Neath V Ebbw Vale
Monday, 27th October 2003
MATCH REPORT
Bridgend 27 Neath 28 (by Phil Space)
Cheered on by a host of vocal supporters, Neath earned their 8th win out of 10 to consolidate second place in the Welsh Premiership at Bridgend on Wednesday evening.
As the scoreline suggests it was a close-run thing but Neath just about deserved their victory for the superior work of their forwards who, in the second-half especially, rolled back the Bridgend eight with a series of driving mauls that sapped the life out of the home side.
It was a wonderful advertisement for the new League. Both sides introduced regional experience with Bridgend unveiling British Lion Dafydd James and Mama Molitika and Neath introducing Elvis Seveali.
The game got off to an amazing start with two tries in the opening two minutes. Bridgend stole away to open with a try by ex-Tondu scrum-half Brendan Roach, full back Gareth Cull converting but Neath hit back instantaneously when lock Ben Davies latched on to the restart and scored wide out, outside-half Matthew Jones adding the conversion points.
Bridgend regained the lead when flanker Dean Fitzgerald crossed, the prolific Cull again converting, but Neath were soon back on level terms when the Bridgend pack disintegrated at a scrum and referee James Jones (Swansea) awarded a penalty try that Jones converted.
The Neath forwards maintained the momentum and No.8 Hywel Jenkins crossed, Jones again converting before Cull brought Bridgend back within a point with two penalties.
Following a strong forward drive, the Blacks went further ahead as the backline freed winger Richard Johnston for try number 4 that Jones converted but Bridgend came again with Roach's second try, Cull converting to make it 28-27 with 20 minutes to go.
Neath lost centre Wayne Mitchell to the sin-bin (Bridgend's Adrian Phillips and Neath's John McPhail had spent earlier spells in the naughty corner) but the Black pack re-doubled their efforts to deny Bridgend possession and any chance of victory.
The Blacks travel to Caerphilly on Saturday (kick off - 2.30 pm) for another tough away game. Transport is arranged for supporters who should book their places on 01639.769660.
Neath :- P.Bamsey; E.Seveali, J.Leyshon, W.Mitchell, R.Johnston; Matthew Jones, O.Gustafson; A.Howell, A.Littlehales, A.Edwards; T.Davies, B.Davies; R.Phillips (captain), H.Jenkins, J.McPhail
Replacements :- Mike Jones, C.Anderson, R.Morgan, P.Jones, D.Poland, G.Evans, A.Llewellyn
Neath Rugby Official Website - © 2006
| |
