Neath V Bridgend
Wednesday 24th March 2004

MATCH REPORT

NEATH 46 BRIDGEND 19 (by Phil Space)
With both sides making a number of changes from their Cup teams, this was no dress rehearsal for the forthcoming Welsh Cup semi-final but Neath, operating below full efficiency, set down an invaluable marker with this big win in a 10-try thriller that would have satisfied the neutral observer.

The Blacks soon showed their power as wing Kevin James blasted across for two tries, both converted by outside-half Chris Anderson who then kicked a penalty.

An absolutely magical try by centre Wayne Mitchell after the Blacks had moved the ball wide from deep in their own half was converted by Anderson to give them a 24-nil lead.

But All Black silliness allowed Bridgend to pinch two tries before halftime by hooker Andrew Joy and centre Richard Dyke, outside-half Paul Smithson converting them to make it 24-14 at halftime.

Bridgend continued to show enterprise after the break but full back Paul Bamsey increased Neath's lead with a kick and chase try. The away side's indiscretions cost them dear as they lost two players to yellow cards and both Neath props Paul Jones and Andrew Howell crossed for tries, Anderson converting the first.

Visiting No.8 Nathan Strong went over from a close -range lineout but Neath had the last word when centre Mike Jones who revealed some neat touches crossed for their seventh try.

Then it was seventh heaven for the Blacks when news came through that Bedwas had toppled Newport to throw open the championship race.

Neath v Bridgend :- P.Bamsey; K.James, Mike Jones, W.Mitchell, R.Johnston; C.Anderson, R.Morgan; P.Jones (captain), A.Littlehales, A.Howell; Mark Jones, L.Bateman; A.Llewellyn, H.Jenkins, S.Peters Replacements : J.Leyshon, P.Horgan, D.Poland, A.W.Davies, T.Davies, B.Sinkinson, S..Phillips