug 28 - Newport followed this up with another win against Panteg on Bank Holiday Monday to go second in the league behind Sully. 

Sep 4 - Newport came up with a winning draw against Sudbrook on Saturday but it was not enough for the League title. They seem set to finish second behind champions Sully after a storming conclusion to the season. One round of matches remain.

DRAGONS STRUGGLE

Aug 24 - Newport Gwent Dragons struggled to put away English Division One team Bedford at Rodney Parade this evening. Bedford got off to a perfect start when they managed to win the ball from the kick-off, and Dragons gave away a first-minute penalty converted by Ben Patston. Aled Thomas levelled matters after fifteen minuutes. Patson put Bedford 6-3 in front again after seventeen minutes.  In a decisive turn of the match after 37 minutes first Dan Richmond and then Nic Strauss were sent to the sin bin by the referee for defensive infringements as Bedford held the Dragons out. The Blues managed to turn an NGD scrum on their own line to win back possession, but Patston failed to find touch and, with their numerical advantage the Dragons punished them. An incisive run from Gareth Wyatt broke Bedford's line, and the ball went through to Ashley Smith who forced his way in at the corner. Thomas added a brilliant touchline conversion to give Dragons a 10-6 half-time lead. The second half was scoreless but throughout the NGD's failed to dominate opposition from England's second division.

BARNEY AND THE POWER RETURN TO THE PORT

Aug 16 - Darts superstars Phil 'the Power' Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld will return to Newport Centre on September 22 and 23 as a major championship comes back to the City. The Professional Darts Corporation will stage their now-annual Welsh Players Championship and Blue Square UK Open Welsh Regional Final at the Newport Centre. The tournament begins at midday on Saturday 22 September.

NEWPORT CC CONTINUE WINNING RUN

Aug 12 - Newport continued their winning run by beating reigning champions St Fagans at Spytty Park in the South Wales Cricket League. Newport won the toss and elected to bat but were bowled out for 168. Tom Roberts scored 59 and Nathan Millichip 39. St Fagans were soon in trouble and were eventually skittled out for 145.

ST. MICHAEL'S LOSE OUT IN BASEBALL FINAL

Aug 11 - Grangetown Catholics were victorious in Welsh baseball’s first major trophy of the season by defeating St Michael’s by nine men to bat to lift the Bill Barrett WBU Cup at Coronation Park on Sunday. The Catholics scored 74 in their first innings, St. Michael's reply was a very poor 27. They were asked to follow on posting a respectable 50 but ultimately left their Cardiff opponents to find only four runs to win.

TITANS LOSE OUT IN CLOSE FINAL

Aug 6 - Newport Titans went down 24-18 to the Bridgend Blue Bulls at the Brewery Field in the final of the Wales Rugby League Conference. Despite taking the lead the Titans could not restrain the Bulls who ran in to a 24-6 lead. However, in an enthralling final quarter Newport pegged the score back to 24-18 and had opportunities to level matters but did not have the composure to finish matters off. Tyrone Mahoney (2) and Lloyd White were Newport's try scorers. Lloyd White was named man of the match.

NEWPORT HAMMER SULLY

Aug 6 - Newport Cricket Club followed up last week's victory over St. Fagans by hammering league leaders Sully at Spytty Park. Sully were bowled out for 41 on a damp wicket (after 34 overs). It took Newport 12 overs to knock off the required runs.

Jul 28 - Newport Titans face Bridgend Blue Bulls at the Brewery Field next Saturday in the Welsh Grand Final following an emphatic win over the Neath Port Talbot Steelers. Newport were in stunning form to beat the West Walians 54-10 at the Pill Harriers Ground this afternoon.

COUNCIL BACK RODNEY PARADE AS DAVEY SQUIRMS

Jul 24 - Newport City Council leader Bob Bright has thrown his weight behind proposals to redevelop Rodney Parade. He told the Argus "We have already held very productive talks with interested parties and hope to be able to announce more detailed plans in August. What I can reveal at this early stage is that the plans under discussion are exciting, realistic and deliverable. Many new sports stadiums are being developed on the outskirts of their home towns and cities, but I believe a centrally located stadium which is easily accessible on public transport is what rugby fans want - it is certainly what the city council wants."

