Neath V Carmarthen Quins
Saturday 2nd October 2004, 2.30pm KO.

MATCH REPORT (by Phil Space)

NEATH 54 CARMARTHEN QUINS 22
The Welsh All Blacks showed that they mean business with a devastating first-half display that left second-placed Carmarthen Quins positively reeling at The Gnoll on Saturday.

Neath ran in eight tries in all and, with leaders Newport surrendering their unbeaten record at Stradey Park, the All Blacks are now the proud owners of the only 100 per cent record in the Premier division.

Despite making 8 changes from the side that conquered Llandovery in midweek, it took the All Blacks just four minutes to open their account when wing Richard Johnston took advantage of a lucky rebound to score at the posts. Outside-half James Hook converted and then embarked on a virtuoso performance that brought him 24 points - two splendid tries, 4 conversions and two penalties.

Winger Aled Brew was full of running too and bagged a try in each half, forwards Hywel Jenkins and Lee Beach crossed in the first half and full back Gareth Morris made a welcome return and got a second-half score.

It was 42-nil at halftime but the second-half was more evenly fought amidst a flurry of replacements. Carmarthen hit back with a penalty by outside-half Craig Evans and tries by Wayne Evans, Euros Llewellyn Evans and Andrew Thomas, Aled Thomas kicking two conversions.

Neath - Gareth Morris; Aled Brew, Andrew Bishop (Aled Bevan), Wayne Mitchell, Richard Johnston; James Hook, Mark Davies (Martin Roberts); Paul Jones (Andrew Howell), Darren Poland (Andy Littlehales); Steve Martin (Ian Evans), Chris Gittins; Andy Llewellyn, Hywel Jenkins (John McPhail), Lee Beach (Tom Smith) Neath now move on to two testing away games at Pontypridd (Saturday) and Newbridge (Tuesday) with chairman Geraint Hawkes saying "We need as much support as possible on the road."