Eleven heaven for Newport's Dan

Jan 6 2008 Wales On Sunday

Newport 16 Bridgend 12

DANIEL Griffiths passed 1,100 points for Newport as the Black And Ambers gained their fifth league double over the Ravens in nine seasons.

The 28-year-old No 10, in his fifth year at Rodney Parade kicked three penalties and converted a 44th-minute penalty try.

Match referee Nigel Whitehouse issued five yellow cards – three of them to Ravens.

In the sin bin went Bridgend hooker Ieuan Dobbs, prop Rhodri Jones and No 8 Gareth Williams.

Newport yellow cards went to hooker Andrew Brown and prop Ian Evans.

The hookers went off together in the 48 minute after several players were involved in three separate fights near Newport’s 22.

Newport coach Ian Hembrow said: “It was an improved performance,”

Bridgend counterpart Chris Stephens added: “We took our two tries well, but Newport deserved to win.”

Lock Stephens was unable to play because of an infection in his left elbow. “I’m going straight to casualty for attention,” he said last night.

Newport: Try – pen try; con – D Griffiths; pens – Griffiths (3)

Bridgend: Tries – D Connolly, I Cunningham; con – G David