Carmarthen Quins V Neath
Saturday 29th January 2005, 2.30pm KO

MATCH REPORT (by Phil Space)

(Photographs by Julian Brock)

CARMARTHEN QUINS 26 NEATH 13
Neath went down to only their second defeat of the season in a desperately disappointing display at Carmarthen Park where the home side outgunned them to such an extent that the score flattered the visitors.

The Blacks were playing their first League game for over a month and the lay-off looked as if it had taken its toll because, after a bright opening, the Blacks had to give second best to a Carmarthen Quins side that was anxious to atone for their 54-22 drubbing at The Gnoll back in October.

There was little to cheer for Neath fans, their points coming from two penalties by James Hook who converted a late try by skipper Gareth Morris that had "consolation" written all over it. Few Neath players enhanced their reputations and they will want to put this one behind them as soon as possible.

Carmarthen's points came from tries by Emyr Jones, Ben Grace and Richard Davies, outside-half Craig Evans kicking the rest.

Neath v Carmarthen Quins - Gareth Morris; Aled Brew, Aled Bevan, Wayne Mitchell (Andrew Bishop), Richard Johnston (Neil Clapham); James Hook, Mark Davies; Paul Jones, Ed Shervington (Andy Littlehales), Andrew Howell (Alun Wyn Davies); Steve Martin, Chris Gittins (Ben Davies); Andy Llewellyn (John McPhail), Hywel Jenkins, Lee Beach Replacements - Pat Horgan