Journalist Robin Davey, who broke the sensational story regarding the consortium has been left to eat humble pie. His story has proved to be ill-founded. The 'investors' refused to identify themselves or provide information about their plans. 

TITANS THROUGH TO SEMI-FINAL

Jul 22 - Newport Titans are through to the semi final of the Welsh Rugby League Conference following yesterday's 14-6 defeat of Cardiff Demons at the Pill Harriers Ground. Lewis Culverwell opened the scoring for Newport in the 19th minute before a converted Bradshaw try gave Cardiff the interval lead. A try from Lewis Bessant (after 59 mins) gave Newport the lead before Chris Vitilani secured the tie for the home team with a try at the end converted by Lloyd White. They face a home tie in the semi final next Saturday against Neath Port Talbot Steelers.

HAZELL CLAIMS LEWIS BID HAS PETERED OUT

Jul 17 - Newport Gwent Dragons Chairman Martyn Hazell claimed today in a BBC interview that the consortium led by Steve Lewis has failed to respond to criteria set out by the current Board of Directors and the bid appears now to have 'petered out'. A new group of investors has emerged according to Hazell. They plan to stay at Rodney Parade and to redevelop the venerable city centre stadium. He forecast that the new investors' plans would emerge by the middle of September. Hazell's statement is a clear rebuff for coach Paul Turner who has enthusiastically backed the Lewis consortium, despite the lack of details about finance or backers.

TITANS WIN TO SEAL PLAYOFF PLACE

Jul 14 - Newport Titans beat West Wales Sharks 46-0 this afternoon to seal a play off off quarter final against Cardiff Demons at home next Saturday. The winners will then be away to the winners of the quarter final between Torfaen Tigers and the Steelers.

PARKS SIGNS FOR DRAGONS

Jul 10 - Newport Gwent Dragons have confirmed the signing of former Newport wing forward Richard Parks. Parks has struggled to make the grade with current club Perpignan. The Dragons have also signed South African born prop forward Alistair Lyon from Racing Club Chalonnais of the French Second Division.

NEWPORT CC WIN

Jul 8 - Newport Cricket Club won narrowly at Croesyceliog in their latest Thomas Carroll South Wales Cricket League fixture. They took the match by two wickets having restricted the home team to 142-7. Nathan Millichip scored 40 for Newport.

NEWPORT LOSE TITANIC TUSSLE

Jul 8 - Newport Titans slipped to fourth in the Wales Rugby League Conference after a 28-26 defeat against Bridgend Blue Bulls. The Titans were 18-0 down at half time but stormed in to a 26-18 lead before Bridgend scored two late tries and a conversion to seal it.

NEWPORT LOSE OUT IN BID FOR GOLF TITLE

Jun 27 - Golf - Newport lost to Vale of Glamorgan in the Welsh Women's team title at Carmarthen in an enthralling final last weekend. The Vale side took charge in the closing stages and they triumphed 4-1. Ceri Waite was the only Newport victor.

TOUGH ANGLO-WELSH DRAW

Jun 27 - Newport Gwent Dragons face a tough Anglo Welsh Cup draw facing Gloucester, Wasps and Newcastle in the EDF sponsored event.

DRAGONS CONSORTIUM RUNNING OUT OF PUFF

Jun 24 - The 'Consortium' alleged to be making a bid for Newport Gwent Dragons is clearly running out of puff. The NGD Board has advised Friends of Newport Rugby that they have not received any recent contact from the 'group' of 'Gwent businessmen'. Now 'Wales on Sunday' reports that the 'deal' is nearing collapse as the businessmen (who have made no recent contact with Newport) are allegedly

denied vital information. The article states that the group wants to build a new state-of-the-art 20,000 stadium on the LG site in Newport as part of a sports and entertainment complex and it also wants to invest £2.5m to strengthen the Dragons threadbare squad and improve the facilities for the 'Men of Gwent'. News of the stadium plan may come as a surprise to the City Council who have confirmed that the 'consortium' have made no approach to the Council or to Newport Unlimited who have indicated that the businessmen should reveal themselves and that their preferred option is to redvelop Rodney Parade. The new 'state of the art' 20,000 capacity sounds remarkably similar to the Liberty Stadium rather than the mooted second largest sporting stadium in Wales. The shadow of Jerry Sherman hangs over this development. He promised but failed to deliver a super stadium for Newport County.

