Neath 41 Arix Viadana 14
Saturday, 29th September 2001, 2.30pm kick-Off

MATCH REPORT
© Alan Williams, Neath RFC

The first half belonged to the boot of Lee Jarvis, who was on target with six out of seven attempted penalties. Jarvis first attempt on goal came after the Viadana were penalised two metres inside the Neath half, wide out near the touchline. This was a monstrous effort and gave his side the early lead. Two minutes later the outside half was again on target with his second penalty.

Points machine Jarvis kicked a further twelve points from penalties. Just before half time Italian flanker Aaron Perisco was yellow carded for killing the ball. Two minutes later Neath’s Fijian back row forward Alfie Mocelutu took advantage of the extra man and crossed for a try under the posts, Jarvis converted.

Viadana opened the scoring in the second half, Australian hooker Nicola Superina crossed for a try out wide following excellent inter passing from the Italians. Lee Jarvis was on target with a penalty two minutes later. The Italians scored their second try by English lock Richard Denhardt with twenty minutes remaining. Jarvis responded with his eight successful penalty in Neath’s next attack.

A line out deep in Viadana’s twenty two was taken cleanly by John "Slugger" Slade, the big South African was driven over the Italian try line by his fellow forwards to score his first try in the All Black of Neath. With just a couple of minutes remaining Neath replacement Steve Tandy was on hand to score his sides third try following excellent work by Lee Jarvis. In the Dying moments Neath Hooker Steve Jones was sent to the sin bin.

Patron’s Association Man of the Match

Lee Jarvis (Neath)

Lee Lidgard (Arix Viadana)