Neath 25 Bedwas 25
Saturday 8th November 2003, 2.30pm KO.

MATCH REPORT

Neath 25 Bedwas 25 (by Phil Space)

Too many mistakes and too little drive - that was the verdict on Neath's disappointing home draw against Bedwas.

Battling Bedwas came to The Gnoll with problems at centre and lock but went home delighted with a point after Neath, on the back of six straight League wins (three of them on the road) turned in probably their worst showing of the season.

The Blacks failed to dominate any phase of the game and paid the penalty. Home tries by wings Gareth John and Richard Johnston and flanker John McPhail and 10 points from the boot of fly-half Matthew Jones brought little cheer from the 1,491 crowd in a below-par performance.

Bedwas though were elated with their show and they also got three tries through regular scorers No.8 Dewi Mattravers (2) and wing Stefan Sankala. Former Blacks outside-half Paul Williams converted two and kicked a penalty and full back Nathan Gittins landed a huge penalty.

League leaders Newport come to The Gnoll on Saturday (kick off 2.30 pm) and Neath will need to step up several gears if they are to make an impression in the "Match of the Day" between top and second.

Neath :- P.Bamsey; G.John, E.Seveali'i, J.Leyshon, R.Johnston; Matthew Jones, P.Horgan (captain); A.Howell, D.Poland, A.Edwards; T.Davies, B.Davies; B.Sinkinson, H.Jenkins, J.McPhail

Replacements :- Mike Jones, C.Anderson, O.Gustafson, A.Littlehales, I.Ohlssen, Mark Jones, A.Llewellyn

Man of the Match presentation for the Bedwas match on Saturday November 8th,
with Brett Sinkinson receiving his award in the Platinum Lounge from
Neath RFC Chief Executive, Geraint Hawkes