Neath V Bedwas
12th May 2006

MATCH REPORT (by Al Black)

NEATH 29 BEDWAS 33
Neath saved their worst for last in slipping to an ignominious defeat at home to Bedwas in the final game of the 2005/06 season. In doing so, the champions lost their two-year ground record and ended a 27-match winning run in the Premiership to an end.
The first half was an untidy affair with a distinct end-of-season feel about it as the Blacks threw the ball about in untypical cavalier style (if that is the word). Even so, Neath’s carefree approach saw them seemingly in control at halftime as they led 29-16 through tries by wing Stephen Thomas (2), flanker James Davies and replacement prop Andrew Howell. Arwel Thomas converted three and kicked a penalty.
But it was as if somebody had then pressed an interval switch and told Neath that they had done enough and the season was over for the Blacks completely failed to make an impression in the second-half. Instead, Bedwas came out firing and added tries after the restart from replacement full-back Huw Locke, centre Phil Dolman and No 8 Neil Lewis to wing Daniel Jones’ first-half interception of an ambitious Steve Martin pass.
With Dolman banging over 18 points, Bedwas were suddenly in front and their defensive effort grew accordingly so much so that Neath failed to score during the second period. The Blacks had chances – Dan McShane seemed to have touched down from a close-in scrum, Stephen Thomas (moved to centre following an injury to Aled Bevan) ignored an unmarked man outside him and was swallowed up, Arwel Thomas kicked twice to no effect in the 22 and finally the outside-half was denied a charge-down try by referee Mr. Phil Connett who showed remarkable tolerance.
With his two first-half tries, Stephen Thomas set a new club record for League tries advancing to 22 (30 in all) but that was ill recompense for an out of character performance by a Neath side that has achieved so much this year.

NEATH – N.Clapham; S.Thomas, A.Bevan (R.Johnston), W.Mitchell, G.Morris; A.Thomas, M.Roberts (P.Horgan); P.Jones (A.Howell), A.Littlehales (G.Price), C.Mitchell; S.Martin (captain), B.Davies; A.Llewellyn, (M.Morgan), H.Jenkins (D.McShane), J.Davies (J.McPhail)

BEDWAS – L.Mullane (H.Lock); D.Jones, P.Dolman, A.Harrison (captain), N.Hill (R.Edwards); J.Welch, H.Trelawney (S.Jones); N.Downes (J.Tilley), D.Odelston (J.Chaperon), J.Salter; S.Pape (R.Edwrads), K.Larrard; M.Vaughan, N.Lewis, P.Wheeler (C.Hill)

Referee : Mr. P.Connett (Hafod-yr-Ynys)