Carmarthen Quins 3 Neath 31
Saturday 13th September 2003

MATCH REPORT

Get down to The Gnoll on Wednesday !!
Three more points in the bag and Neath are up there at the top of the Welsh Premier League along with fellow unbeaten sides Aberavon, Cross Keys , Newport and Swansea.

After winning at Llandovery, Neath ground out another prized victory over a second promoted side Carmarthen Quins who were expected to be among the favourites to win this year’s Welsh Premiership. Neath led 10-nil at halftime thanks to a try by winger Gareth John after a well-timed intrusion Richard Johnston. Outside-half Matthew Jones converted it and kicked a penalty.

Carmarthen had plenty of the game but in the second-half Neath went further ahead when Johnston sent centre John Leyshon scorching away for their second try which Jones converted.

A penalty by replacement outside-half Giles Thomas opened Carmarthen’s account but the fit Neath side finished stronger and claimed two further tries by full back Paul Bamsey and by lock Ben Davies, replacement outside-half Chris Anderson converting both.

The abiding memory of this game will be the superb defensive commitment of the Neath team who tackled like demons and refused to fold often in the face of severe pressure.

The considerable Neath contingent were impressed by the sheer spirit of the side which took its lead from scrum-half Patrick Horgan who had another very effective game. All the youngsters acquitted themselves well again and Carmarthen could find no way through.

The backs looked sharper in attack and now is the time for Neath fans to get behind this new young team with Wednesday’s first home game against Llanelli (kick off 7.15 pm).

Few would have expected Neath to win both opening games so conclusively – those who doubted the standard of rugby at this level should get down to The Gnoll on Wednesday !!

Carmarthen Scores: Penalty: Giles Thomas
Neath Scores:Tries (4): Gareth John, John Leyshon, Paul Bamsey, Ben Davies
Conversions: Matthew Jones (2), Chris Anderson (2)
Penalty: Matthew Jones