Thisisnotgwent columnist Lord Islwyn commented "The 'Consortium' has clouded the main issue, the problem for the Dragons remains that they have not captured the imagination of the City's rugby public. Idiots like Robin Davey are not helping by pursuing their own selfish agenda. The team needs to plan for a future playing out of Rodney Parade and to re-brand thereby reconnecting with its main audience, Newport rugby supporters."

TITANS LOSE

Jun 23 - Newport Titans went down 32-28 this afternoon at home to Valley Cougars.

HEINEKEN CUP DRAW

Jun 20 - Newport Gwent Dragons will face London Irish, Perpignan and Benetton Treviso in Group 1 of next season's Heineken Cup. Perpignan, finalists in 2003, will be considered favourites for the group. They include former Newport player and South African superstar Percy Montgomery in their team. London Irish boast a strong squad including England veteran Mike Catt and rising star Shane Geraghty. The tournament kicks off on November 9th.

TITANS LOSE UNBEATEN RECORD

June 9 - Newport Titans lost their unbeaten record in the Welsh Rugby League Premier Conference going down 36-30 at Cardiff Demons. After four matches the Titans still head the league with Valley Cougars next up - at the Pill Harriers ground on Saturday June 23rd.

STERNE WINS WALES OPEN

June 3 - South African Richard Sterne's birdie on the final hole at the Celtic Manor earned him a one-stroke in the Wales Open. Home favourite Bradley Dredge disappointingly bogeyed the 18th to lose the chance of becoming the first Welshman to win his national title. Dredge had set up the victory chance after a dismal start with three successive birdies from the 15th, but missed a six-foot putt for par on the last to return a 67 and finish 12-under. He tied for second place with Singapore's Mardan Mamat who came surging through the field with 62, the best round of the week, and two Danes, Soren Kjeldsen (65) and Mads Vibe-Hastrup (66).

TITANS STAY UNBEATEN

June 3 - Newport Titans rugby league team maintained their unbeaten record on Saturday with a comfortable 41-10 win over Torfaen Tigers at the Pill Harriers rugby ground. The Titans' tries were scored by Lloyd White, Matt Penny (2), John Bowd, Lewis Fox, Mark Wheeler and Kirk Johnson.

NEWPORT CC WIN

June 3 - Newport won away at Chepstow in the South Wales Cricket League. Chepstow won the toss and asked Newport to bat first -and bowled Newport out for 150. Kyle Tudge made 40 and skipper Nathan Millichip 33. But Chepstow failed to offer significanr resistance as Newport bowled them out for 82 with Ryan Ainsworth taking 4-14 off 10 overs with five maidens, Tom Leeman took 3-11 and Tudge 2-17.

DREDGE TIES FOR LEAD OF WALES OPEN

June 2 - Bradley Dredge has moved into contention to become the first Welshman to win the Celtic Manor Wales Open in Newport after taking a share of the lead on Saturday. A four-under 65 par took him to 10-under 197 for a share of top place with the young German rookie Martin Kaymer. Kaymer denied himself the outright lead by bogeying the last two holes but the 22-year-old continued his good 2007 form with a similar 65.

THIRD ROUND LEADERBOARD
GB & Ire unless stated
-10 B Dredge, M Kaymer (Ger)
-9 M Vibe-Hastrup (Den), R Sterne (Rsa)
-8 P Broadhurst, D Frost (Rsa), S Kjeldsen (Den), G Murphy