Neath V Carmarthen Quins
Thursday 17th November 2005, 7.15pm KO.
MATCH REPORT (Al Black)
NEATH 67 CARMARTHEN QUINS 10
Match Photographs Here
Neath surged ahead at the top of the Welsh Premiership with this resounding victory over struggling Carmarthen Quins.
Having won gloriously at St.Helen’s and Stradey Park, the Welsh All Blacks were determined to put on a show for their fans who braved a chill evening – and what a spectacle it was as the Blacks powered past last season’s all-time record score against the Quins running in nine tries (17 in a week) in the process.
Neath were into their stride from the outset. Skipper Tom Smith took up the charge and centre Wayne Mitchell, making his first start since September 10th, sliced over under the posts for the opening try that James Hook converted. A Hook-Leighton McKenna exchange of penalties made it 10-3 but the Blacks were in irresistible form and they carved open the Quins defence for a second score by Aled Bevan.
Hook converted, added a penalty and then crossed for a fine try that he converted himself from the touchline as the Blacks urged away and more excellent handling saw the Quins defence stretched in several switches of direction before impressive prop Craig Mitchell collected his second try in successive games.
Another touchline conversion by Hook extended Neath’s lead to 34-3 at the interval and the champions were looking just that with special mention reserved for the tight five especially lineout aces Ben Davies and Martin Morgan.
Neath lost Tom Smith with a rib injury on the resumption but they were soon powering away when hooker Gerwyn Price crossed for their fifth try and Hook converted. Their sixth was even better, quick accurate handling setting up centre Bevan for his second of the evening and Hook, inevitably, converted.
At 48-3 down, Quins suddenly enjoyed their best spell of the game as they retained possession, won five consecutive penalties and were rewarded by a rumbling try by outside-half McKenna who goaled excellently from wide out.
Neath prevailed though and hungry wing Steve Thomas (Welsh rugby’s top try scorer) gathered a loose ball, evaded the Quins first-line defence and scooted away to the posts for Neath’s seventh try of the evening that raised the half-century before Hook converted.
Replacements Paul Jones and John McPhail then took a hand in doing the groundwork for another fine try by replacement No.8 James Davies who then supplied the “coup de grace” with his second try – Neath’s ninth - when the All Black pack shunted Quins over for a satisfying pushover try that Hook converted to complete a 27-point match haul and a thoroughly miserable evening for Quins.
It was another comprehensive victory for the on-song All Blacks. Aberavon’s defeat leaves Neath out in front – but they must beware Maesteg whose lowly placing belies their true capabilities –ask Llanelli !
Neath – S.Taumalolo; S.Thomas, A.Bevan (J.Spratt), W.Mitchell, R.Johnston; J.Hook, P.Horgan (M.Roberts); C.Griffiths, G.Price (A.Littlehales), C.Mitchell (P.Jones); B.Davies, M.Morgan; A.Llewellyn, T.Smith (captain) (J.Davies), S.Pengelly (J.McPhail) Other Replacement – A.Thomas
Carmarthen Quins – G.King; A.Jones, E.Jones, D.Simpson, M.Davies (R.Davies); L.McKenna, R.Richards (L.Marsh); B.Grace (captain), D.Smith (J.Jones), Ricky Davies (R.Davies); P.Arnold, G.Rees; R.Hopkin, A.Mason (G.Williams), S.Phillips
Referee – Mr. Howard Hopkins (Blackwood)
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